Aspire Media N.I. CIC Recognised with Rising Phoenix Award for Creative Media Storytelling

Aspire Media N.I. CIC has been named a recipient of the prestigious Rising Phoenix Award for Creative Media Storytelling, recognising the organisation’s commitment to using media, education and digital innovation to create meaningful social impact across Northern Ireland.

Founded in 2022 by Robert Campbell and Andy Cooper, Aspire Media N.I. CIC was established with a clear vision: to empower businesses, organisations and communities through creativity, education and professional media services. What began through community media initiatives has evolved into a thriving social enterprise built on the belief that local people and organisations deserve greater ownership of their stories and access to high-quality media support.

The co-founders identified a common challenge facing charities, community groups, social enterprises and small businesses. While many were delivering exceptional work within their communities, they often lacked the resources, expertise or platforms needed to effectively communicate their message. Aspire Media N.I. CIC was created to bridge that gap while ensuring commercial success could directly support community benefit.

Operating under the banner “One Vision. Creating Positive Media for All,” the organisation delivers its work through four interconnected platforms. Aspire Media Studios provides professional photography, videography and media production services. Inspire Social Co. delivers digital marketing, social media management and consultancy. Aspire Media Academy operates as an OCN NI Accredited Training Centre offering practical creative and digital qualifications. Together, these services help sustain Aspire Media TV, a dedicated community television platform focused entirely on positive storytelling and community engagement, free from advertising.

Reflecting on what drives the organisation forward, Robert Campbell said:

“What motivates me is knowing that the work we do has the potential to create opportunities and make a lasting difference in people’s lives. As a social enterprise, Aspire Media N.I. CIC was founded on the belief that media should do more than simply promote a business or tell a story. It should educate, empower, inspire and strengthen communities.”

Like many social enterprises, Aspire Media faced significant challenges in balancing commercial sustainability with its social mission. Building a respected presence within the highly competitive media and marketing sector required resilience, adaptability and a willingness to continually learn. As co-founders, Campbell and Cooper often found themselves managing operations, creative delivery, training programmes, client relationships and long-term strategic development simultaneously.

Rather than allowing those challenges to hinder progress, they remained focused on their purpose, invested in their own development and built strong partnerships with businesses, community organisations and supporters who shared their values. Each obstacle became an opportunity to strengthen the foundations of the organisation.

Andy Cooper, Co-Founder & Creative Director, added:

“Over the years I’ve worked in a number of jobs and no matter how trivial or menial the job was I always strived to do my best at whatever the job is. My thought there is that someone is going to see that and it’s my duty to make sure that what they see is what they hope to see. As I’ve got older it’s important to keep to the same motto. What people see in you can inspire someone else to do the same.”

Several moments have proved particularly significant throughout Aspire Media’s journey. The decision to establish the organisation as a Community Interest Company transformed a passion-driven community media project into a structured social enterprise with a long-term vision for impact. Further recognition came when Aspire Media N.I. CIC received nominations at the Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards and co-founder Robert Campbell was named Highly Commended Young Person for the Year in 2023.

Equally important was the moment the founders realised their work extended far beyond content creation. Whether supporting a charity to raise awareness, helping a business grow through digital marketing, providing accredited training opportunities or showcasing positive community stories, they saw first-hand how media could change lives. These experiences reinforced their belief that media should not simply inform and entertain, but also educate, empower and inspire.

Receiving the Rising Phoenix Award marks an important milestone for the organisation. For Campbell and Cooper, the recognition represents more than business success. It acknowledges the resilience required to navigate uncertainty and overcome setbacks while remaining committed to social impact. They are quick to emphasise that the award belongs not only to the founders but also to the volunteers, learners, clients, partners and supporters who have contributed to Aspire Media’s continued growth.

The people and communities they serve remain their greatest source of inspiration. Through collaborations with volunteers, community leaders, charities, educators, business owners and social enterprises, Aspire Media has witnessed extraordinary resilience and commitment to positive change. The power of storytelling itself continues to inspire their work, demonstrating how shared experiences can raise awareness, create opportunities and bring communities together.

Among the achievements the organisation is most proud of are establishing Aspire Media Academy as an OCN NI Accredited Training Centre, creating opportunities for learners and aspiring creatives, growing Aspire Media Studios into a trusted provider of media services, expanding Inspire Social Co. to support businesses and charities, developing Aspire Media TV as a platform dedicated to positive storytelling, building partnerships across multiple sectors, and receiving industry recognition through awards and nominations.

Importantly, every service delivered contributes to a wider social purpose. As a Community Interest Company, Aspire Media measures success not simply through business growth, but through the opportunities created, the people supported and the positive impact generated throughout communities across Northern Ireland.

Their experiences have shaped a leadership approach rooted in authenticity, collaboration and community impact. Every challenge faced, lesson learned and relationship built has reinforced their commitment to delivering genuine value while creating opportunities for others. The organisation’s mission remains unchanged from the day it was founded: to use media, education and digital innovation to make a meaningful difference.

Looking ahead, Aspire Media N.I. CIC plans to continue expanding all areas of its work. Future goals include growing Aspire Media Academy by creating additional accredited learning opportunities, enhancing the creative services offered through Aspire Media Studios, expanding Inspire Social Co. to support more businesses and charities, and further developing Aspire Media TV as a trusted platform for positive storytelling, local news and community engagement.

The organisation also aims to create even more opportunities for volunteers, learners and aspiring creatives from all backgrounds, ensuring greater access to education, training and industry experience. Their long-term ambition is to become Northern Ireland’s leading community-focused creative social enterprise, demonstrating how media, education and digital innovation can transform lives, strengthen communities and create opportunities for future generations.

Summing up the organisation’s vision, Campbell and Cooper said:

“Aspire Media N.I. CIC was founded on the belief that media should do more than simply communicate; it should educate, empower, inspire and create opportunities. Through Aspire Media Studios, Inspire Social Co., Aspire Media Academy and Aspire Media TV, we are committed to using our skills, creativity and experience to make a positive difference in the lives of others. The Rising Phoenix Award would be recognition not only of our journey, but of the incredible people, organisations and communities who have supported us and continue to inspire us every day.”

Robert Campbell

Co-Founder & Operations Director

Andy Cooper

Co-Founder & Creative Director

Contact Aspire Media N.I. CIC

Telephone: +44 (28) 7010 3116
Email: hello@aspiremedia.studio
Website: aspiremedia.studio