The best business publications are highly respected and trusted by professionals in their sector, who turn to them for insight and a valued opinion. This award recognises the title that has excelled in representing its sector and truly delivering value for its audience.

Entries can be either print or digital titles, which are published regularly.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• expertise in its core business area
• editorial and design that represent and enhance the brand
• understanding the needs of its audience
• a strong commercial performance
• innovation and creativity in approach and a commitment to sustainability
• results – what evidence and metrics can you share that show your publication has delivered on its KPIs?

Note: publications do not have to exist in print.

Smart thinking, audience insight and clear goals are key ingredients to highly effective campaigns. This award looks to recognise a business campaign with internal or external objectives that overcame challenges and embraced new approaches to deliver significant results. 

Entries should demonstrate:

• performance against objectives
• where the campaign sits within the context of the brand strategy
• creativity, new approaches, and innovation
• understanding the needs of the target audience
• strong results

This award recognises a consumer publication that consistently gets it right for its audience. Featuring strong design and engaging editorial, this title really knows and understands its audience and what they are passionate about. It will demonstrate excellent performance in its field and use a combination of platforms and smart audience insight to deliver a market-leading performance. Entries can be either print or digital titles, which are published regularly.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• understanding the needs of its target audience
• a strong commercial performance
• editorial and design that represents and enhance the brand
• a multi-channel approach, resulting in deeper audience engagement
• innovation in responding to the changing dynamics of its market and a commitment to sustainability

Note: publications do not have to exist in print.

Standout covers display exceptional creativity and design, which can be headline grabbing, a piece of art, or simply capturing a moment or theme that makes the reader want to find out more.

This award is for the standout and visually striking front covers that capture the attention of the audience, are simply unmissable, and effectively convey the essence of the magazine content.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• an instant visual impact with imaginative use of design, photography, and/or illustration
• coverlines that sell the content and changes the conversation
• how the cover appeals to both new and core readers
• supporting sales/readership figures
• how the cover fits in with the overall brand positioning

Note: brands/publications may enter multiple front covers.

This award seeks to recognise media brands or publications that are elevating the important conversations around D&I within their business, or to their audiences. This may be via a product, campaign, brand extension, magazine, event, or anything which tackles inequalities and dismantles barriers across the business and beyond.

The winner of this award might have created an inclusive workplace in which all employees not just feel valued but thrive, or a product or campaign which serves, promotes, and upholds underrepresented communities.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• the values that underpin efforts to make either the sector you serve, or your own publishing operations, more inclusive
• widening participation in publishing – engaging underrepresented audience, raising awareness of publishing as a career, or inspiring the next generation of diverse talent
• examples of collaboration with other businesses or networks to advance D&I within your sector or business area
• better outcomes in service delivery and internal policy (culture, mental health) as a result of this initiative OR how your actions have influenced change in the sector that you serve
• how D&I is part of the long-term business strategy

A great media brand stands head and shoulders above its peers. They produce content their audience wants, tackle important topics in their sector, inform their communities and have an authoritative voice in their market. This award is for a consumer or business media brand that has demonstrated exceptional performance in the market.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• understanding the needs of its target audience and adapting where multiple communities are being targeted
• a strong commercial performance
• innovation in responding to the changing dynamics of its market and a commitment to sustainability
• a multi-channel approach that creates a deeper engagement with the target audience
• leverage of the brand or extension within the market in which the product operates

Member publications are at the very core of their communities. The winner of this award will be delivering exceptional insight and quality content to inform and update its readers.

For the purpose of this award, a membership publication is a publication produced at least twice a year by or on behalf of an organisation to communicate with its members, be that in print or on a digital platform.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• how the publication meets the organisation's marketing and communication needs

• how it has delivered against clear and specific objectives and a commitment to sustainability

• how it adds value to the member’s relationship with the organisation

• excellent editorial and design

• how the publication sits within the wider organisational strategy

Note: this category is open to both consumer and business media titles and if the judges deem it appropriate, they may choose two winners; one for business/professional membership publication of the year, and one for consumer membership publication of the year.

Successful subscriptions or membership models are at the core of many specialist media businesses. This award recognises the teams utilising audience insight, creative thinking and intelligent use of data to deliver new customers and retain loyal ones.

