Our Story
UK Top Influencer was born from a simple belief — that influence should be about authenticity, creativity, and community, not just numbers on a screen. Founded in the North East of England, we set out to challenge the London-centric bubble of the influencer world and prove that world-class talent, events, and opportunities can come from anywhere in the UK.
Why We Do What We Do
At the heart of UK Top Influencer is a passion for people. We believe influencers aren’t just content creators — they’re storytellers, entrepreneurs, and role models. Through the UK Top Influencer Awards, we shine a light on creators of all levels, from grassroots talent to household names, giving them the recognition they deserve.
But we also know the industry can feel out of reach, especially for young people. That’s why we launched the UK Top Influencer Academy, supporting 13–16 year olds who may not thrive in traditional education. By teaching them digital skills, building their confidence, and connecting them with real industry experience, we’re helping create new futures.
What Makes Us Different
We’re more than an awards night — we’re a movement. From hosting one of the UK’s biggest influencer celebrations in Newcastle, to providing hands-on work placements at London Fashion Week, we bring together creators, brands, students, and communities in ways that feel real and lasting.
Our mission is simple:
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Celebrate authentic creators
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Give young people life-changing opportunities
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Champion the North East as a hub for creative talent
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Build a trusted space for brands and influencers to connect
Looking Ahead
Since launching in 2023, UK Top Influencer has grown into a community where creators, brands, and young people all have a voice. We’re proud of what we’ve built so far, but this is just the beginning. From expanding our Academy to growing the UKTI Assist app, our future is about pushing boundaries and creating even more opportunities for the influencer generation.
Be Part of It
Whether you’re an influencer, a brand, a student, or simply someone who believes in the power of digital storytelling, we’d love you to join us. Together, we can shape the future of the UK influencer industry.
Meet Our Founder – Chris Henderson
Behind UK Top Influencer is Chris Henderson, a visionary entrepreneur from the North East who has turned resilience into a brand that’s redefining the influencer industry. Chris’s story is one of grit, reinvention, and the belief that influence should be about more than numbers — it should inspire, empower, and open doors.
Chris’s journey hasn’t been ordinary. Having overcome homelessness and personal struggles, he rebuilt his future with an unshakable drive to create something bigger than himself. That journey fuelled his mission to build UK Top Influencer — not just as a business, but as a movement that champions authenticity, opportunity, and community across the UK.
His impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. Recently, Chris was honoured with the Upcoming Icon Award at London Fashion Week’s only recognised awards, cementing his place as one of the industry’s brightest rising names. From being photographed on red carpets to mentoring young creators behind the scenes, Chris embodies the balance of glamour and grit that defines UK Top Influencer.
Today, whether he’s orchestrating the UK Top Influencer Awards, leading collaborations at London Fashion Week, or building the Academy for the next generation of digital talent, Chris continues to push boundaries. His vision is clear — to put the North East on the map as a creative hub, and to show young people everywhere that no matter where you start, you can write your own story.
“For me, UK Top Influencer has never just been about awards or events. It’s about creating a movement, one that proves you don’t need to be from London to make your mark. If I can do it, so can they.” – Chris Henderson
