Blueberry Marketing Solutions has picked up the Education Award at the 2026 Raising the Bar Awards, recognising their work helping young people move from education into employment.

The award, from the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, reflects a journey that began more than 20 years ago. As a start-up, Blueberry relied on the advice and support of others. Today, we have the chance to pass some of that support on to the next generation.

From Support to Supporter

Blueberry launched in 2005, with nothing but big ambitions and a virtual office at Leeds Beckett University (LBU). Support from the local Chambers of Commerce, the university business support ecosystem and programmes like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses opened doors and introduced us to a network of people who helped us find our feet. Now, we’re able to pass that support on, creating opportunities for the next generation.

Today, we work with LBU, the University of Leeds and Leeds City College through careers events, workshops, placements and employment opportunities. Our Managing Director, Faresh Maisuria, is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at LBU and a local school governor.

Making the Leap into Work

Between January 2024 and June 2025, a number of students joined Blueberry through part-time roles, placements or apprenticeships as part of our From Classroom to Career approach. Designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, the programme gives students practical experience, skills and confidence through paid work, placements and apprenticeships. It was also shortlisted for Marketing Week’s 2025 Talent Trailblazer Award.

At Blueberry, learning starts on day one. Our Academy and onboarding platform offer practical training and open doors to professional qualifications and further growth. Many team members have grown their careers here, moving up from junior roles to specialist and leadership positions. Others have carried what they learned at Blueberry into new fields – from marketing and law to HR and beyond. Twenty-seven former colleagues have even gone on to launch businesses of their own.

Growing Confidence, Shaping Futures

You can learn a lot from a textbook, but it’s the real-life experience that sticks. Maybe it’s that first slightly awkward call with a client, or the scramble to meet two deadlines at once in a part-time job. These little challenges might not seem like much at the time, but looking back, they’re what build real confidence, character and resilience – the kind you take with you, wherever you go.

“This award means a lot to us because Blueberry was built with this kind of support,” said Faresh. “When we were starting out, universities, business organisations and development programmes gave us access to people, knowledge and opportunities that helped us grow.

“More than 20 years later, we’re in a position to do some of that for others. We’ve seen students build careers here, move into other professions and start businesses of their own. If we can keep growing while creating opportunities for others, then we’re contributing to something bigger than our own business.”

Looking ahead, we’re sharpening our insight and research skills – and thinking about what employee ownership could mean for Blueberry. It’s a natural next step in making sure everyone here shares in our success and the opportunities we create together.

The Raising the Bar Education Award recognises that contribution and the role employers can play in giving people practical experience and a stronger start to their working lives.

© 2026 Angela Kunawicz & Blueberry Marketing Solutions. All rights reserved.