Little Houghton-based Zinc Digital has secured two finalist places at the 2026 Northamptonshire Business Awards as the digital agency expands its investment in technology and its pipeline of young talent.
The company is shortlisted for Innovation Business of the Year, while creative digital designer Abigail Mellish is a finalist for Apprentice of the Year.
The recognition follows a period of growth and investment at Zinc Digital, which won Small Business of the Year and the West Northants Innovation Award at the 2025 awards.
It has since secured Google Premier Partner status for 2026, placing the Northamptonshire agency among the top 3% of participating Google Partners companies in the UK.
Zinc has also increased research and development investment as it builds technology intended to improve and scale the services it provides to clients.
That work includes AgentZ, its own AI orchestration platform, and the launch of three software products developed in-house.
Joe Zielinski, founder and chief executive of Zinc Digital, said: “To be shortlisted again for Innovation Business of the Year, following last year’s double win, means a great deal to our team.
“Innovation has always been about solving real business problems rather than simply adopting the latest technology. We’re proud that our investment in AI, software development and our people is delivering measurable results for clients, and seeing Abigail recognised alongside the business makes the achievement even more special.”
The company is also looking to apprenticeships and work-based education as part of its plans to develop its workforce.
Mellish joined Zinc part-way through her apprenticeship after being made redundant by her previous employer. Within months, the agency says she had played a significant role in securing its largest creative retainer to date.
Her Apprentice of the Year nomination is the first time Zinc has entered the category.
Oliver McKeown, head of digital at Zinc Digital, said: “Abigail joined us mid-apprenticeship after being made redundant elsewhere, and within months played a key role in securing our largest-ever creative retainer.
“This nomination is thoroughly deserved and gives us real momentum as we expand our apprenticeship pathway. From September, we’ll be partnering with Northampton College to welcome T-Level students into the business.”
Mellish has also represented apprenticeships outside the company, attending an East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network conference in London and returning to her former school to talk to Year 12 pupils about degree apprenticeship opportunities.
She said: “I’m still processing the news. What I love about Zinc is the variety – from designing brochures for major London property firms to contributing to new AI products. To be shortlisted in my first year here, while working towards my degree, means a great deal.”
The increased emphasis on apprenticeships comes as Zinc develops its recruitment and skills pipeline alongside its investment in AI and software.
The agency, which provides web development, eCommerce, SEO, PPC, paid social, creative and bespoke software services, works with more than 150 clients a year.
Winners of the Northamptonshire Business Awards will be announced at Sywell Aerodrome on Friday September 11. The awards are organised by Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, with Wilson Browne Solicitors as headline sponsor.
Pictured: Hannah, left, with Abigail Mellish of Zinc Digital, who has been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 Northamptonshire Business Awards.
