The Shortlist

Leader of the Year

Sponsored by Image Experiential

This award celebrates the person at the helm – the marketing leader who sets vision, drives strategy, and inspires the people around them to do their best work. They’re not just managing campaigns, they’re shaping culture, building teams, and raising the bar for what marketing leadership looks like in East Anglia.

Rising Star of the Year

Sponsored by Krow Group

This award shines a spotlight on the newcomers already making their mark. The Rising Star is someone in their first three years of a marketing career who’s showing bold ideas, fresh thinking, and real potential to go far. They’re the ones you notice straight away – full of energy, creativity, and impact beyond their experience.

Freelancer of the Year

Sponsored by Ginger Pickle

This award celebrates the independent marketers carving out their own path. Whether they’re a one-person powerhouse or a specialist collaborator, this is for the freelancers delivering brilliant results, building client trust, and proving that working solo can be just as impactful as working in-house or in an agency.

Role Model of the Year

Sponsored by Ask Stephen

Celebrating someone of any career stage or seniority who leads by example. This award celebrates an individual whose actions, attitude, and achievements inspire those around them – raising the bar for what great marketing leadership looks like. They’re not just good at what they do, they make others better too.

Outstanding Contribution to Marketing

Sponsored by The Marketing Meetup

This award recognises an individual whose career has left a lasting mark on marketing in East Anglia. They might be a pioneer who’s raised the profile of our region, a mentor who’s championed and inspired others, or a leader whose ideas and innovations have changed the way marketing is done. It’s not about a single campaign – it’s about the impact of their journey, and the legacy they’re creating for the industry and community around them.

Excellence in Branding

Sponsored by Brandland

For a bold, distinctive, and consistent brand identity or rebrand. This award celebrates work that nails the balance between strategy and creativity, delivering a brand presence that is both authentic and unforgettable.

Excellence in Storytelling

Sponsored by Select Recruitment

For content or narratives that connect, engage, and leave a lasting impression. This award recognises the marketing that isn’t always measurable – the power of great storytelling to inspire action, build loyalty, and make marketing memorable.

Excellence in Creative Production

Sponsored by SNAP

For imaginative, eye-catching visual work that elevates marketing. This category celebrates outstanding production across photography, video, animation, design, or mixed media that brings ideas to life and makes audiences stop, look, and feel.

Excellence in Innovation

Sponsored by Unmatched

For fresh thinking, bold ideas, or creative risks that push marketing forward. This category celebrates innovation in strategy, execution, or use of technology that challenges conventions and sets new standards.

Excellence in Performance

Sponsored by Pollard Media

For campaigns that delivered measurable results and can prove it. This award recognises the work where strategy, creativity, and execution came together to achieve clear, demonstrable success.

In-House Team of the Year

Sponsored by Pivotal

For in-house marketing teams making a big impact from the inside. This award celebrates teams who deliver exceptional results for their organisation, show creative and strategic thinking, and work together brilliantly to raise the bar for in-house marketing.

Creative Agency of the Year

Sponsored by Signs Express

For creative agencies producing exceptional work with originality and flair. This award celebrates agencies that consistently deliver standout ideas that solve problems, capture attention, and deliver results for their clients.

Marketing Agency of the Year

Sponsored by Swarm Recruitment

For marketing agencies driving results through smart strategy and execution. This award celebrates agencies who deliver measurable impact for their clients and demonstrate excellence in planning, performance, and partnership.

Non-Profit Team of the Year

Sponsored by Zagwear

For marketing teams using their skills to drive social, cultural, or environmental good. This award celebrates non-profit marketing teams who deliver meaningful campaigns, engage communities, and make a measurable difference – often with limited resources.