Whether you’re a retailer, designer, installer, developer or a KBB sector professional looking to expand your network, kbb Birmingham (1–4 March 2026, NEC) is the unmissable event of the year for the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms sector. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the show brings together over 320 exhibitors from more than 20 countries, showcasing the latest innovations, sustainable solutions and design trends. 

The Wildwood team will be back on the show floor at kbb Birmingham, running the show press office – and we can’t wait to be back at the NEC. To help you get the most out of your visit, here’s your essential guide to planning, exploring, and maximising your time at the show. 

1. Plan Ahead With the New kbb Birmingham Event App

Make the kbb experience smoother by downloading the official event app, sponsored by Smeg, before you arrive. It gives you access to: 

• Your digital badge 

• Exhibitor directories 

• Floor plans 

• Product zone 

The app also supports prebooking meetings so you can secure time with brands and suppliers before the show gets busy.  

Pro tip: Bring a portable phone charger – you’ll be using your device a lot throughout the day. 

2. Prioritise Your Must-See Exhibitors

With 320+ leading brands across 25+ product categories, having a clear plan will help you navigate the halls effectively. Expect to see names including: 

• Smeg, Nobilia, Quooker, Samsung, VitrA, Merlyn, Aqualisa, Croydex, Vado, Ca’Pietra, and many more.  

This year’s show places a strong focus on sustainability, smart technology and personalisation, so look out for cutting edge launches and innovative new products. 

3. Explore the Innovation Awards

A highlight every year, the Innovation Awards (in partnership with Blum) celebrate the most groundbreaking products in the sector. 

 
You’ll be able to: 

• View all shortlisted innovations on display 

• Vote in the People’s Choice Award 

• Attend the live announcement of the winners 

This is the perfect opportunity to identify products that will shape the market in the year ahead.  

4. Attend Live Demonstrations and See the Latest Design Trends

Want to see the latest products in action? With exhibitors planning a wide range of demos and product reveals, make time for visiting stands that link to your own business goals – whether that’s design inspiration, sustainability insights or learning about new technology. 

Expect trend forecasting! We’re predicting: 

• Bold colour palettes 

• Tactile materials 

• Integrated smart solutions 

• Eco conscious materials and sustainable practices  

Pro tip – Stay ahead of the curve and gather design insights for current or upcoming projects. 

5. Network With Purpose

kbb Birmingham is a huge gathering of senior decision makers across residential, retail, design, and contract sectors, with over 17,000 visitors expected this year. 

To maximise your networking: 

• Bring business cards or a scannable QR profile 

• Use the new kbb Birmingham app to arrange meetings in advance 

• Follow the event on social media and share with your online community that you’ll be attending 

Pro tip – After the show, organise the contacts you gather and follow up while conversations are still fresh. 

6. Immerse Yourself in Special Features

2026 introduces exciting international exhibitor areas, including the Spanish Design Pavilion highlighting top suppliers exhibiting from Spain. Discover the craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics that define Spanish KBB innovation. Connect with established brands renowned for their quality manufacturing and design excellence across European markets. 

And don’t forget to play the 40th Anniversary Duck Hunt, with 40 rubber ducks hidden throughout the show floor — a fun way to explore every corner of the exhibition.  

7. Plan Your Logistics for a Stress-Free Visit

To keep your day running smoothly: 

• Prepay for NEC parking to save £5 and skip queues  

• Review hotel partners offering discounted rates 

• Explore food and drink options across the NEC  

Wear comfortable shoes – you will cover a lot of ground! 

8. Capture Content and Share Your Experience

Whether you’re attending as a visitor or exhibiting: 

• Take photos and videos of exhibitor stands, demos, new products and design inspiration 

• Share your insights and favourite finds across LinkedIn and Instagram 

• Tag brands and share what you discover 

With its mix of innovation, global exhibitors, industry insights and unbeatable networking, kbb Birmingham 2026 promises to be the most exciting edition yet – and a fitting celebration of 40 years of shaping the KBB industry. 

A little preparation goes a long way. Plan ahead and make the most of every conversation. We’re ready – are you? We’ll see you at the NEC! 

See what we got up to at the previous kbb Birmingham, here.

How to Make the Most of Your Timeat kbb Birmingham 2026

Contact Wildwood Plus today to discover how we can support your event

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Social media engagement isn’t just about chasing likes or racking up followers – it’s about building meaningful connections that drive real value for your brand. In today’s crowded digital space, success lies in sparking conversations, inspiring action, and creating content that resonates deeply with your audience.

