IBP Communication and PR Awards 2019: Full Results

PR CONSULTANCY OF THE YEAR

London Communications Agency

A lively presentation from an enthusiastic team. The London Communications Agency has had a strong year, with fee income and number of built environment projects showing significant growth. Business strategies included building a dedicated in-house team which works with clients to design and deliver creative content across print and digital: the agency’s expansion into website design, infographics, video animation and social media content got a big tick from the judges. The company has also expanded its services beyond London (their traditional base) into the wider South East and has moved into direct architecture communications.

Newgate Communications

Newgate Communications presented well as a team: thoughtful, considered and with the feel of a meaningful conversation rather than a ‘pitch’. Their PR campaign for Taylor Wimpey Central London looked to position the firm as a key residential developer in zones 1 and 2 across its new-build developments, and particularly support the launch of its Postmark flagship residential scheme. Approaches included an exclusive networking event held at Postmark and clear communication about the heritage of the sites. Newsgate’s brief has since been expanded to manage the Taylor Wimpey Central London community engagement and construction PR programme – and it was here that the judges felt the team were strongest, admirably led by associate partner Alex Reid, who communicated with warmth and insight about navigating an ‘ever-evolving story’.

The Double Unit - WINNER

The Double Unit stood out for the way in which it has transcended the usual parameters of PR, acting more as expert business and management consultants. This approach, the judges felt, made a real difference to their clients’ business. The team’s presentation had a clear narrative – focused on their razor-sharp strategy to raise the profile of Amos Goldreich Architecture and concentrating on the practice’s work delivered over the course of a year. Actions fell into two categories, business growth and expanding networks; and boosting their client’s public presence through targeted press coverage, events, awards and online.

Social media approaches adopted a ‘story telling approach’ and emphasized the practice’s personality: this activity alone resulted in two new projects for the practice s a result of The Double Unit’s rigour in tracking new business leads, and the way it helped the client revise its fee templates to substantially improve its conversion rates.

The team’s practical method delved deep into their client’s processes to make sure that PR and communications didn’t stop at press releases but supported business development at all levels.

IN-HOUSE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM OF THE YEAR

Colliers International

Colliers International presented well and put the focus of their presentation on one sector impressing the judges with their specific work with senior Colliers staff in terms of briefing and supporting them to provide expert analysis in national and broadcast press.

Savills - WINNER

Savills presented a cross-sector range of communications work, keeping its finger on the pulse to deliver up-to-date advice for clients based on the realities they faced on the ground. As well as advising clients on how to engage with the media, the team advised clients when not to speak out. Clearly respected and heavily relied upon within the wider Savills organization, the team was able to demonstrate how it had helped to produce better business outcomes through its work.