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Thriving digital marketing firm shows apprenticeships are the way forward

Rob Goulding
Sun, 9 April 2023 

At the High Sheriff's Awards for Enterprise 2023, from left to right: Boodles chairman, Nicholas Wainwright MBE; High Sheriff of Cheshire, Jeannie France-Hayhurst; award-winner, Joe Worthington; award sponsor Barlow's representive, Paddy Moran (Image: David Goadby)

A NORTHWICH digital marketing firm is showing how investing in young talent is the way forward when growing a modern business.

David Goadby, creative and managing director of Authenticity Digital, had to make his own way in life from age 16, but thanks to an apprenticeship, found himself director of a digital marketing company in his mid-30s.

Handling contracts for prestige firms like Rolex, Fiat, and Wolverhampton Wonderers, David began to wonder why it was him putting-in the hours and his boss driving around in the Bentley.


In 2019, the 39-year-old took the plunge and started Authenticity in Northwich, and based on his own experience of apprenticeships, believed he could make it work for his business.

Northwich Guardian: David Goadby (left) and Joe Worthington (right) putting their heads together

David Goadby (left) and Joe Worthington (right) putting their heads together (Image: David Goadby)

Now David first apprentice, Joe Worthington, has been named runner-up Apprentice of the Year for Cheshire at the High Sheriff’s Awards for Enterprise.

David said: “I found Joe through a Linkedin post by his mum, saying he was looking for an opportunity in digital marketing.

“He ticked a few boxes for me, so we had a quick chat, and I brought him on board.

“That was still during Covid, so it was all a bit stop-start. He was in the office one day, then at home the next, which when you’re trying to pick-up projects and clients in a small business means you’ve got to have a lot of heart.

“Having the character to get through that was really impressive, and now Joe is an integral part of the business.

"If he leaves tomorrow for something bigger and better, so be it. That’s the way it goes, and if I’ve given him a start in a career, then that’s great.

“Apprenticeships work fantastically for me because I’ve got a lot of experience working with young developers, programmers, and designers over the years.

“Someone gave me a fantastic opportunity, so I’ve got to pay it forward.”

Northwich Guardian: Runner-up Cheshire apprentice of the year, Joe Worthington, hard at work

Runner-up Cheshire apprentice of the year, Joe Worthington, hard at work (Image: David Goadby)

The awards ceremony took place at the prestigious Churchill House, home of the University of Chester’s business school, on Friday, March 31.

It was attended by the High Sheriff, Jeannie France-Hayhurst, the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Lady Alexis Redmond, and additional sparkle was provided by Nicholas Wainwright MBE, chairman of renowned fine jewellers, Boodles.

Award-winner Joe, 27, said: "I'm incredibly grateful for this recognition and proud to be among the top apprentices in Cheshire.

"Thanks to everyone who has supported me on this journey, and congratulations to the winner.

"I may not have won the top prize, but I was a runner-up, and I'm pretty sure this means I'm officially allowed to add ‘almost award-winning’ to my LinkedIn profile."