Great work deserves to be noticed and recognised
Give the judges something to remember.
Winning an award is much more than getting your hands on a nice piece of silverware. It sends a strong message about your organisation, the standards you set and what truly sets you apart from the competition. The benefits typically extend far beyond the awards ceremony, strengthening your reputation, raising your profile and opening the door to new opportunities, while giving your employees, customers and stakeholders something worth celebrating.
Of course, the great work you do in your organisation every day is only part of the story. To gain recognition, you need to demonstrate why your achievements matter and give the judges a compelling reason to take notice. The challenge is often recognising what makes your work extraordinary when, to you, it simply feels like business as usual.
Our awards writing expertise comes from both sides of the judging table. We’ve written and submitted entries, added to our clients’ trophy cabinets and been responsible for judging awards ourselves. We use that experience to identify the details that matter and find the evidence that transforms an entry into a serious contender.
All that glitters isn’t necessarily gold
If you’ve ever received an email saying that you’ve won an award for a competition that you didn’t enter, you’ll know that not all accolades carry the same weight.
With quite literally hundreds of awards taking place every year, identifying the ones that matter most can be the difference between gaining meaningful recognition and simply adding another logo to your website. We will help you identify the ones most relevant to your organisation, outline the entry requirements and prioritise those offering the greatest value.
Award entries can form an important part of a wider communications strategy, offering the chance to celebrate and showcase your achievements from the moment the shortlist is announced, through to the awards night and beyond.
Why should you win?
Ultimately every award entry has to answer one question: why you?
Different types of awards are judged in different ways. Some will be determined by the views of your peers, others by an independent panel, whilst some combine the judges’ views with a public vote. Understanding how the winner will be chosen, what the judges are looking for, and what you need to do to enter will determine your approach.
A strong entry needs to do more than describe what happened. Judges need to understand why an achievement is significant, what made the approach different and what changed as a result. Claims such as innovative, successful or industry-leading mean very little unless there is something to substantiate them.
Knowing what to look for can be just as important as knowing where to look. Drawing on our experience, we will examine and identify the evidence that strengthens your case, from commercial results and customer feedback to employee engagement, independent research and measurable improvements. Sometimes, a relatively small detail can provide the proof that turns an interesting story into a compelling case for recognition.
Every word counts
Award entries rarely offer the luxury of unlimited space. Strict word counts mean every sentence needs to earn its place, but deciding what to leave out can often be just as important as what’s included.
Judges may have lots of entries to consider, so simply ticking all the boxes isn’t enough. Your entry needs to capture their attention and clearly illustrate how you have gone above and beyond the norm. Effective award writing combines evidence with storytelling, creating a compelling narrative that strengthens your case for recognition.
Your name is on the shortlist. Now what?
Your first step to success on the big night is typically the shortlist announcement. Don’t let this moment pass you by — it’s a magnificent achievement in its own right and an opportunity to start sharing your success.
A well-timed press release can help you secure media coverage, while sharing the news electronically with customers, employees and stakeholders gives you another reason to engage with the people who matter. And, of course, don’t forget to shout about it across your social media channels – when the shortlist is announced and during the run-up to the awards ceremony.
Then comes the big night. If your name is the one inside the envelope, be prepared to capitalise on the moment. Share the news across your social media channels, celebrate with the people who helped make it happen, capture photographs, video and of course, enjoy every moment.
When the celebrations are over, make sure your success continues to work for you. Share your story with the media, feature it on your website and don’t forget to tell your customers, employees and stakeholders. Your award can also become a valuable credential in proposals, presentations and new business conversations, long after the trophy has found its place in the cabinet.
Award-winning support
Whether you’re looking for help with a single entry or planning a wider awards programme, Cannon PR can provide support at every stage of the process. From identifying opportunities to writing the entry and making the most of your success, our support can be tailored around exactly what you need.
Research & planning
Identifying relevant awards, categories and opportunities.
Building the case
Gathering the facts, figures, insight and perspectives needed to uncover what makes your achievements stand out.
Supporting materials
Development of case studies, testimonials and other supporting content to strengthen your submission.
Award entry writing
Compelling, evidence-led entries that respond to the judging criteria and present your achievements at their best.
Editing and reviewing
Strengthening existing entries to strengthen your case for success.
PR & Media relations
Making the most of your success.
Award-winning expertise
Over the years, we’ve helped clients secure recognition in a wide range of regional, national and industry awards, celebrating everything from business growth and innovation to individual achievements and social impact.
Our experience includes supporting entries for The King’s Awards for Enterprise and The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, helping organisations gain recognition and maximise the opportunities that come with success. And, of course, we’ve picked up a few awards of our own along the way too!