This month we received the excellent news that our client Children 1st Day Nurseries has been shortlisted for two awards in the Nursery World Awards 2016. The company has been named as a finalist in the ‘Nursery Chain of the Year’ category and company founder and Chief Executive Margaret Mason has been shortlisted for the ‘Outstanding Contribution Award’ in recognition of her 60-year career in childcare and early years education.
How did RedTree PR help? Having worked with Children 1st for several years, we know the company well and pride ourselves on being an extension of their business. As such, we worked with Company Directors, secured supporting testimonials and liaised with the award organisers. Finally, with evidence gathered, we wrote and submitted the award nomination. All of this takes considerable time and expertise but this is a very worthwhile allocation of resources as success in industry awards can be powerful part of the PR mix, one that can bring great benefit to a company for a relatively small investment.
This is why companies invest in award schemes, this is what the fuss is about. Even being shortlisted, let alone winning, generates positive publicity and gives a business credibility. Coming from experienced independent industry experts, the award panel’s well-informed judgements are seen by clients as proof that your business can be trusted. This external endorsement builds the confidence of existing clients and validates their choice to do business with your company but also it’s an evaluation that potential clients will take on board.
Like Children 1st Day Nurseries, many companies already harness the power of industry awards to promote their company’s reputation and, like Children 1st, are very proud of their award successes. Correctly managed to full advantage, industry recognised awards generate significant PR opportunities with column inches through well-crafted press releases, website content and social media activity. Examples of this from Children 1st’s previous award successes are shown below.
Our work does not stop here. RedTree will be on hand throughout the process and will hopefully be implementing a media campaign to promote the fact that Children 1st are double award winners later in the year. We will be keeping our fingers crossed!
If you would like help and advice on the awards in which your company could be involved, please give me a call.
