Despite the global nature of communications, the UK’s PR and comms industry is often described as ‘London-centric.’ While it is true that many agencies and trade bodies reside in the UK capital, the proliferation of the industry has led to more widespread appreciation of the contribution made by regional communications. One such award ceremony, the Institute of Internal Communications (IoIC) Scotland Awards 2017, recognises the best in internal communications north of the border.

In early March, delegates and nominees gathered in Dynamic Earth, a venue and conference centre that enjoys a central position by the Scottish Parliament and the 251m high peak, Arthur’s Seat, to recognising the best of Scottish communications, publication and design. The Great Gatsby-themed event also honoured those individuals who go above and beyond to improve their profession and personal development. Indeed, the evening saw organisations from across the country come together to celebrate Scotland’s contribution to the UK communications industry.

Big winners on the night included housing, community regeneration and care group, Wheatley Group. Winning gold for its ezine, ‘Keeping staff in the picture,’ its ‘Real people, real voices’ campaign also scooped the coveted IoIC Scotland Gold Award for 2017. Recognised by the judges as proof of the Wheatley Group’s determination to provide a platform for the voices of its many and varied stakeholders, this campaign is at the forefront of excellent communications in Scotland.

The event was hosted by the regional director of IoIC Scotland, Alastair Scott, with retired international rugby player and BBC Radio Scotland broadcaster, John Beattie, acting as compere. Chief executive of the IoIC, Jennifer Sproul, also joined in the evening’s celebrations.

To keep up-to-date, follow the IoIC Scotland on Twitter.

The full list of winners is as follows:

Best printed publication

Wheatley Group, Living Life to the Full – GHA

Best member publication

Think, Historic Scotland – Historic Environment Scotland

Best one-off publication

Weber Shandwick, employee communication & engagement team – Scottish Enterprise

Best annual report

Wordpicturestory, People/pride/process/production/profit – Mactaggart & Mickel

Best audio/visual employee communication

20/20 Productions, Royal London Trust video – Royal London

Best audio/visual stakeholder communication

Think, Benenden video content – Benenden

Best use of interactive media

Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank, launching the Bank's first communication app for branch staff – CYB

Best use of social media

Scottish College for Educational Leadership, Using social more strategically – SCEL

Highly commended:

Wheatley Group, Facebook campaign: Modern communications for modern apprentices – Wheatley Group

Best online site

Historic Environment Scotland and Storm ID, Historic Environment Scotland website – Historic Environment Scotland

Best ezine

Wheatley Group, W.E. are Wheatley: Keeping staff in the picture – Wheatley Group

Best rebrand

Heineken UK, Your Wellbeing, Your Future – Heineken UK

Best use of copywriting and storytelling

Wheatley Group, Real People, Real Voices – Wheatley Group

Highly commended:

Think, Be Healthy – Benenden

 Best use of design and imagery

Think, the RPS Journal – the Royal Photographic Society

Best communications event

Think, BHJAs – Benenden

Highly commended:

20/20 Productions, CRW Conference 2016 – Standard Life

 Best communication strategy or campaign

Skyscanner, Ctrip’s acquisition of Skyscanner – Skyscanner

Highly commended:

Heineken UK, Safety. Our no.1 priority – Heineken UK

Printer of the year

Allander

Communications team of the year

Think Glasgow

Young communicator of the year:

20/20 Productions, Marii Stoltsen

Most innovative communication

StudioLR, workplace experience – Terex Trucks

Highly commended:

Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank, launching the bank's first communication app for branch staff – CYB

Outstanding contribution to the communication industry

Fionnuala Dowie

 IoIC Scotland Gold Award 2017

Wheatley Group, Real People, Real Voices – Wheatley Group