Feature

CIPR PRIDE AWARDS 2007

PRWeek lists all the finalists and winners of this year's CIPR Pride Awards from Wales, the West of England and Yorkshire & Lincolnshire.

/ October 31, 2007

WALES (summary)

NOT FOR PROFIT -

Gold award: ‘Cool Cymru floats for Noah’s Ark’ by Merlin Marketing & Public Relations

In 2005, a relatively unknown Welsh photographer and ex-welder called Terry Morris embarked on a project to create Wales’ first photographic Hall of Fame. The plan was to develop a ‘Cool Cymru’ brand and raise money for children’s hospital fundraiser The Noah’s Ark Appeal. When Merlin Marketing & Public Relations was brought in, only former Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable had been signed up.

Merlin and Morris identified 11 more suitable candidates who fitted the Cool Cymru concept. After much negotiating, Dame Shirley Bassey, Joe Calzaghe, Charlotte Church, Ryan Giggs, Ioan Gruffudd, Gavin Henson, Rhys Ifans, Katherine Jenkins, Kelly Jones, Sir Tom Jones and Bryn Terfel joined Cable for the shots. The collection was launched in November 2006. The first round of fundraising raised £12,000 for The Noah’s Ark Appeal.

BEST USE OF PHOTOGRAPHY OR DESIGN -

Gold Award: ‘Neath Port Talbot College – More than just an education’ by Freshwater Wales & Freshwater Creative

Neath Port Talbot (NPTC) is the second largest further education college in south Wales, and it was worried that further education was not perceived as a glamorous, exciting or relevant by young people. The Freshwater team decided to give NPTC an ‘X-Factor makeover’. College principal Mark Dacey was overwhelmed by the positive level of response the campaign received, and the college is now seen as a core part of the community.

OUTSTANDING YOUNG COMMUNICATOR -

Gold Award: Carmarthenshire County Council’s senior press officer Yvonne McLavy

After starting her career in local news, McLavy became a fundraiser and press officer for Cancer Research, breaking the charity’s records by raising £27,000 at a single event. Since joining Carmarthenshire County Council she has been working on securing commercial communication opportunities.

Positive coverage in the local press for the council’s social care department has more than doubled. The CIPR judges said: ‘Her personable style is engaging and shows genuine enthusiasm.’

OUTSTANDING IN-HOUSE PUBLIC RELATIONS TEAM -

Gold Award: Carmarthenshire County Council

Carmarthenshire County Council’s communications team has formed its own PR operation – In Tune – as a professional PR agency. In Tune generates an income of more than £180,000 per year.

OUTSTANDING PUBLIC RELATIONS CONSULTANCY -

Gold Award: Equinox Public Relations

Established in 1996, Equinox was one of Wales’ top 50 Fast-Growth companies for three consecutive years (2001-2003). Over that period it grew turnover by 240 per cent and client retention was 96 per cent.