We’ll soon be raising a toast to the Midlands PR Industry as the CIPR announces a new awards scheme.
The industry awards season has always been a highlight of the calendar. It’s a vital moment to step away from the screen, mix with peers and collectively celebrate the brilliant work being done across the region.
For years, the Midlands PRide Awards filled that space perfectly.
I have so many memories of those nights. From the elation of winning with an interactive campaign for WD-40, to the rewarding experience of being a sponsor. There’s even a memorable panic of losing (and thankfully finding) my wedding ring.
The discontinuation of the PRide Awards left a noticeable gap. There was a feeling of disappointment across the region.
Last week, I was thrilled to read on Bron Eames’ LinkedIn that where one chapter ends, a vital new one begins.
The Rising of a Successor
After months of dedicated planning, the brilliant news landed last week. The CIPR Midlands is launching a brand new awards scheme.
This is exactly the energy the region needs. I want to implore – no, beseach – the entire industry to get behind Bron Eames and the CIPR team to support this event. They’ve done the heavy lifting, consulting with the Midlands PR community to shape an event that truly reflects the modern landscape.
The new scheme is comprehensive, featuring 24 categories spanning campaigns, channel-specific work and recognition for people and teams. Crucially, they’re looking forward, including vital new categories like Best Use of AI, alongside retaining the community’s popular favourites.
The team’s efforts have already secured excellent sponsorship from partners like 72Point, next level – marketing, creative, PR & digital recruitment, Unique Venues Birmingham, Birmingham Business School, and epresspack.
Key Dates
| Deadline Type | Date |
| Early Bird Entry Deadline | Friday, 9/1/26 |
| Standard Entry Deadline | Friday, 30/1/26 |
| Shortlist Announcement | Friday, 20/2/26 |
| Awards Event | Thursday, 23/4/26 |
Eligibility
Work spanning 1/1/24 to 12/12/25 is eligible, and any single campaign can be entered into up to three categories. Prices are structured to favour those crucial early bird entries. The judging will be handled independently by senior CIPR colleagues in Scotland to ensure integrity.
Here’s to a successful new era.
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About Me
If you enjoy my blogs, you might be curious about my background. I’ve worked in PR and Marketing since 1993. Later, in 1999, I founded a full-service agency and spent the next 24 years successfully growing it. During that time, I had the privilege of partnering with some of the biggest blue-chip brands in the UK and learned extensively from the exceptional marketing professionals I met along the way. Then, in 2023, the management team I built successfully acquired my agency, 8848, setting me free to pursue new passions.
Now, my love of marketing and communications powers our own family venture: a retreat of holiday cottages in the Peak District. I love making brands look and work better, and consequently, in just a few short years, we’ve driven significant growth. In fact, thanks to my focus on SEO, we consistently rank on page one for most key regional search terms, making 2025 our busiest year yet.
Do you need help making your brand or business perform better? If so, I’d love to meet you.