What is social media engagement? 

Social media engagement shows how well your content is resonating with your target audience. Are they interested enough to interact with your brand – and how often? They are used to determine what is working and what needs refining, so that you can sharpen your strategy.  

You can measure the success of social media posts and campaigns using a range of metrics, such as likes, shares, saves and for video content, watch time. But not all metrics are equal. Too often, brands focus on follower numbers and post reactions (widely referred to as “vanity metrics”), which look impressive but reveal little about genuine connection or conversation. 

What should we be tracking? 

Lots of followers might look impressive, but if they are only watching but not engaging, they are not driving real value. Engagement isn’t about looking good; it is about sparking authentic conversations and inspiring genuine connections that help your business grow. 

More meaningful metrics to focus on include: 

• Shares: what content pieces does your audience deem worthy of sending to others? Possibly the most valuable indicator of your audience liking your content, shares are a strong vote of trust and brand confidence, plus they extend your reach. 

• Saves: If your content is genuinely useful, inspiring, or worth revisiting, people will save it. So next time you create a post, ask yourself, “Would someone want to keep this?” 

• Comments: A lively comments section means your audience has opinions, emotions, or ideas connected to your content. If your comment section is growing, this is indicative of your audience becoming more invested in your brand. 

• Video completion rate: This is the percentage of viewers who watch your videos to the end. Social media platforms will prioritise videos with a high completion rate, so this metric directly impacts visibility. 

If a user engages in any of these actions, it indicates that they have a genuine interest in your brand or product and may be considering making a purchase or getting in touch. 

Brands and creators are increasingly recognising the value of these metrics, and LinkedIn, for example, has become the latest platform to introduce options to save and send posts, offering a more accurate picture of what truly resonates with audiences. This marks a significant shift in determining how we create engaging content; it is no longer solely about likes and comments. Visibility is not enough. If your post receives fewer likes but more shares or saves, don’t panic; this kind of engagement shows that your content is valuable.  

Consistency Wins 

Consistency on social media is another key factor influencing engagement. 

Posting regularly using a variety of stories, videos, reels, carousels, and infographics, will produce a far more positive result than posting intensively for a short period, then going quiet. Why does this work? Consistent posting signals to algorithms that an account is a reliable content source, increasing your chances of appearing in feeds. It also gives your followers more opportunities to connect and engage, deepening trust and community. 

Building trust through engagement 

Tracking your social media engagement metrics not only helps you refine campaigns, but also provides insight into your brand health, how you compare to competitors and helps measure campaign success. Understanding what drives your audience to engage with your content helps shape a more effective, customer-focused marketing strategy.  

When creating content, aim for it to be useful and valuable. Ask yourself if someone would share this with a friend or save it until later? Don’t just chase vanity numbers that don’t reflect real impact.  

If you want to elevate your social media with content that inspires genuine engagement, get in touch with Wildwood Plus. We have years of experience in helping our clients grow their visibility and develop meaningful connections online, and we can help you turn engagement into lasting relationships. 

Contact Wildwood Plus today to discover how we can support your social media campaigns

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Last week, I attended my first HVAC trade show with some of the Wildwood team, to support our client Panasonic on its stand for the first ever Elemental London: a dedicated event for built environment professionals with the shared responsibility of reducing energy use and carbon emissions.

The Aim

Network with key contacts, editors, and continue to nurture my relationships within the industry.

Stepping into ExCel last Wednesday was eye-opening. I joined the Wildwood Build division at the beginning of July and unfortunately missed the opportunity to attend one of the UK’s largest HVAC events, InstallerSHOW. I shortly discovered elemental and InstallerSHOW are both organised by Nineteen Group and so I would be able to introduce myself to the team, in preparation for next year’s exhibition.

The venue was alive with energy, every stand seemed to be buzzing with informed, engaging conversations. Navigating through the space it struck me how much larger it was than I imagined, but by no means did it feel empty due to it. At Panasonic, the team’s approach stood out as thoughtful, confident and inclusive, starting dialogues with interested passers-by. Even the newest members were actively showcasing products with confidence!