This award looks to recognise a media brand, publication, campaign or portfolio that has maximised revenue through effective implementation of a new or enhanced subscriptions or membership strategy. This can be focused on acquisition, retention, or both.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• innovation and creativity in approach
• understanding of the target market
• effective use of data to drive conversions
• a strong commercial performance
• deep levels of engagement with its audience or community

Exceptional commercial leaders galvanise teams to positively influence the business P+L. Leading by example, they create a proactive culture implementing impactful sales strategies and learnings that consistently deliver against targets. Their creative thinking and passion helps to convey the power of their brand(s) to customers. The winner of this award will be on top of the latest industry trends, encourage new product development, and excel at securing and maintaining client partnerships.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• development of sales talent within your organisation
• creativity and innovation shown in approach to clients, sales structure and delivering on business objectives
• evidence of an integrated approach with other departments
• a strong commercial performance
  

A great designer really understands their audience and brings to life the essence and personality of their publication or brand. This award is open to the very best Creative Directors, Art Directors or Designers whose vision and craft creates a product that readers want to engage with.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• evidence of how the design work has played a key part in the overall success of the brand/publication
• excellent use of photography, typography and illustration
• imaginative and creative designs, which push boundaries
• an awareness of the needs of the target audience
• how the design work translates across all platforms for the brand/publication

Note: Individuals may enter this category once under one brand/publication only

Strong editorial vision is at the core of a successful brand. This award recognises the editor of a media brand or title whose dedication, drive and vision has ensured that their content is a ‘must read’. They know their audience and deliver a high standard of content that is both trusted and welcomed, putting their brand or publication at the forefront of the market.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following: 

• how their overall contribution has enhanced the success of the brand/publication
• high quality journalism and trusted content
• significant editorial developments and an innovative approach
• understanding of and engagement with the market and/or audience by providing relevant content
• impressive results including audience reach and commercial performance

Note: Individuals may enter this category once under one brand/publication only.

This award is to recognise an individual who has made a significant impact within their business, the team, or the sector within which they work. This award celebrates the bold and visionary individuals who have challenged conventions, transformed the publishing landscape, and inspired others with their remarkable achievements.

Entrants from any job function or specialism are encouraged to enter (please note though that there are specific categories for creative directors and editors).

Entrants should clearly demonstrate:

• personal contribution to the overall vision and strategy
• innovation
• leadership/motivating force within the business (even if not in a leadership role)
• knowledge of the market
• understanding the needs of the audience
  

Let’s hear it for the small but mighty independent publisher, a business that punches above its weight delivering an impressive performance and making significant contributions to the publishing landscape. This celebrates the resilience, creativity, and impact of independent publishing companies with a publishing turnover of less than £5 million per annum.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• knowledge of the market and understanding of the needs of its audience
• a strong commercial performance
• innovation and new developments which elevate the company above its competitors
• ongoing commitment to its community, customers and/or audiences
• how it adapts and responds to market changes and a commitment to sustainability
  

This award celebrates the best of the best – an independent publishing company that has delivered a market-beating performance and is a true example of a business delivering at every level. Entries are open to businesses with an annual publishing turnover of between £5-15 million.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• knowledge of the market and understanding of the needs of its audience
• a strong commercial performance
• innovation and new developments which elevate the company above its competitors
• ongoing commitment to its community, customers and/or audiences
• how it adapts and responds to market changes and a commitment to sustainability
  

Do you go the extra mile for your clients or do you work with a business that does this for you? This award recognises the suppliers to the specialist media industry with an exemplary record of customer service, who regularly over-deliver, ensure challenges are overcome with minimal fuss and proactively suggest initiatives that deliver.

Entries are open to any organisation that supplies a product, platform or service to the industry – from distribution and fulfilment to digital publishing, training, subscription management, printing, marketing, paper, event services and beyond.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• evidence of service levels
• a genuine partnership with publishers
• meeting or exceeding client objectives and expectations
• innovation and creativity in finding solutions
• working towards sustainability alternatives and best working practices

Successful teams are goal-focused, communicate well and support each other to deliver on business objectives. Truly great teams have that bit of extra stardust and magic that means they make a significant impact in their sector, working together to overcome obstacles and collaborating for the benefit of their organisation. This award recognises a team or department that has truly excelled in making a positive and measurable contribution. Eligible teams include, but are not limited to: Content, Creative, Commercial, Marketing, Production, HR, Operations, Subscriptions, Business Development, Events, Community, Membership, and Finance.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• contribution to the overall company strategy
• how the team has exceeded business expectations
• creativity, new approaches, and innovation backed up with solid results
• how the team has supported each other, shared learnings and embraced wellbeing as a priority
• a collaborative approach towards working with other individuals or teams in the business, or external partners

The best writers have a distinct voice, a unique style and an engaging way with words. For individuals who craft compelling copy that connects with an audience, this award is for you.

Entries are open to anyone who writes for a media brand or publication, across one or multiple platforms, and should clearly demonstrate the following:

• original, entertaining and/or engaging writing
• well researched and credible journalism
• content that is appropriate to the relevant audience
• a distinctive personal style
• an understanding of the audience

Note: Individuals may enter this category once under one brand/publication only.

