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.