This year, the space opposite in ExCel was hosting the Energy Management & Smart Buildings Expo (EMEX) 2025, so the team were able to pop by and have some productive conversations with other exhibitors, which despite its smaller space had a dedicated programme of talks with topics ranging from decarbonisation to net zero opportunities for SMEs.

Highlights of the Day

The Haus

Conveniently located opposite the Panasonic stand, the HAUS was an absolute standout. Built by architects IF_DO using regenerative materials, visiting the HAUS was a fantastic example of the commitment the industry should continually strive to have towards decarbonising buildings.

Panasonic’s Showcase

The Panasonic team showed up in full force for both days of elemental, and for me, this was the perfect opportunity to make connections with the wider team who I hadn’t crossed paths with yet. Their stand was magnificent and featured demonstration units from some of their newest sleek product designs.

The People

I was formally introduced to a whole host of contacts of which until this point, I have only conversed with over email. From connecting with installers, to chatting with journalists, every interaction brought me closer to the industry and deepened my understanding.

Closing Time

Leaving ExCel (in the dark, at 5pm?! I hate Winter ), I reflected on the busy day. After attending Elemental and EMEX, I felt a lot closer to my client and the wider industry. Being able to witness active conversations about the industry’s commitment to its sustainability goals continues to be reassuring, especially when you are working alongside it.

I look forward to the events I will attend come 2026!

Contact Wildwood Plus today to discover how we can support your event

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The process by which B2B decision-makers research and specify products has undergone a fundamental change.

Rather than using a traditional search engine query, a buyer or specifier is just as likely to start their research by asking a question of a Large Language Model (LLM), like ChatGPT, Copilot or Gemini – or if they do use a conventional search engine – actioning one of the cited links in the AI Overview at the top of the page.

This shift fundamentally defines the challenge of Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) for B2B brands.

For companies in the B2B sector, this presents both a challenge and opportunity. Will your brand be cited as one of the definitive sources of expertise, or will it be a competitor that occupies that space? Understanding and mastering the principles of GEO is now critical for maintaining market relevance.

New Reality

Studies show that one in four B2B buyers now use Generative AI more often than conventional search when researching suppliers. For tech buyers, that number is even higher, with two-thirds relying on AI as much or more than Google or Bing for evaluation. This shift from searching to citing is going to reshape the B2B sales funnel.

When a specifier asks an LLM a question it will deliver a summarised, but also definitive answer. If your PR content isn’t the citation source, your brand will be excluded from the specifier’s initial shortlist.

GEO is fundamentally changing the way people search

Authority

To be recognised and cited as an authority by LLMs, your marketing material must be easily consumed and verified by AI. This means AI needs to see proof that others trust you. The single strongest form of proof is validation from a credible third party. For example, when your opinion or thought leadership piece is published in a respected industry journal it acts as a high-value reference point. This external validation helps the LLM distinguish genuine expertise from mere sales or marketing content. By achieving this coverage you establish a source of authority that AI can continue to reference, giving your content long-term value and influence.

Take Control

The first step in our GEO blueprint is a tailored GEO Footprint Audit. We analyse what major LLMs say when prompted with market analysis and competitor comparisons in your sector. We then create a clear, actionable roadmap to address citation gaps and ensure your owned content is structured for maximum visibility and authority. If your expertise isn’t being cited, your competitor’s will be. Don’t let the AI filter your brand out of the B2B funnel.

Don’t Let GEOFilter You Out

Contact Wildwood Plus today to schedule your GEO Audit and secure your position as an authority in your sector.

Get in touch today

You’ve probably heard the term ‘PR’, short for public relations, most commonly used when it comes to elaborate or amusing advertising ‘stunts’ to promote brands in public. But in reality, PR is a much broader, and sometimes sensible, approach to promoting companies through a variety of avenues.

A company of any size, large or small can reap the benefits from PR support and without the need of a huge budget.

But what is PR?

PR essentially refers to how information from a brand is strategically communicated to its audience. This involves the creation of content, tailored to their specific audience and then published on the most appropriate platforms which will cause the most effect.

However, as a broad ‘umbrella’ term, PR encompasses a range of strategies and tactics, such as media relations, content creation including press releases and case studies, social media management, crisis management and event planning. All these elements help to manage and maintain the carefully built brand persona.

Why do you need PR?

Just like people, brands also need a voice and that’s where PR comes into play. It provides the opportunity for personality, key messages and audience relationships to prosper and solidify.

