TBE Awards | Meet the Finalists: Salocin Group’s Rising Stars
Salocin Group has two finalists in the University of Bath School of Management’s Rising Star category at this year’s TBE Awards, sponsored by Thrings: Dean Wade, 2nd Line Engineer at Salocin Group; and Yasemin Kisioglu, Media Assistant at Join the Dots (part of Salocin Group).
With more than 25 years’ experience, in a wide range of for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, Salocin Group understands the pace at which tech changes and how the regulations around it change too.
It’s a fast-moving, ever-changing industry, and as we move through the AI-driven revolution, the business guides brands to success with the strategic use of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
One thing that hasn’t changed over the year is Salocin Group’s belief that organisations that nurture more human, emotional and mutually-valuable relationships, will succeed – exceeding their targets and the expectations of their customers.
We asked Yasemin and Dean about their nominations.
What achievement are you most proud of in the past 12 months?
Yasemin: I’m proud to be trusted to undertake tasks independently. The Join the Dots team has given me room to be myself – bringing my personality to the role – and the fact my team can trust me to deliver on tasks is something I’m really proud of.
Dean: I’m most proud of my continued development as an IT engineer, having assisted a migration to a new domain – something I wouldn’t have thought possible 12 months ago! This is due to the incredible support of the IT team and the rest of the business.
What does being a finalist in the TBE Awards mean to you / your team?
Yasemin: Being a TBE Rising Star finalist means a lot to me because my team has put me forward for this award. Being recognised by people I respect and admire so much means the world to me.
Dean: It means a lot to be a TBE Awards Rising Star finalist – I don’t think I’ve ever been nominated for anything before and I haven’t been working in IT for very long, so being a finalist is validating that I’m doing a good job and keeping the wheels turning.
What’s next for you – any exciting plans or goals on the horizon?
Yasemin: I’m currently studying for an IPA exam and hopefully developing into a media strategist with many exciting client projects in the pipeline.
Dean: I’d ideally like to specialise in a particular sector in the future – cyber security interests me the most at the moment, as it’s becoming ever more present with cyber attacks becoming more and more commonplace in the rapidly advancing digital age.
If you win, how will you celebrate?
Yasemin: Regardless of whether I win the TBE Rising Star Award or not, I’ll be celebrating with my family because being nominated is a massive win within itself to me.
Dean: If I win TBE Rising Star, I’ll be having a trip to the pub (or Nandos) with the IT team to celebrate!
A spokesperson for Salocin Group said, “Salocin Group nominated Dean for the 2025 TBE Awards Rising Star because he goes above and beyond in his role as a 2nd Line Engineer, keeping the business running smoothly and productively.
“He’s incredibly responsive, calm under pressure and always supportive. Dean is often solving issues before they escalate and ensuring colleagues can work without interruption.
“Dean’s people-first approach sets him apart – he follows up, tailors his support and builds trust across the company. His mix of technical skills, people-focused approach and reliability make him a standout engineer and an invaluable member of the team.
“[We] nominated Yasemin because she’s quickly become an integral Join the Dots (communications practice) team member – driving smooth, successful campaigns with energy, precision and positivity.
“Since joining in December 2024, Yasemin has kept projects on track, supported colleagues and delivered consistently professional client experiences.
“Yasemin is incredibly commercially minded; proven by negotiating stronger media rates, enhancing campaign performance and building trusted client relationships. Her curiosity and confidence have fast-tracked her growth and earned respect across the team.
“Yasemin embodies the future of our industry – smart, proactive and driven – already delivering value far beyond her role and inspiring everyone around her.”
To find out more about the TBE Awards and to book your Awards Night tickets, visit: tbeawards.co.uk
