LS MKTN (LS Marketing) is the Leeds-based marketing consultancy founded by Lucy Smith in 2024. With experience across agency and in-house roles, Lucy launched the business to build something for herself and an environment that focuses on bringing structure and clarity to B2B marketing. Her focus is on content strategy, copywriting, organic social media, and LinkedIn ghostwriting, helping businesses transform their marketing from chaotic to strategic.
As a proud member of the Good Business Charter and the Federation of Small Businesses, Lucy is committed to working ethically with “good businesses” and believes in keeping her consultancy boutique and personal by serving a small number of clients to deliver the very best outcomes.
Objective
Lucy became self-employed in August 2024 after a difficult time in employment and a desire to find a better way of working. By the end of that year, she had grown rapidly, with 11 clients and annual earnings that matched her previous salary. But she was drowning in work and knew something had to change.
When she joined Northern Max Accelerator in January 2025, she had just signed the lease for her first office, moving away from working at her parents’ kitchen table. It was an exciting yet overwhelming time, and the programme gave her a much-needed chance to reflect, assess her direction, and consider the kind of business she truly wanted to build.
Challenge
Lucy describes the accelerator as “simultaneously the best and worst thing I could have done.” It pushed her to critique her business, challenge her assumptions, and redefine her vision. With the support of Russell and Michelle at Greenborough, she learned to focus on clients who truly aligned with her values and freed up headspace to explore new ideas.
The peer-to-peer network was invaluable. Lucy built friendships and business relationships that continue beyond the programme, including a WhatsApp group that keeps the cohort connected. She also gained three new clients directly from the accelerator and has continued to collaborate with peers since.
Working with her mentor, Sarah Jones of Full Circle Funerals, was another highlight. Lucy had never worked with a mentor before and valued Sarah’s advice, which has supported her even after the programme ended.
Results
Growth since Northern Max Accelerator
Northern Max became the catalyst for something new. During the programme, a conversation with a fellow delegate sparked the idea for Thistl, an AI-driven speech-to-text dictation platform that helps users create authentic content in their own voice.
Since completing the accelerator:
- Revenue is up 80%
- Lucy has streamlined LS MKTN to fewer clients, allowing her to focus on quality and innovation.
- Thistl is preparing to launch, opening a whole new avenue for growth.
- She has joined the Create Growth West Yorkshire programme and is now considering investment opportunities to scale.
Impact
With the launch of Thistl coming in 2025, Lucy is excited to build a product that empowers people to show up online with confidence and authenticity. The initial version is designed for personal branding, but the platform will expand to support teams, helping organisations amplify a consistent company voice.
The name “Thistl” was chosen deliberately as it represents a hardy plant that thrives in tough environments, much like the entrepreneurs and professionals it is designed to support. Lucy has already taken the idea to Climb25 and is exploring pathways for future growth and scale.
Northern Max gave Lucy the chance to step back, redefine her business, and plant the seed for what has now become a second venture with national potential. Beyond the learning, the peer relationships and supportive community were what she valued most.
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