The key benefits of PR are building brand awareness, understanding target audiences, promoting a positive brand image, increasing visibility, building relationships and strengthening strategic messaging.  

PR is all about telling a story and building a brand’s profile which takes time, patience and creativity – a job in itself. Brands themselves have a day job to do, but with the help and support of PR their efforts can be elevated to help maximise results and achieve those all-important ROIs.

It’s also important to remember that PR is a game of trial and error, which is why it is crucial to monitor and evaluate work. What works for some, may not work for others so it’s vital to be open and adaptable to change if something isn’t working. Practice makes perfect!

Working alongside you in every aspect, your PR team will become an extension of your company and together you’ll achieve success!

And in the words of Wildwood, it is true – you talk to us and we really will talk about you!

Trade shows account for a huge 40% of B2B marketing budgets, according to research gathered by Trade Show Labs. A significant investment, however they can be perfect platforms for business development, industry networking and positive exposure. But the bustling environment of trade shows is competitive, with numerous companies vying for the attention of attendees. So, how do you maximise your investment and ensure your company’s products, services and innovations are seen by the people that matter? Two words… public relations.

Maximising Exposure

Likely one of, if not the core goal of exhibiting at a trade show is getting as many eyes on your company booth, products and services as possible. This is what public relations (PR) agencies have been built to do for their clients, and a trade show can represent an ideal opportunity to bring one on board. So, how do they help make such an impact?

Industry trade shows and exhibitions are often a hotbed of journalists and media representatives looking to get a handle on the news of the day. PR agencies worth their salt can leverage their connections to ensure that a company story can cut through the noise and get noticed. The mechanisms vary, but for example at Wildwood Plus, we offer the entire gamut of journalist liaison for our clients; arranging executive interviews (both traditional and video), facilitating press conferences, background briefings, and ensuring that press materials reach the right people at the right time.

The reason PR agencies can do this is because of the strength of their media and industry relationships, and they recognise how these connections can significantly enhance the brand awareness and credibility of their clients. Agencies know how to pitch stories in a way that grabs journalists’ attention, making it more likely that a company will be featured in trade show coverage.

Compelling Content

Timing and content of announcements at trade shows can also make a substantial difference in their impact. Again, at Wildwood Plus we excel in crafting compelling content, ensuring it’s issued at the most opportune moments. As we’re in the unique position of not only representing regular industry exhibitors at trade shows, but also several trade shows themselves, such as Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), kbb Birmingham and Decorex, we understand the dynamics of on-site news cycles and can therefore strategise for maximum client exposure. But don’t just take our word for it…

“We’ve worked with Wildwood Plus on kbb Birmingham for over five years, and always been really impressed with their media contacts in this sector which has helped our coverage grow ten-fold since we started working together. They are a creative and professional team that come to us with new ideas and additional ways in which we can progress the show, essentially becoming a central part of our event team. We’re really looking forward to working with them again on the next event.”

– Sam Fisher, Events Director, Informa Markets (kbb Birmingham & Decorex)

Enhancing and Protecting Perception

Trade shows also offer an excellent opportunity to enhance brand perception. PR can facilitate this by helping to create a cohesive and compelling show narrative that aligns with your company’s wider business goals. The output(s) of this can take many forms, but includes everything from press kits and media outreach, through to social & digital strategies and on-site support.

By managing a company’s public image and messaging, PR agencies do their utmost to ensure the brand is portrayed in a positive light. Consistent and professional representation is also vital should unexpected issues arise during a fast-paced trade show environment. Whether it’s a technical glitch, negative press or any other unforeseen event, having experts on-hand which can swiftly and effectively mitigate potential damage and even turn a negative into a positive is worth its metaphorical weight in gold.

A Trusted Communications Partner

In the competitive landscape of trade shows, the support of a skilled and trusted PR agency can be a game-changer. From building media relationships and strategically issuing announcements, to enhancing brand presence and managing crises, the right partner can provide assurances that a company’s significant trade show investment gets the return it deserves.

If you want to enhance your company’s visibility and success at your next trade show, get in touch with Wildwood Plus today. We have over 30 years of experience representing exhibitors and exhibitions across build, design and technology shows in both Europe and North America.

My name is Leah, and I have recently completed a PR internship at Wildwood Plus and am beginning my third and final year at university, where I am studying for a BA in Journalism. I first became interested in PR when I started exploring the different career paths available through my degree, which is when I discovered Wildwood Plus and the exciting work that they do.

