This award recognises outstanding achievement by small marketing, digital, PR, or communications agencies serving the construction and built environment sector. It is open to agencies with no more than 10 full-time or full-time equivalent employees.
How entries are judged
Entries in this category are assessed against four equally weighted criteria. Each criterion is scored out of 10, giving a total maximum score of 40.
Judges will award marks based on:
- Objectives and strategy (10 points)
Evidence of clear strategic thinking and alignment with client or business goals - Creativity and originality (10 points)
The extent to which the agency demonstrates creativity, innovation, and originality in its work - Measure your own success (10 points)
Evidence of measurable results and the ability to demonstrate impact and effectiveness - Customer handling (10 points)
Strength of client relationships, including satisfaction, retention, and partnership approach
What to include in your entry
Entries should clearly address each of the following areas, which form the basis of judging:
Objectives and strategy
• Demonstrated a strong understanding of client objectives and business challenges
• Showed how strategic thinking informed campaign or programme development
Creativity and originality
• Delivered innovative and creative marketing, communications, or digital solutions
• Demonstrated originality in approach, execution, or problem-solving
Measure your own success
• Provided clear evidence of tangible results across one or more client projects
• Demonstrated how success was measured and how outcomes delivered real value
Customer handling
• Demonstrated high levels of client satisfaction, loyalty, and long-term partnership
• Showed strong communication, responsiveness, and collaboration with clients
Industry-specific examples might include:
- Delivering a highly targeted product launch campaign for a building materials manufacturer
- Creating an integrated digital strategy to support a specialist contractor’s growth into new markets
- Running a successful thought leadership or content marketing programme around sustainability or MMC
- Developing a brand refresh for a regional merchant network to appeal to a broader installer audience
- Supporting a trade association with a member engagement or recruitment campaign
Judges will be looking for agencies that combine creativity, agility, and deep sector knowledge to make a real impact for their clients.
Entrants are asked to submit no more than three case studies of their work which should fit on two pages of an A4 document (submit as a pdf). These should include details of objectives, strategy, creation, delivery, and results.
Entries should include client testimonials and/or third-party verification to support any claims made regarding results or impact.
Interview Process:
Shortlisted entrants in this category will be invited to present their submission to the judging panel online (via Zoom or similar platform). Interview dates are to be confirmed, and full details will be provided to all shortlisted entrants following the initial judges’ meeting in mid-October. Presentations will be made to the judges for the Small Agency of the Year category only.