Successful commercial partnerships thrive on commitment to a common goal and mutual success. This award recognises a successful collaboration between a publishing business and commercial partner(s) that has effectively promoted a product, service or brand via any (or multiple) platform(s), be it print, online, face-to-face, events, video, audio, or other offerings.

Hint: Structure your entry around: The Challenge / The Big Idea / Making It Happen / Results. Please include client testimonial(s) where appropriate.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following: 

• a mutually beneficial partnership to all parties
• clear objectives and mutual goals, and how these were met
• evidence of a collaborative and joined up approach
• a strong commercial performance
• creativity and innovation, to generate significant traction amongst the target audience
  

This award is for a standout feature, article, digital broadcast or regular column, that has truly captured the attention of its intended audience and generated a response. Hosted on any platform and whether its objective was to educate, inspire or provoke thought. Submissions can include anything from a feature, article, report, column, video, podcast episode, or any other piece of content produced for an audience or community.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• excellent levels of engagement with its target audience
• how it has changed or broadened the topic of conversation
• a communication style that is appropriate to the relevant audience
• originality, creative flair and an ability to captivate the attention of the audience
• solid research to support the topic matter
  

Products can be game-changing or simply make the life of the user better by existing. This award recognises the brilliant digital products created by media brands and publications that are content or data services led. Entries can include apps, research-based data products, marketing services, digital magazine editions, archives etc.

Note: there are separate categories for podcasts, video and newsletters.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• innovation and creativity in approach
• effective product development
• impressive metrics and audience engagement
• a strong commercial performance or evidence of the product’s success
• how the product contributes to the brand/publication success

Note: products do not have to stem from a printed product.

Events bring our brands to life, allowing interaction with customers and forge closer ties with key audiences. This award will recognise an outstanding event, either in-person, hybrid or virtual, that demonstrates strong results and commercial metrics.

Entries can include but are not limited to an exhibition, awards, conference, experiential event, festival, celebration or anniversary, community event, or any bespoke event, at which the media brand or publisher brings together its target audience.

The event can either stem from an existing parent brand or be a wholly standalone experience.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• evidence of innovation and creativity in approach and a commitment to sustainability
• relevant event format and engaging content
• significant audience reach or measurable results
• a strong commercial performance
• deep levels of engagement with the target audience

For the purpose of this award, an innovation is anything which expands the reach and influence of a brand or publication among an existing/new target audience. Innovations can include (but not restricted to) launches, new products, innovative use of data or audience insights, new methods of working, enhanced communication methods or cultural change.

Entries should demonstrate: 

• significance and value to the audience, whilst adding to the consumer experience
• a creative and innovative approach
• how this innovation has lead to strong commercial performance
• the longer-term vision and sustainability of the relationships and revenues generated
• contribution to the overall company strategy
  

Specialist media businesses recognise a particular community or audience need for content and information. This award recognises the media brand or publication who has successfully created a product or brand to satisfy a gap in the market, delivering a strong commercial performance along the way.

Submissions can be for a launch or relaunch during the eligibility period.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• measurable results detailing the success of the launch/relaunch
• innovation and creativity
• a strong commercial performance
• how it meets the needs of its target audience or community
• deep levels of engagement with its audience or community
  

This category honours the brilliantly crafted newsletters that showcase a unique voice of a business or publication, providing an invaluable touchpoint with its audience. From regular news digests, sharing ideas and insight, to delivering invaluable information and opinion, this award will recognise the creativity and engagement that comes from truly knowing your audience.

Entries can be for newsletters created to complement existing brands or publications, to help launch new ones, or as a standalone product.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following: 

• performance against objectives
• excellent audience engagement and readership figures
• innovation and creativity
• content which meets the needs of the target audience
• well researched topics and trusted content resources

Note: Please ensure you provide audience metrics, open rates, etc.

Truly great podcasts connect specialist media brands with their audiences and engage communities around topics they are passionate about.

This award is for the podcasts which are created to complement existing brands or publications, to help launch new ones or as standalone products. The podcasts can be produced in-house or using external production support.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• excellent audience engagement and listening figures
• innovation and creativity
• content which meets the needs of the target audience
• a strong commercial performance
• well researched topics and trusted content resource

Video can be a powerful tool for a brand or publication, which enhances an existing product, or creates an entirely new product that attracts and engages audiences. This award celebrates those creating compelling and impactful video content, which is used to increase and broaden their value proposition to their audiences.

This can be a standalone video piece, or series that drove engagement and revenues, or a longer term video strategy.

Entries should demonstrate:

• how your video content met and exceeded the business goals and objectives
• how the video content strategy increased audience engagement (please provide metrics) 
• a strong commercial performance
• production quality and creativity
• how you successfully optimised your video and made it accessible for your audience