Industry Awards: writing a winning award submission and why you should enter

We were delighted this week to share the news that all four of our client submissions have been shortlisted at the prestigious Claims Media ‘Personal Injury Awards’ 2018. These awards recognise and celebrate the excellence of individuals and o

2018 is proving to be another bumper year for law firms and professional service clients who engage our marketing and copywriting services. At last year’s Personal Injury Awards, all five of our submissions were shortlisted and included a ‘win’ for Switalskis Solicitors in the category, ‘Claimant Personal Injury Team of the Year’.

We’re often asked what our secret is to writing winning award submissions. In short, like most things worth doing well, it takes time, team-work and planning. Writing the actual award submission is a lengthy process – it usually takes us a full day to write a 1000-word submission. We appreciate that it can be difficult for lawyers and managers to find the time (and the inclination) to do this which is why it makes financial and practical sense to seek our help.

Plus, because we’ve been writing successful award submissions for nearly 15 years, we also know what works… and what doesn’t. Our Managing Director has also been a judge at the Northern Law Awards so understands what it’s like from a judge’s perspective too.

At Scala, not only do we identify relevant industry award and categories for your company and employees, we work closely with you to plan-ahead (often a year in advance) to ensure you have the very best content needed to write an award-winning submission.

In the run up to, and following the event, we also manage or advise on social media activity, blog posts and media communication to ensure you make the most of the occasion.

Benefits of getting involved in industry awards

PR

Being associated with a prestigious awards ceremony provides a wealth of PR opportunities. Shortlisting announcements; blogs before and after the event; live tweets during the ceremony and press releases following a ‘win’ are not just great ways to raise brand awareness in local and national press, but also to showcase your business to potential clients and set it apart from the competition in your chosen sector.

Brand Awareness

By carefully selecting the award category, you can ensure your business is recognised as an award-winning company in exactly the right market. Whether it’s your specialism, innovation, contribution to the industry or your local community, being nominated is sure fire way to attract the attention of potential clients.

Networking

Not only are awards ceremonies a great opportunity to get your glad rags on, they also provide an excellent networking opportunity. Judges of awards are often leaders within the industry and award ceremonies will always attract businesses similar to yours, providing a great opportunity to forge new working relationships. You can also use the event as an opportunity to further impress current or potential clients by inviting them along and sharing your success with them.

Staff Morale

Award shortlisting’s and wins are a great way to boost staff morale, proving why you are a great company to work for. They also provide an opportunity for your company to recognise and celebrate team work, successful departments or even individual achievements.

We love helping our clients receive the recognition they deserve. If you need any help with the awards application process, contact us on: NatalieRodgers@scala.uk.com, 0114 4070159.

Here’s just a sample of this year’s ‘shortlisting’s’ and ‘wins’ at national industry awards this year:

Personal Injury Awards 2018 (shortlisted, winner to be announced)
STEPS Rehabilitation – ‘Rehab Provider of the Year’
Parklane Plowden Chambers – ‘Chambers of the Year’
OnMedical – ‘Medicolegal Provider’
Silva Legal Services – ‘Supporting the Industry’

Sheffield Business Awards 2018 (shortlisted, winner to be announced)
STEPS Rehabilitation – ‘The Innovation Award’

Barclays Women in Business 2018
WINNER: STEPS Rehabilitation – ‘Most supportive business promoting diversity and citizenship’

STEP Private Client Awards 2018 (shortlisted, winner to be announced)
Bell and Buxton Solicitors – ‘Vulnerable Client Advisory Practice of the Year’