Nicola Paramo Wins CATS Personal Development Award

Nicola Paramo, a freelance racing and bloodstock sales photographer, has been awarded the CATS Personal Development Award at Newmarket Racecourse. Sponsored by Hartpury University, the award is in its second year and recognises the person who has put the most dedication and effort into developing their career in racing after using Racing Welfare's Careers Advice and Training Service (CATS).

Paramo utilised CATS for some career coaching to set up her freelance business offering sales photos and videos to the industry, as well as social media management. After the coaching, she then accessed a CATS grant to help her invest in the specialist equipment required. As a result, her business has been expanding and she has provided photography for a number of trainers including Sir Mark Prescott, whose social media accounts she now manages. This year, Paramo has also provided her first sales imagery and videos, and will be working with more industry stakeholders.

Catherine Porter, Head of Hartpury University's Equine Department, selected the winner and said, “It was hard to choose a winner from three really strong finalists, but I chose Nicola Paramo as it was a clever initiative and she utilised CATS well to support her venture–as noted in her nomination, it is niche and she looks to be carving out a good business for herself.”