Hackney wins award for Goliath battle with Nike

The east London council took premier place in the category – which appears for the first time this year – for media coverage of its legal challenge to Nike.

Hackney had threatened to sue sports brand Nike for using their logo on sportswear without their permission in May 2006. The authority’s head of legal services spotted the kit featuring a replica of their logo in a sports shop – prompting the authority to take action.

‘This is a classic David and Goliath battle dealt with in a gutsy way, and PR was the main driver,’ said awards judge and CEO of the commun­ications group, Michael Hayman. 

‘Hackney had universal positive coverage which really showed the public sector takes brands  seriously,’  he added.

Preston City Council also emerged successful, having clinched a trio of awards. The authority scooped first place in the A-Z Guide of Services category, the Environment category (which rewards the effective communications of environmental initiatives) and in the overarc­hing District award, which recognises the council that has best imp­lemented the Local Government Association’s Reputation campaign.

Camden scooped the top award for best use of media award. Southwark took the award for best publication, while Westminster took home best brand. First place in the internal comms category went to Allerdale, which  success­fully showed how to communicate well with staff so they become advocates for the council.