NEW WEBINAR: HOW TO WIN AN UNAWARD

Winning an UnAward is a very special thing.

But how can you win one?

Find out exactly how by getting the inside track from past winners, partners, sponsors and current judges in this all-new webinar.

by Darren Caveney

The 11th annual UnAwards are open until 29 October, midnight.

You can find out all about it HERE.

The impact an award shortlisting can have…

I’ve seen first hand the difference an award shortlisting or win can make to an individual and to a team. Even an organisation. I truly believe that they’re a very important part of what we do.

External, independent recognition makes us feel good, yes, but it’s also an important endorsement that what we do makes a real difference and is considered to be good practice.

They look pretty good on the CV too.

I see brilliant work every single week on my travels around the UK working with teams.

But some teams are convinced that they haven’t done anything good enough to enter.

I disagree – everyone has delivered good and valued work in the past 12 months.

Now is the time to showcase your work – no one else will do this for you

It’s absolutely a time to be selfish and to spend some time on you and your work and to get an entry in, and see how far it can go.

The phrase “in it to win” is much over-used but it does however still ring true.

So what’s this new webinar?

It’s a one-off chance to hear from past winners, current judges and sponsors who will share their trade secrets about what has gone in to an UnAward win and, importantly, what the judges look for.

You can pitch in with questions to our extra special panel too.

When is it?

Thursday 15 October, 12 noon - 1pm.

Fancy it?

We’ll do it on Teams and you can register below.

if you can’t be there we’ll make the recording available if you sign up.

But try to be there – it will be a fun hour that might just help you get an UnAward win.

REGISTER HERE

Darren Caveney is creator and owner of comms2point0 and Creative Communicators Ltd and creator of the UnAwards

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a glimpse behind the scenes of the UnAwards

It’s Thursday morning and, between (expensive) errands like taking the dog to the groomers, I am working away on some UnAwards work. Given that they’re in their 11th year now - and pretty popular with the comms community - I thought I might share a few behind the scenes insights to reveal some of what goes on working on my number one passion project.

by Darren Caveney

Like all good comms projects I have a to do list. I have tried all sorts of approaches to ‘to do’ lists over the years. I have a spreadsheet for the attendees list, for example. But I have to be honest, my favourite to do list method these days is the simple notepad and pen. I can scan it into an AI platform and do all sorts with this, should I want to. But I am partial to paper, still. So that’s where we begin.

My UnAwards top 10 to do list currently includes:

1. UnAwards entries

I check the dashboard daily: Which categories are most popular so far, and which might need an extra push? As always, I would like there to be more entries in the bag, but the data each year tells me that communicators tend to enter towards the end of the window.

2. Ticket sales

I checked progress today – they are ticking along nicely. It’s the tricky balance of getting as many organisations in the 141 capacity cinema as possible vs ensuring as many shortlisted people are there as is possible.

3. Sponsor check-in

There are 12 official partners and sponsors. Wonderful people, with services which help us all. I need to update them with the latest on the UnAwards and also promote the fact they are once again supporting the UnAwards.

4. The Judges

I don’t judge the UnAwards. I never have and I never will. There is a team of 35 independent judges who give over their time to judge around 600 entries each year. It’s vital that the process is pure and transparent. Having recently judged the Orlo awards I know that this is an important job which requires care, attention and time. So, I need to message all of the judges and check they are still happy to be involved again this year.

5. Venue liaison

Our fabulous venue – The Everyman Cinema, Birmingham - is all booked and deposits are paid. I need to confirm the catering but that can wait.  I also need to arrange a tech test the week of the ceremony. And, I need to confirm the film choice (to see if it’s possible and affordable)

6. The film

Oh the film choice. Probably the single most difficult thing I do. Choosing a film for myself would be simple. Choosing one for 140 other people to enjoy is much trickier. I currently have four films on a shortlist. And this year, for the first time, I’m thinking it would be good to have a small selection group to run the options by. I think I may have a gem. But getting a second set of opinions probably makes sense. So, I need to contact this group.

7. The Website

This is just basics each week, like checking the analytics, ensuring everything is still working, adding new blog post content. So far, so good.

8. Artwork: Winners certificates and ceremony slide deck

Alive with Ideas have done outstanding work here. If I was still in-house I would badly want one of these hanging on my wall and would try hard to win one. I have seen a glimpse of some new artwork for this and it looks so good.

9. Prizes and goodies

Still on my to do list is the sourcing of prizes for winners, and goodies for attendees. A fun thing to have to do but something I need to think about, order and tick off the list.