I was lucky enough to be offered a summer internship position at Wildwood Plus, which I started in July 2025. Over the last three months of working alongside the team, I have developed a range of skills that will be essential for my future in the industry.

During my internship, my role focused primarily in supporting the Build and Design team with the Interior Design Business (IDB) podcast. This involved writing LinkedIn blog posts to promote events and new episodes, creating engaging social media content to encourage audience interaction, and helping to grow the podcast’s presence on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube.

Seeing a live podcast recording

I particularly enjoyed being invited to live podcast recording events. The IDB podcast team took me to three live recordings in three different locations with different dynamics. My favourite recording was at Design Centre’s Focus/25 event, which took place inside the Soho Lighting showroom and had a live audience. Attending these recordings gave me insight into the professional recording process, editing decisions, and audience-focused content creation. These experiences also closely tied in with my university course subjects and will be especially useful as I produce audio content in my final year.

Diverse industry experience

In addition to podcast related work, I also supported colleagues across other departments. This included creating posts and captions for different clients, assisting with client communications, and taking on general administrative tasks. The variety of projects meant no two days were ever the same, which allowed me to gain experience across different areas of the industry and clarify the career direction I would like to pursue.

Throughout my time at Wildwood Plus, I enhanced my creativity and adaptability by tailoring content to suit different platforms and audiences. I strengthened my writing skills, deepened my understanding of SEO, and learned the importance of organisation and preparation for a fast-paced work environment. Most importantly, I built my confidence in sharing my own ideas, which allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the teams work and push myself to new levels of growth.

Looking ahead

I am incredibly grateful to the team at Wildwood Plus for their support and encouragement throughout my internship. With great delight, I can announce that I have been offered the opportunity to continue to work for Wildwood Plus whilst I finish my degree. I look forward to further developing my skills and gaining deeper, professional insights into the industry.

We invited Vanessa Macedo, Associate Lighting Designer at John Cullen Lighting to share with us five lighting do’s and don’ts that every interior designer and architect should know. 

Lighting isn’t just an add-on or afterthought—it’s a fundamental design tool that shapes the way we perceive and experience space. Yet, it’s often underestimated or oversimplified.  

As lighting professionals, we frequently find ourselves stepping in to solve problems that could have been avoided with earlier, more integrated thinking. To help bridge that gap, here are five essential ‘Do’s’ and five all-too-common ‘Don’ts’ that every interior designer and architect should keep in mind when it comes to lighting. 

5 Lighting DOs 

1. Do Think About Lighting Early in the Design Process  

Lighting should never be left to the end of a project. The earlier it’s considered, the more harmoniously it can be integrated with the architecture and interiors. Early collaboration allows lighting to elevate a concept, rather than just illuminate it. Think about how light will support the function, mood, and visual hierarchy of a space. 

2. Do Layer Your Lighting 

Successful lighting schemes almost always use multiple layers: ambient, task, and accent lighting. Layering provides flexibility, depth, and drama. A single type of lighting—no matter how well-executed—can rarely meet all needs. Consider how users might interact with the space at different times of day and for different purposes. 

3. Do Understand the Importance of Colour Temperature and CRI  

Light quality impacts material perception, colour balance, and emotional response. Colour Temperature (CCT) influences mood – warmer tones create comfort, while cooler tones evoke alertness. Colour Rendering Index (CRI) affects how true colours appear under artificial light. Low CRI can flatten or distort a space, undermining your material palette and finishes.  

4. Do Use Light to Define and Sculpt Space

Good lighting doesn’t just reveal architecture—it enhances it. Use light to draw attention to key elements: textures, forms, focal points. Shadow is just as important as light; contrast adds depth. Treat lighting as a design material in its own right, not just a utility.  

5. Do Consider Control and User Experience 

Smart control systems, dimming, and scene-setting options empower users and help lighting respond to different functions throughout the day. A well-lit space should feel effortless – controls should be intuitive, and scenes should support the intended atmosphere and activity. 

5 Lighting DON’Ts

1. Don’t Default to Downlights 

Recessed downlights are often overused and poorly placed. A grid of downlights might seem like a “safe” choice, but it can create a flat, harsh, and uninviting space. Over-reliance on them can also result in poor uniformity and unnecessary glare. Use downlights strategically – not automatically. 

