Dundee Culture founder Andrew Batchelor wins Impact Individual Award at Chamber Champion Awards
Dundee Culture founder Andrew Batchelor has won the Impact Individual Award at the Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce Chamber Champion Awards.
The award recognises Andrew’s work through Dundee Culture and the impact the platform has made across the city, from championing Dundee’s cultural institutions and businesses to helping bring local stories to an audience of thousands.
Founded by Andrew in 2013 when he was just 12 years old, Dundee Culture has grown into one of the city’s largest digital platforms. The past year has included a number of major campaigns and partnerships, including Dundee Culture’s work supporting Mills Observatory during a period of uncertainty over its future.
Reacting to the award, Andrew said: “Utterly delighted and incredibly proud to say that I have won the Impact Individual Award at the Chamber Champion Awards!
“There are so many people I want to thank.
“Kacey Thomson is a major reason Dundee Culture has developed so much over the past year. She approached me looking for an opportunity while studying journalism at university and became a brilliant part of Dundee Culture. Her enthusiasm, ideas and contribution were invaluable.
“My mentor Irene Duncan - she’s incredible and genuinely the architect of modern Dundee Culture. Our monthly meetings bring so much value, wisdom and perspective, and she has helped me take Dundee Culture to places I never thought possible.
“To the amazing team at Mills Observatory - we did it! This is for you too! You took me onboard during one of the most uncertain periods in the observatory’s history and trusted Dundee Culture to help tell its story.
“Together, we helped turn a threat of closure into a record-breaking season with a huge 121% increase in visits. Seeing Mills thriving today means more to me than I can put into words. It’s a huge vote of confidence that we don’t want our cultural institutions to close!
“And to Dundee Culture’s followers - you make all of this possible. You’re the people who read, share, comment, visit and get behind the places and stories Dundee Culture champions. When we said ‘use it or lose it’, you listened - and you showed up. You voted for me and I can’t thank you enough!
“But most personally to me - my mum, my dad and my brother Ross. They’re always behind me, supporting what I do, putting up with the long hours and listening to every idea, success, worry and probably far too much talk about Dundee Culture! I couldn’t do any of this without them. They are my rock!
“I started Dundee Culture in 2013 because I loved Dundee and wanted somewhere that celebrated everything positive about this city.
“Thirteen years later, to have that work recognised with an award for making an impact on Dundee is incredibly special.
“This one’s for us all, Dundee. ❤️🏆”
The award adds to a landmark year for Andrew and Dundee Culture, with the platform securing its third accolade of the year following recognition by the Scottish Influencer Awards and DUSA.
