The Transform Awards, Europe’s only dedicated celebration of rebranding, repositioning and brand transformation, has opened for entries for its 2012 event.

The awards recognise best practice in corporate, product, regional and national rebrands, with categories that focus on strategy, execution, content and evaluation. More than that, they are a platform to discuss reputational change and transformation.

Judged by a jury of branding experts, communications practitioners and academics, the Transform Awards 2012 are open to entrants from anywhere in Europe and are for brand transformations launched between January 2010 and November 2011.

The 2012 awards are open to entrants from anywhere in Europe and are for brand transformations launched between January 2010 and November 2011. Entries have historically come from in-house corporate professionals, branding consultants, business strategists, design firms, architects, advertising agencies, non-profit organisations, and government agencies. Winners have included PwC, Hays, McDonald’s, Rovi and Anthony Nolan.

The awards are organised by Communicate magazine. According to its publisher, Andrew Thomas, said “The brand is the essence of any organisation and is at the heart of its reputation. While rebranding can bring enormous opportunity, it also carries significant risk.

“Throughout the year we see some outstanding examples of brand transformation and feel it’s important that they are properly benchmarked and recognised, and that the professionals responsible are acknowledged for their work. These awards will once again establish an industry-wide benchmark, as well as giving teams the recognition they deserve.”

Graham Barnetson, director at Heavenly and winner of last year’s Grand Prix, said “Our success last year has had a significant impact on our agency, not only from an internal perspective, with the team enjoying the recognition that their excellent work received, but our external profile also benefitted hugely. A great evening, a great event and great memories.”

The winners will be notified at a gala dinner in April 2012.