19-year-old named finalist for second year in Hampshire Business Awards
Photo description: Dmitrijs Meiksans, Director of The Local Marketing Company Ltd, at Chapel Arts Studios | [Photo credit: Simon Peter Green]
Dmitrijs, a 19-year-old entrepreneur and director of The Local Marketing Company Ltd, has been announced as a finalist for the Young Business Person of the Year Award at the forthcoming Hampshire Business Awards 2024. Organised by The Business Magazine in partnership with Hampshire County Council, the prestigious event will take place on 21st November at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre.
This recognition marks Dmitrijs' second consecutive year as a finalist since starting his entrepreneurial journey at just 16. Dmitrijs has grown his marketing agency into a thriving venture, providing modern, data-driven marketing solutions that help businesses across Hampshire and beyond to connect with their target audiences and achieve measurable growth.
"I am truly honoured to be considered for the Young Business Person of the Year Award once again," Dmitrijs said. "To be recognised alongside so many talented business leaders in Hampshire is an incredible validation of the hard work and passion that I have put into my business."
Among his most notable achievements is managing digital campaigns for a senior Parliamentarian, both during her re-election campaign and after her successful re-election. This involved overseeing paid advertising on platforms across Facebook and Instagram, coordinating the design and distribution of campaign materials and producing high-quality video content to support ongoing engagement with constituents.
Dmitrijs has also worked with a global healthcare recruitment agency based in London to enhance their social media presence through organic content strategies, as well as with a national participant recruitment company for medical research studies, managing targeted paid advertising campaigns to recruit participants across the UK.
Beyond his achievements in business, Dmitrijs is dedicated to making a difference in his community. He has been actively involved in supporting local initiatives such as the Pride of Andover Awards and the Test Valley Business Awards, providing complimentary marketing services to ensure these events receive the recognition they deserve.
One of his most impactful contributions is the creation of the Test Valley Young Entrepreneurs Contest, a programme designed to support aspiring young entrepreneurs by providing £1,000 in sponsorship and mentorship from established local business leaders. This initiative is particularly meaningful to Dmitrijs, who remembers the challenges he faced as a “first-generation Latvian immigrant with no contacts, no capital, and no status”. The programme has already made a tangible impact, helping a young entrepreneur launch Andover’s first-ever cat café, and fostering a spirit of innovation among local young people.
"As a young leader, I believe in the power of mentorship and giving back to the community that has supported my own journey," Dmitrijs shared. "It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive changes that come from empowering others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams."
Balancing the responsibilities of running a business while completing his A-Levels has been one of Dmitrijs' greatest challenges. The past year required him to manage the complexities of scaling a marketing agency, maintaining academic commitments, and having a personal life, all while delivering high-quality services to his clients. Despite these pressures, Dmitrijs has demonstrated resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
"This year has tested my ability to manage competing demands, but it has also taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, time management, and the importance of adaptability," he said. "I’ve grown not just as a business owner, but as an individual."
Dmitrijs sees his youth as a significant advantage in the fast-paced world of marketing. "Being 19 has allowed me to bring a fresh, contemporary perspective to the industry," he explained. "My approach is often seen as youthful yet professional, which is crucial in a field that thrives on staying ahead of trends and embracing new trends."
This perspective has enabled Dmitrijs to assist the marketing efforts of diverse clients, from local businesses like a popular pub on the outskirts of Andover whose social media presence Dmitrijs manages, with impressive results — to arts organisations, accountants, and more.
"I am excited about the opportunity to keep pushing boundaries in the marketing industry and to inspire other young people to follow their passions," Dmitrijs concluded.
The Hampshire Business Awards, organised by The Business Magazine and Hampshire County Council, celebrates the achievements of local businesses and entrepreneurs, recognising their contributions to the region's economy and community. The awards highlight excellence, innovation, and dedication across various sectors, bringing together the best of Hampshire’s business community.
The awards ceremony on 21st November 2024 promises to be a celebration of innovation, resilience, and success. Dmitrijs is looking forward to joining the other finalists at this esteemed event, and he is grateful for the recognition of his efforts to drive positive change in his industry and beyond.
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