10. Indian Streetfood

It’s tradition that we have a pre-UnAwards gathering at the Indian Streatery in Brum, the evening before the ceremony. It’s a lovely place – family run with delicious food. I have booked it for UnAwards and Masterclass events almost 20 times now and they always deliver. I just need to check in on our reservation, the costs, and how many places we can have. Normally around 26, though we have had as many as 35 there.

That nagging feeling…

Do you ever get that nagging feeling that you have forgotten something on your to do lists? Hmmm, I currently have that…

Get entering now

There are 22 categories and it’s free and simple to enter.

You can enter multiple categories on a single entry form too.

Entries close on 29 October, midnight – please note they are never extended

More info at the dedicated UnAwards website HERE

Darren Caveney is creator and owner of both comms2point0 and the UnAwards, and the owner of creative communicators ltd

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The 11th annual UnAwards launch TODAY

If you’re new to the UnAwards, they're the most exciting, accessible and fun industry awards around. Loved by many, they are back even bigger and better than before and now is the time to showcase your best work.

by Darren Caveney

2026 has been more of the same for communicators everywhere - stretched, busy, in demand, and with a groaning inbox and to do list. But still you have delivered brilliant and important work.

So, as summer turns to autumn, it’s time to launch the 11th annual UnAwards and get you, your teams and the industry proudly entering and showcasing your best work. Now is not the time to let it pass and wait until next year. Instead try and get yourself shortlisted for an UnAward to really put your work on the organisational map.

The UnAwards are a huge passion of mine. They were established to recognise the hard work, creativity, successes of the communications and PR industry, largely but not exclusively by any means in the public sector.

They are truly accessible and do not run to generate a profit. They exist to celebrate and fly a flag for good people doing good things.

Something I think are now even more important than ever before.

WHAT DO I MEAN BY ACCESSIBLE?

Well, for starters it’s £free to enter

For seconds, it’s the simplest entry form you’ll find anywhere. Here is the ENTRY FORM, courtesy of UnAwards partners, CAN Digital. You can enter multiple categories with a single entry form too.

And for thirds, if you manage to bag a golden ticket to the most fun awards ceremony around it will cost you just £30.

I hope you’ll agree that definitely classes as accessible.

NEW TO THE UNAWARDS?

Well, there's more here but in a nutshell they have grown to become a significant event in the comms calendar.

There are 22 categories, so something for everyone.

Even better you can enter the same piece of work in multiple categories to increase your chances of being shortlisted.

And if you come along to the big day – shortlisted or not – you’ll enjoy one of the very best networking events of the year. I describe it as the best work day of the year.

Oh, and you get to watch a classic movie, which always remains a closely guarded secret until the day.

THE UNAWARDS IN NUMBERS…

• 11th annual UnAwards

• 600 entries last time

• 22 categories

• 3 public votes categories to decide winners

• 2.5k public votes last year

• 35 external judges

• 140 attendees

THE UNAWARDS – THEY KEEP ON GIVING...

Each year the winners are invited to showcase their winning work at the popular UnAwards Winners Masterclass in the new year. Also free to attend. More on that another time.

HOW DO I ENTER AND WHAT IS THE DEADLINE?

The cool new online entry form can be found HERE.

And the closing date is Thursday 29 October, at midnight. Please, please remember that the closing date is NEVER extended.

WHEN IS IT AND HOW CAN I ATTEND?

The 11th annual awards will be held at its iconic home - the Everyman Cinema in the Mailbox, Birmingham - on Friday 4 December at 9am for a 9.30am start.

Tickets cost just £30 + vat and will go on sale on 16 September via this website. Please remember it’s always a sell out so don’t be slow to buy.

And there’s more…

There will be a pre-UnAwards social at the comms world’s favorite Brum restaurant, The Indian Streatery on 3 December. The food is delicious and I’ve agreed a £28 per head menu that you’ll love. If you’d like to join us you can register HERE.

So, ‘People of Comms’

How often have you heard the phrase – comms and PR people are bad at their own comms and PR?

That really shouldn’t be the case should it? Would you buy the services of a web agency who had a terrible web site?

So, it’s time to kill that one off for good.

It's time to promote our successes – shout about them, if not quite from the rooftops then at least down the corridors of power. Let’s be proud and celebrate our achievements.

Other professions do, and some may deliver a hell of a lot less than you do.

So, embrace this rallying call and book out some time in your diaries to pull together your entries and showcase your best work.

No one else will do this for you.

That other non-important work demand which can stifle – meetings, ad-hoc requests, multiple distractions and the “could you just…” passing trade won’t go away. Ever.

But you might have a rather nice UnAward hanging proudly on your office wall. So be a little selfish with your time for once.

