GRAND PRIX
Winner East of England Development Agency
When the EEDA became the first regional development agency to undergo an independent performance assessment (IPA) by the National Audit Office, it was vital staff were kept informed and motivated. EEDA developed an internal comms ‘IPA survival kit'.
An at-a-glance, compass-shaped guide revealing the EEDA's ‘direction' was just one piece produced in the run-up to the assessment. A quiz night tested staff to see if they were ‘IPA-ready', and following the visit, ‘we survived' drinks were dispensed. Research showed 100 per cent awareness of the campaign.
What the judges said ‘This campaign was fun and took the angst out of a new performance assessment process.'
TEAM OF THE YEAR (In-house)
Winner ‘one'
East of England train operator ‘one' has to communicate to 105 million passengers a year, as well as maintain its messages to a sceptical press. To ensure it responds to all journalist queries, the press team maintains a press office function 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It produces its bimonthly oneLife customer magazine and a staff magazine.
What the judges said ‘A professional comms team committed to promoting the organisation in an open and honest way.'
TEAM OF THE YEAR (Consultancy)
Winner Band & Brown Communications
Norwich-based Band & Brown has had a stunning year. Turnover rose 15 per cent for the year to April 2006, while 15 new clients were won. In June, the agency secured its largest-ever retained contract - Pulse Rated - a satellite broadcaster of emerging music. Staff training is a priority, with an external mentor provided for one afternoon each quarter.
What the judges said ‘An impressive number of new clients. It shows great commitment to staff development and training.'
SMALL TEAM
Winner South Cambridgeshire District Council
The council has two PROs to cater for the needs of 101 villages and 130,000 residents. The region is home to one of the UK's largest traveller communities and planning permission is being debated to build a new town. In the past year the duo answered 720 media enquiries. The jewel in their crown is the quarterly South Cambs magazine. In 2005, research showed it was the preferred source of council information for 85 per cent of residents.
What the judges said ‘This duo handles a lot of work with limited resources.'
