Harborough business's reaction in the face of tragedy earns them a place on the shortlist for an award

The Ideal Marketing Company is hoping to be honoured in the prestigious Harborough District Business Awards on March 6.

The agency and its co-founder Helen Campbell have made the final shortlist in the Outstanding Personal Achievement category.

The awards recognise businesses for their outstanding achievements across areas ranging from green issues to community involvement.

The Ideal Marketing Company’s nomination focuses on their brilliant response when owner and founder Alastair Campbell had a cardiac arrest while at work in 2017.

President of Market Harborough’s Chamber of Commerce, Alastair’s devastating illness had a huge impact on the town’s business community as well as on the firm.

Shocked staff immediately rallied round Alastair’s wife Helen.

She courageously stepped in to run the company after a period with an interim managing director.

The resolute team, bravely led by Helen, showed real Dunkirk spirit to pull together and even managed to grow in the face of the terrible tragedy.

Based on Harborough’s High Street, the company didn’t close for a single day despite the shattering blow.

Helen managed to combine running the company with family commitments as she visited stricken Alastair almost daily.

Alastair sadly died in 2019.

Ownership of the company passed to current MD Jess Shailes, who had been head of digital marketing at Ideal since 2013.

Jess decided to nominate Helen and the team for the award because when she saw the category it felt like it had been written for them and particularly Helen.

Jess said: “Anyone who knows Helen knows her strength and positive attitude.

“I have witnessed first hand an incredible personal achievement in the face of adversity which deserves to be recognised.”

She added: “While the team’s commitment is commendable it’s no surprise to me that Helen inspires that kind of commitment and support.

“She leads by example.”

Helen said she’s delighted to be shortlisted for the event alongside the Ideal Marketing team.

And she saluted everyone who’s got behind her since Alastair was cruelly struck down.

Helen said: “So many people have helped along the way.

“Our interim MD was great during a very tough time and our clients were understanding and loyal.”

She added: “We didn’t lose a single customer due to Alastair’s illness.

“That is due largely to the fantastic team at Ideal who were so supportive at a very difficult time.”