2. Don’t Ignore Glare

Glare is one of the quickest ways to make a space uncomfortable. Light should enhance visibility, not hinder it. Whether it’s from a poorly shielded fixture or light bouncing off a glossy surface, unmanaged glare disrupts the experience. Always consider viewing angles, especially in spaces like offices, dining rooms, and retail. 

3. Don’t Treat Lighting as Purely Decorative

Yes, light fixtures can be beautiful—but their function should never be compromised. Decorative lighting is a powerful layer, but it must complement the overall lighting design, not replace it. Don’t mistake a chandelier or pendant as a substitute for proper ambient or task lighting. 

4. Don’t Forget Maintenance and Longevity 

Choose fittings and systems with realistic maintenance requirements. Lighting design should be future-proof, taking into account ease of access, lamp life, and the potential for replacement parts. This is especially important in hospitality, retail, and commercial environments, where downtime costs money. 

5. Don’t Separate Aesthetics from Technical Reality  

Lighting design lives at the intersection of art and engineering. It’s easy to get excited by moodboards and fixture catalogues, but every lighting idea must be grounded in technical feasibility. Luminaire outputs, mounting details, wiring access, and dimming compatibility all need to align with your vision. 

Closing Remarks: Lighting as a Creative Partner 

Interior designers and architects are natural storytellers – so is light. It guides people, reveals texture, creates atmosphere, and punctuates emotion. But this only happens when it’s given equal creative weight and a seat at the table from the start. 

By embracing a few core principles and avoiding common pitfalls, design professionals can make lighting a seamless, expressive part of their work – not just a finishing touch. 

Collaborate early, think holistically, and never underestimate the power of a well-placed beam. Because when lighting is done well, no one notices. But when it’s done brilliantly, everyone feels it.  

More information www.johncullenlighting.com.  

When most people think of award schemes, they picture glamorous ceremonies, excited winners, and shiny trophies. And, while we at Wildwood Plus certainly help craft the stories that get our clients on stage (we’ve written hundreds of award-winning entries over the years), what many don’t realise is that we’re also the team behind award programmes themselves. 

That’s right, we don’t just help clients win awards, we launch, project manage and promote award schemes from the ground up. With nearly two decades of experience in this space, we know what it takes to create an effective awards programme. 

Trusted by Leading Industry Names 

Now in our 31^st year, we’ve have had the pleasure of working with several clients to bring their awards dreams to life.

CEDIA Smart Home Awards – This awards programme has been running for 19 years. It celebrates excellence in home technology and is a cornerstone of the smart home industry calendar.  

We fully support the CEDIA team in determining the categories and criteria, selecting judges, contacting members to encourage entries, supporting the judging process, script writing, creating awards presentations and producing video content for the ceremonies. All this while also promoting the programme via a PR campaign.  

Panasonic PRO Awards – For over 10 years, we’ve supported Panasonic in honouring outstanding HVAC project work across Europe.  

In 2015, we worked with the Panasonic team to recognise that there was a need for an awards programme. Since then, this industry-leading manufacturer has awarded customers from 10 countries, with the awards running every second year.  

Our team work on this project from start to finish for each edition. Beginning with setting the timeline for the programme, identifying the categories and defining the criteria, collating the entries and formatting them ready for the judging panel and announcing the winners across Europe through the PR campaign.  

BIID Awards – Launched just four years ago, the British Institute of Interior Design Awards has gained great momentum since then, becoming a prestigious award win for interior designers. 

We worked closely with the BIID team and an external events partner to help launch the brand-new awards scheme in Year One. From then, the programme has developed into an annual celebration that receives entries from interior designers and design studios across the UK and recognises the very best interior design projects. 

We run an engaging and exciting awards campaign to help generate interest and awareness. We focus on PR and social media activity – including a paid social campaign – to drive entries. We then promote other milestones in the campaign such as the announcement of the shortlist and showcasing the award-winning projects. Other activities include creating video content, Instagram Live sessions to give top tips for entry, sponsor management and attending the judging day. We’re also part of the events team on the day of the awards ceremony held at the stunning Draper’s Hall in London, covering tasks such as social media coverage (including live updates on award wins), media liaison and filling goodie bags!

Each of these schemes is unique, and that’s where our tailored approach comes in. 