Darren Caveney is creator and owner of both comms2point0 and the UnAwards, and the owner of creative communicators ltd

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NEW WEBINAR - UNAWARDS WINNERS SPECIAL

More big news for you - a special UnAwards Winners Masterclass webinar has been organised for 28 April.

by Darren Caveney

Jointly hosted with UnAwards partner, CAN Digital, this all new webinar will give you the chance to hear from an additional 8 winners, as they lift the lid on the secrets behind their winning work.

The webinar runs 12.30 - 2pm.

Featuring 8 brilliant winners…

Best internal comms – London Borough of Havering, Darren Bindloss and Sanchia Cook

Best social media account – Kristina Fox, Norfolk County Council

Best behaviour change – Sibi Cole, National Crime Agency

Best small team – Alex Knight and Matt Watts, Priory Group

Best creative comms – Charlotte Parker, Bedfordshire Police

Best use of data – Sian Mansbridge, Surrey County Council

Best collaboration - London Borough of Havering, Ben Vaughan and Shefali Gaur

Best use of evaluation/research – Alex Rippon, National Crime Agency

This webinar is in addition to the Masterclass taking place on 21 April, and which is sold out. The winners taking part in the webinar are separate to the Masterclass winners so you’ll want to hear from them.

Sign up here​ and below to get yourself a front row seat.

UNAWARDS WINNERS MASTERCLASS 2026 - YOUR GUIDE TO THE BIG DAY

It’s back - the best free learning event in the comms calendar - the UnAwards Winners Masterclass.

by Darren Caveney

The UnAwards 2025 generated a staggering 593 entries and the quality of the work submitted was higher than ever.

Attending the Masterclass each year is a unique opportunity to hear, first hand, the experiences, tips and lessons which lie behind the winners’ work.

The event is a 140 capacity SELLS OUT - Please email me if you would like to join the waiting list, at darrencaveney@gmail.com

Here’s your guide to the big day on 21 April…

Pre event meal - 7.30pm at Indian Streatery, Bennetts Hill B2 5QP on Monday 20 April. Places are limited - you can sign up HERE.

The Masterclass will take place on Tuesday 21 April 2026 at The UnAwards’ spiritual home, The Everman Cinema, in Birmingham’s Mailbox, just a 9-10 minute walk from New Street train station.

AGENDA - UNAWARDS WINNERS MASTERCLASS 2026

9.30       Registration, tea, coffee and pastries

10           Welcome to the day – Darren Caveney, owner of comms2point0 and UnAwards organiser

10.10      Best young comms professional – James Bird, Ealing Council

10.30     Best low cost comms – Paul Butler and Joanna McKibben, NHS England

10.50     Staffordshire Special: Best comms professional, Clare Abbott and best social media campaign, Freya Dawson and Lily Saeidi

11.10     Break

11.30    Best use of video – Magda Ibrahim, Wandsworth Council

11.50     Best human x AI collaboration – Alan Oram, Alive with Ideas

12.10    Morning winners panel Q&A

12.25    Partner Panel Q&A: Your chance to learn more about the latest in comms, design, social media, data, online campaigns, behaviour change and effective engagement – Orlo, CAN Digital, Local Government Association, e-shot, Alive with Ideas, Grey Fox Communications and Marketing, Letterbox Distribution, Seashell Communications, Whetstone Communications and Ruby Bhattal Coaching and Consultancy

12.40      Lunch

1.30        Bedfordshire Special: Best crisis comms – Leanne Ehren Ben Raza, Julie Allen and Victoria Cusack, Bedfordshire Local Resilience Forum

1.50        Best social media account – Olivia Mante, Lewisham Council

2.10       Best guest post – Jack Grasby, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

2.30       Coffee break

2.50        Best comms team – Phil Parker, Telford and Wrekin Council

3. 10      Lifetime achievement winner – Eva Duffy

3.40        Afternoon winners panel Q&A

3.55        Reflections and wrap up

4pm        Finish, with drinks and chat in the Everyman diner afterwards for those who fancy staying on. Plus, more informal drinks are being organised at a follow-up venue for those who would like to stay longer.

UnAwards Winners Masterclass - After Party

If you're coming to the UnAwards Winners Masterclass on 21 April there is a special after-party celebration too.

It starts from 6pm and will take place at Society, a lovely street food market.

More info and sign up HERE.  

Huge thanks…

to the official UnAwards Winners Masterclass partners and sponsors for making this event possible 🖤

• CAN Digital

• Local Government Association

• Orlo

• e-shot

• Letterbox Distribution

• Alive with Ideas

• Grey Fox Marketing

• Whetstone Communications

• Seashell Communications

• Ruby Bhattal Coaching and Consultancy

Darren Caveney is creator and owner of comms2point0 and creative communicators ltd and organiser of the UnAwards.

