A MAJOR figure in the Ards business world has secured an award for her specialist experience in the field of marketing.
Ashleigh Watson, founder of Copper Square, a marketing and communications firm, has been awarded the Business All-Star Thought Leader in Digital Marketing 2026 Accreditation by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF).
The awards hails her leadership, expertise and contribution to the digital marketing profession across the island of Ireland.
With more than two decades in marketing, communications and business strategy behind her, Ashleigh helps businesses, charities and public sector companies develop marketing strategies to help them grow, from her base in the Ards peninsula,
Speaking about the accreditation, Ashleigh said she was ‘incredibly honoured’.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about helping businesses tell their stories, build stronger brands and embrace digital marketing with confidence. This recognition reflects not only my own journey but also the incredible clients, colleagues and business communities I’ve had the privilege to work alongside over the past twenty years.”
Ashleigh is vice chair of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Ireland Committee, secretary of Newtownards Chamber of Trade and secretary of Portaferry Regeneration Ltd, and supports local enterprise and entrepreneurs through mentoring, workshops and marketing.
“Northern Ireland has an incredibly vibrant business community filled with ambitious entrepreneurs, innovative organisations and people who are prepared to embrace change,” she added.
“I’m proud to play a small part in helping businesses grow, and I hope this recognition encourages even more organisations to invest in strategic marketing, professional development and the opportunities that digital technologies present.”
