Social media expert boosts businesses across Cumbria

Max Kirton, who moved to Carlisle as a teenager from Malaysia, has found a home in the border city and is aiming to put it on the map through his work with local businesses. 

He set up Bait Box Socials back in 2021 and now works regularly alongside big clients in Cumbria and further afield - even recently travelling to the USA for a 74-mile trek. 

Bait Box Social's Max Kirton and Gemma Johnston (Image: Supplied)

Max also put together a video on behalf of Cumberland Council recently, marking the re-opening of Devonshire Street following the six-month multi-million project.

Speaking to the News & Star, he said: "Moving from Kuala Lumpur was definitely a bit of a shock. But I've grown to really love Carlisle, it's a really homely place to live."

Max's goal is for creative businesses to fulfil their potential by developing ways to promote them online in 'inspiring and informative' ways.

Max certainly isn't afraid of getting the best shots for his videos (Image: Supplied)

His recently got the opportunity to work in Washington, working with an Invacare user who has won a world record for furthest distance travelled in a powered-wheelchair, while he has also enjoyed trips to Venice, to film a Paralympian, as well as Dublin and Düsseldorf.

Max at Gelt Gladiator (Image: Supplied)

The 25-year-old has also worked with locally recognisable names such as Walby Farm Park, the University of Cumbria, The Halston and Carlisle United.

Max now wants to focus on improving Carlisle's image with his short-form videos. 

He said: "If we can find the time, we could make some really quality content about the city. I want to use a local marketing strategy, talking about things to do, and interesting things about Carlisle, while shouting out local businesses, it would be great. 

"It definitely feels like Carlisle is on the up. There's an opportunity in there for me to be someone who can get people really excited about it.

"It's easy to feel doom and gloom, and joke about Carlisle, but our fast-paced and exciting videos can be a great match for the city. I want to shine a spotlight on Carlisle."