A marketing consultant from Ashtead has been presented with an award to recognise her excellence in public relations and communications.

Lindsey Collumbell was given the Best Freelance Practitioner award for her work with small businesses by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) in their 2011 Pride Awards.

Lindsey, director and founder of Bojangle Communications, said that winning an award is a great feeling but to be judged ‘best in class’ by her industry peers is the icing on the cake.

The judges said: “Lindsey Collumbell has found a very successful niche in the small business sector and developed an impressive business in this area.

“The results she achieved are great for clients with limited budgets and there is good use of social media. We were impressed by the client satisfaction and the longevity of relationships which is evidence of the excellent service she provides.”

After being made redundant nearly eight years ago, Lindsey set up on her own. Without having colleagues to bounce ideas off, Lindsay said she had to rely on instinct to work as a freelancer.

Winner Lindsey Collumbell said: “This award is special as it is not just for one piece of good work. The judges looked at my performance over the last three years to consider how my business has performed as well as the quality and results of my work for clients.”

Lindsey was presented with her award by CIPR President, Paul Mylrea, at a dinner in Brighton held by the CIPR’s Home Counties South group on 11 November 2011.