Ryan Briggs - Managing Director, Shout Loud Social, who reflects on a very busy 2025.
What were your key achievements this year?
This year has felt like a real step forward. A standout moment was working with Durham Cathedral on the branding for their Magna Carta exhibition. We’ve just found out the campaign is a finalist for Best Not-For-Profit Campaign at the North East Marketing Awards, which still feels surreal. Seeing the work displayed across the Cathedral and then spotting it on trains and buses across the region was a proper “stop and stare” moment for the team.
We also had the chance to film with Northumbrian Water Group, capturing some beautiful footage of the region. We also launched our digital marketing training programme, which has now supported over 50 businesses since July. Watching business owners realise they can take control of their own marketing has been brilliant. Lastly, a big shoutout to our amazing SME clients who bring the energy, ideas, and trust into every project. You know who you are.
Has everything gone according to plan?
I don’t think anything in business ever goes exactly according to plan. There were definitely curve balls this year, but there were also a lot of lessons that I probably needed. I’ve learned more about balance, people, leadership, and even myself than in the past five years combined. There were surprises, challenges, and a few “we didn’t schedule this on the vision board” moments, but it has still been one of the best years yet.
What are you most proud of this year?
Walking through Durham Cathedral and seeing the Magna Carta branding in place, knowing the team had created something that sat alongside such powerful history, was huge. Seeing it out in the world in so many places made us incredibly proud. Our branding next to one of the most significant documents in history? Absolutely magna-ificent. (I’ll see myself out.)
Did your customer base grow as expected?
It did, and more than expected. Last December two members of my team mentioned they’d met someone senior at a major organisation who was interested in working with us. I was convinced they were just being polite. Then January came around, we met, and one pitch later, we were in. We’ve now delivered multiple projects with them. So yes, growth happened, and in directions I thought were still a few years away.
Tell us about your team.
I can’t talk about the team without mentioning our Head of Creative, Adrienne. Every year, she somehow finds another gear. She has led our training programme, and when we present together, she makes it look effortless. This summer, she stepped in front of the camera for a presenter-style shoot, something completely outside her usual day-to-day, and nailed it. If the BBC, come calling, I’ll be padlocking the studio door. Strictly will just have to wait.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received this year?
A client told us not to be afraid of sharing work before it’s “finished.” We always want things to look polished before presenting them, but sometimes showing the process allows us to shape the direction earlier. If everyone understands it’s a work in progress, it makes things smoother and more collaborative. It stuck with me.
What has been the most enjoyable business event you’ve been to this year?
Northumbrian Water’s Innovation Festival was a standout. The sun was shining, the atmosphere was electric, and the team were completely in their element. We all drove home wishing we could do that every workday, haha.
What have you learnt about yourself this year?
That having the right people around you matters more than anything. Life and work are both easier and more joyful when you’re surrounded by those you trust and who trust you back.
Describe 2025 in three words.
Work Becomes Play.
What are your top three priorities for 2026?
Excellence. Team growth. Enjoyment. If we’re not enjoying what we’re building, we’re doing it wrong.
Any New Year Resolutions?
Keep the early-morning gym routine going. Yes, the 5am starts are still tough. But I’ve lost over three stone this year, I can now run without sounding like a steam engine, and I even ended up sprinting after a loose horse at 1am in the middle of the road with a police officer in the summer. That story ends exactly as you’d expect: the horse slowed down, I didn’t, and I’m still trying to rein in the fact I talk about it far too much.
shoutloudsocial.co.uk