A Birmingham-based creative content agency is celebrating after its managing director was recognised at a prestigious industry awards ceremony.
Fran Nolan, managing director of Brummie-born Tribera, was named Marketing Leader of the Year at the Midlands Marketing Awards - claiming the title in a highly competitive category that featured seven other nominees from Birmingham and beyond.
The Midlands Marketing Awards champion excellence across the region, with the highly coveted Marketing Leader of the Year category designed to recognise an individual that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, impact, and innovation in the industry.
Judges praised Fran for her flawless marketing expertise, earning a particular commendation for her numerous high profile rebrands and campaign strategies, alongside her fearless approach to leadership that consistently challenges the traditional playbook.
Fran said: “I’m truly honoured to be named Marketing Leader of the Year. We believe that great marketing is built on deep insight and by really listening to the voice of the customer – before being brought to life with empathy and creativity. It’s wonderful to see this approach recognised.”
Fran set up Tribera in 2018 with co-founder Dré Picart, after growing tired of outdated structures and zero flexibility – particularly for women. From spearheading hybrid working long before it became the norm, to introducing an innovative 32-hour working week that boosts both creativity and wellbeing, Tribera’s ethos has delivered on both team satisfaction and commercial success.
Now a 30-strong agency working with brands like Costa Coffee, West Midlands Trains, Greene King and Vouchercodes.co.uk, Tribera was named one of the Campaign’s Best Places to Work and continues to prove that doing things differently isn’t just good for culture, it’s great for business too.
Fran said: “Launching Tribera was one of the bravest, and boldest, decisions I have ever made. It was an idea that came from lived experience - watching my brilliant female colleagues excluded after becoming mums, concealing my own pregnancy out of fear of being sidelined, and enduring work cultures that left no room to thrive personally and professionally.
“I believe that great work comes from a great culture, rooted in diversity, inclusivity, flexibility and safety. At Tribera, we live by our values. We work with purpose, balance, and trust, and encourage grown-up conversations – and that delivers tenfold for clients through the performance of a team that shows up motivated and happy to be at work.”
The award also highlighted Fran’s commitment to empowering women in the wider region. In 2024, she launched BRUMWIM (Birmingham Women in Marketing), a movement designed to spotlight female talent and challenge the industry’s London-centric bias.
Since it’s official launch in January, BRUMWIM has hosted six sold-out events, brought together more than 70 women at its Made in Brum celebration event, and launched a mentoring programme which has seen more than 60 marketeers, from graduates to CMOs, meaningfully matched up to support career development.
Tribera was also shortlisted in the Agency of the Year and Best Consumer Campaign categories at the awards – marking a standout year for the agency as its culturally resonant work, forward-thinking approach, and high quality results sees it reach new heights.
Fran said: “It’s been a phenomenal year for Tribera so far, and believe it or not, we’re still only just getting started.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the awesome tribe that bring the vision to life, deliver brilliant work for our clients day in day out, and never fail to erupt with the loudest cheers in the room at an awards ceremony. That support means everything.”
Photo credit: Mr Ladd Media
