Corporate communications has never been more important. Never before have so many groups of stakeholders had access to corporate information or the ability to influence that company’s brand.

For companies trying to reach investors, analysts, consultants in the investment community, financial journalists and their peers, corporate reporting is the primary means of communications. The Corporate & Financial Awards recognises excellence in this area and in all aspects of corporate communications with these stakeholder groups.

Andrew Thomas, founder of Cravenhill Publishing says, “Effective communications requires the maintenance of dialogue with investors, analysts, business journalists and the wider stakeholder community. No longer are communications siloed, companies talk to all of these audiences with the same voice. The Corporate & Financial Awards is the only awards programme to effectively benchmark and reward excellence in this process.”

As stakeholders have changed the way they consume corporate content – particularly annual reports – digital has become more important. Categories such as ‘Best use of digital media’ and ‘Most innovative financial communications’ highlight successes in digital corporate communications. However, crisis communications, M&A transactions, PR activity and nearly every other aspect of communications with the City is likely to have a digital aspect. In terms of content, corporate reporting is changing, too. Intangible assets are increasingly accounted for in annual reports as are sustainability and CSR activities, the programme honours the 'Best sustainability campaign' and welcomes CSR reports in its reporting categories.

Entries to the Corporate & Financial Awards are now being accepted until 1 May. In-house teams, agencies, public bodies and other organisations are welcome to submit their communications programmes and campaigns for consideration by the awards’ expert panel of judges. Submit an entry to any category to receive a free entry into ‘Best in-house corporate and financial communications team’ or ‘Best IR agency or PR consultancy.’

To submit entries or find out more about the entry process, email Hannah Hodges or Annabelle Moore or call +44 (0)20 7498 7008.