In March 2017, amid the plants and vines of the London Barbican’s famous greenhouse, the fourth annual Suzy Ferguson Spirit Award took place. Honouring unsung heroes in the public relations world, last year’s Suzy Spirit Award saw the profession step back and appreciate the industry’s rising stars. Continuing this focus on those dedicated to furthering the profession, the shortlist for the Suzy Spirit Award 2018 has been announced.

Since 2014, the Suzy Spirit Award has rewarded outstanding commitment and drive in emerging stars of the PR and communications profession. Launched in honour of Suzy Ferguson, employee of PR and communications firm LEWIS who died of bowel cancer in 2012 age just 31, the awards recognise dedication and tenacity – often from individuals who expect nothing in return.

At the PRmoment Awards, taking place on March 22 at the Park Plaza in Westminster, London, five talented individuals will hear the outcome of the fifth Suzy Spirit Award. The shortlist comprises Andy Garner, creative at Mischief PR, Sadie Groom managing director at Bubble, Caroline Kinsey, CEO and founder at Cirkle, Emma Lloyd PR and marketing manager at TLC Marketing, and Sarah Pinch, managing director at Pinch Point Communications.

“It’s fantastic to see the award going from strength to strength every year,” says Sally O’Neill, VP international at LEWIS and a Suzy Spirit Award judge. “This year we received some very high calibre entries including candidates from all over the UK, in-house and agency, and from those early on in their career to people with many years of experience.”

O’Neill continues, “It’s impressive to hear about these unsung heroes that are inspiring people in and outside of work every day. Given many don’t even know they’ve been nominated by a friend or colleague, it’s equally pleasing to learn of their surprise at being recognised for what they see as normal behaviour. This truly reflects the ‘Suzy spirit’ we’re looking for.”

Last year’s Suzy Spirit Award winners were Emma Tweedie, director at agency Teacake Tuesday and the first recipient of the Suzy Spirit Inspiration Award, and Euan Steedman, now International Press Officer at CNN. Steadman received the Rising Star Award.

Hear more about the Suzy Spirit Award 2017 winners and ceremony here.

Follow @suzyspiritaward on Twitter for the latest news and updates.

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