Our team offers a full suite of services to deliver successful award programmes, including: 

• Strategic planning and positioning 
• Entry criteria development 
• Website and entry platform management 
• Judging coordination 
• PR and promotional campaigns 
• Finalist and winner announcements 

Event communications (live or virtual) 

Whether you’re launching an award scheme for the first time or looking to reinvigorate an established one, we’d love to help bring the creativity, logistics, and marketing know-how to make it a success. Let’s create something worth celebrating. 

At Wildwood Plus, we believe in the power of awards. It’s not just about celebrating excellence, it’s also to build brand authority, grow your network and create valuable industry visibility. 

Contact us today to learn more about our award scheme management services. 

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As the CEO & Managing Director of Wildwood Plus, I had the distinct honour of serving as a judge for the PRCA DARE Awards this year.

This experience has not only been incredibly rewarding but also highlighted the significant role that industry award schemes play in promoting excellence and innovation within the PR and communications sector.

Celebrating Excellence and Innovation

Industry award schemes like the PRCA Dare Awards are essential for several reasons. Firstly, they provide a platform to celebrate the outstanding work being done by professionals and agencies across the industry

These awards recognise the creativity, strategic thinking, and dedication that go into crafting successful PR campaigns. By acknowledging these efforts, we not only celebrate individual and team achievements but also set benchmarks for excellence to which others can aspire.

Encouraging Best Practices

One of the key benefits of participating in award schemes is the opportunity to showcase best practices. As PR agencies, we are often focused on promoting our clients and their successes. However, it is equally important to take a step back and reflect on our own work. Preparing award entries can be time-consuming, but it is a valuable exercise in self-assessment and improvement. It encourages agencies to critically evaluate their strategies, outcomes, and overall impact, leading to continuous growth and development.

Inspiring the Industry

The diversity and quality of entries I reviewed as a judge for the PRCA Dare Awards were truly inspiring. From innovative digital campaigns to impactful community engagement initiatives, the submissions demonstrated the incredible talent and creativity within our industry. It was heartwarming to see how agencies are pushing the boundaries and finding new ways to connect with audiences.

This spirit of innovation not only drives the industry forward but also inspires others to think creatively and strive for excellence

Identifying Award Schemes and Crafting Entries

Identifying the right award schemes for your agency or client is crucial. At Wildwood Plus, we have successfully identified and participated in various award schemes, many of which are run by industry publishers and associations.

Crafting entries for such awards involves highlighting the innovative solutions and measurable impact of the projects. For Panasonic Heating & Cooling, we focused on showcasing the energy efficiency, sustainability, and overall performance of their installations, backed up with installer and customer testimonials.

OurSuccesses

Wildwood Plus has a track record of success in various award schemes.

Our entries for Distech Controls and Panasonic Heating & Cooling have been recognised for their excellence in several industry award schemes; for Panasonic we achieved 14 award wins during 2024/25 out of 16 created and submitted.

The category wins included, Collaboration of the Year, Public Sector Project of the Year, Best Residential heat pump project, Domestic Energy Saving Product and Heat Pump Product of the Year to name a few.

These accolades not only validate our efforts but also motivate us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in our industry.

And for Distech Controls we won the i8moressive IBcon Digie Award for Best AI Tech innovation for its Resense Move.

Award schemes are not just a way to boost your ego or show off your achievements. They can also have tangible benefits for your business, such as increasing your visibility, enhancing your reputation, attracting new customers, and motivating your staff.

My Experience as a Judge

Judging the PRCA Dare Awards was a deeply enriching experience. It provided me with a unique perspective on the breadth and depth of work being done across the PR and communications landscape. The process involved evaluating a wide range of submissions, each with its own unique approach and impact. It was a privilege to witness the passion and dedication that went into each entry.

While the task of judging was challenging due to the high calibre of submissions, it was also incredibly rewarding. It reinforced the importance of recognizing and celebrating the hard work and creativity that define our industry. I encourage all PR agencies to take their own advice and get involved in award schemes. By doing so, we not only promote our own achievements but also contribute to the collective growth and advancement of the industry.

Conclusion

Industry award schemes like the PRCA Dare Awards play a crucial role in celebrating excellence, encouraging best practices, and inspiring innovation within the PR and communications sector. My experience as a judge has been a testament to the incredible talent and creativity that exists within our industry. I look forward to continuing to support and celebrate the amazing work being done by PR professionals and agencies around the world.

Thank you for reading, and I hope to see many more inspiring entries in the future!