Seven years ago, when our youngest daughter started primary school, I set out on a mission: to build a media-led content marketing agency that would partner with ambitious marketers in high-growth tech scale-ups.
Today, as I wave her off into a new phase of life, I too find myself stepping into the next chapter of Bright Star.
Back then, I could only dream of having a team made up of some of the best talent from the national media — people who’d cut their teeth at the BBC, BAFTA winners, former TV producers, content strategists and national newspaper journalists.
Now, that dream is our reality. I’m in a genuine pinch-me moment.
How our content marketing journey began with tech scale-ups
Our journey started with what felt like a lucky break: a referral from a Finnish client I’d worked with as a freelance content creator. That connection introduced us to a then little-known intranet scale-up called Valo.
It was also our first step into the Microsoft Partner ecosystem — a world of ISVs, MVPs, MSPs and many other acronyms we’ve since come to know well. From there, we’ve never looked back.
Growing with the Microsoft Partner ecosystem
Over the years, we’ve supported many Microsoft Partner clients as they’ve grown and thrived. Valo went on to be acquired by Staffbase. Fresh has expanded into the US market.
Along the way we’ve seen budgets slashed, companies pivot, and yes, parted ways with clients too. That’s the nature of business.
What has always remained constant is the quality of the relationships we build. Often, when one project closes, another door opens — sometimes with the same people wearing different hats. It’s those genuine connections that matter most.
Why people still matter in the age of AI content marketing
These days, AI is everywhere — and there’s no denying it’s transforming content marketing. But here’s what it can’t do:
- Build trust and respect
- Dream up original ideas
- Pull together creative teams who make those ideas a reality
At its heart, content marketing is about people. Technology may speed things up, but genuine connection still wins the day.
The next phase for Bright Star’s B2B content marketing agency
Looking ahead, my focus is shifting. Up to now, most of our new business has come through referrals and word of mouth. That’s something I’ll always value, but the next evolution of Bright Star will be about showing up more in person, face to face.
Next week, we’re heading to CollabDays Finland in Helsinki, where we’ll be supporting one of our Microsoft Partner clients and reconnecting with old friends.
In December, Bright Star will be at the European SharePoint Conference (ESPC25) in Dublin as a Silver Sponsor — something I still can’t quite believe I’m writing.
Closer to home, my husband and I have launched York’s first #Walkabout group, meeting every third Wednesday, 5pm at the York Tap pub. It’ll be a chance to step away from screens and meet interesting people in the old-fashioned way — over a pint and a proper chat.
Let’s connect for content marketing insights and face-to-face networking
So, here’s to the next chapter. Bright Star is evolving, but our principles remain the same: work with people we trust, do great work, and keep enjoying the journey.
Follow us on LinkedIn for content marketing insights, tips and behind-the-scenes updates. And if you’d like to connect in person — at an event, a pub, or anywhere in between — let’s talk.