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Sound good? Join over 4.2k other comms people who have subscribed. You can sign up to it right here

UNAWARDS WINNERS MASTERCLASS 2026 - TICKETS ANNOUNCED

SOLD OUT

All free Masterclass tickets have now sold - if you would like to join the waiting list please message me HERE.

It’s back - the best free learning event in the comms calendar - the UnAwards Winners Masterclass.

The UnAwards 2025 generated a staggering 600 entries and the quality of the work submitted was higher than ever.

Attending the Masterclass each year is a unique opportunity to hear, first hand, the experiences, tips and lessons which lie behind the winners’ work.

The event is a 140 capacity and always SELLS OUT.

Tickets are £free and can be grabbed via two free ticket releases*

The Masterclass will take place on Tuesday 21 April 2026 at The UnAwards’ spiritual home, The Everman Cinema, in Birmingham’s Mailbox, just a 7-8 minute walk from New Street train station.

The Masterclass will run from 10am - 4pm, with registration from 9am.

Pre event meal - 7.30pm at Indian Streatery, Bennetts Hill B2 5QP on Monday 20 April (limited places) Book HERE.

Post event drinks - Everyman Cinema Bar and Diner, 4pm onwards, 21 April.

*SIGN UP TO THE COMMS2POINT0 EMAG HERE TO HEAR FIRST AND FASTEST ABOUT TICKET RELEASES

A special, special day – reflecting on the 10th UnAwards

A few days on and I still have a lovely warm glow from the incredible 10th annual UnAwards.

by Darren Caveney

I spent last weekend wading through lovely messages and chatter on social and email, reflecting on the love, celebration, connection and atmosphere at the UnAwards 2025.

I’ve said it many, many times before but I’m so fortunate to be able to run and host the UnAwards. Plus, it’s a great excuse to unleash the velvet once a year. But this year featured an all-new number. More on that later.

I always say that the UnAwards is the best work day of the year. I’m biased but it really is. The feedback from many of you is that you love it too.

Thank you to everyone who made it possible and who came along and supported it.

What a room-full of talent we had in the 141 capacity audience.

Here are some reflections…

Glorious winners

24 winners were crowned, and 31 entrants gained highly commended status. From a mammoth near 600 entries that’s a huge achievement.

A few honorable mentions…

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service grabbed 7 (seven) shortlistings, winning one category, as well as boss Jack Grasby becoming the first man EVER to win the best guest post UnAward.

The National Crime Agency picked up a double, with wins in Best use of evaluation and research, and best use of behaviour change.

NHS England picked up best low cost comms UnAward in a category which saw a staggering 65 entries.

Local Government were the big winners with 11 UnAwards, including best comms team for Telford and Wrekin.

Clare Abbotts of Staffordshire County Council won best comms professional, and James Bird of Ealing Council best young comms pro. What a talent.

And Eva Duffy picked up the prestigious Lifetime Achievement UnAward, presented by past winners Fran Collingham, Ruby Bhattal and Jayne Surman. Eva looked happy, it was lovely to see.

You can see the full winners’ list here.

Well done to everyone.

But the most important thing to me – always - is that, whether you won or nor, or entered or not, you had a fun day. I hope we delivered on that outcome.

New faces

Over half of the audience were there for the first time. I just love that. If that’s you, please let me know how you found it.

Attendees travelled from Scotland, Wales and England.

Many attendees have been to the UnAwards multiple times. There were a couple of 9-time attendees in the room – Ian Curwen and Luke Williams - plus ever-present 10-star Adrian Stirrup. That’s quite a record.

Smile…

We had a new photographer this year, who took so many snaps her battery ran out! You can find the official pics HERE.

Tunes and Fusion

Ben Capper and Mark Gardner did us proud with the music – over 250 of you had requested songs to be played, and so each of the 24 winners walked on to their own favourite tune.

What’s the film, Darren?

During the past couple of weeks almost every conversation I seemed to have with a comms person centred on the choice of film for the UnAwards!

I think some people were more excited about learning the identity of the secret movie choice than the actual UnAwards and ceremony itself, which I love and which makes me smile.

My friend Andrew Walked has written about the film, better than I could, in a great UnAwards post HERE.

A new look

So many people fed back on how much they loved the new look branding for the UnAwards this year. I know I did. Huge thanks to the talented Alan Oram and Alive with Ideas.

Saul Bass-inspired, each winner’s certificate was a very cool poster based on a well known movie. I would love one on my wall.

The finest threads

Talking of a new look, I was spoiled rotten with a brand new velvet jacket - handmade in India, courtesy of sponsor Ruby Bhattal. As well as a WBC style boxing belt, courtesy of Alan Oram. My kids will be mortified by the posed pout on my photograph 😂

A lovely surprise

At the end the was an unplanned (to me at least) takeover where some naughty people surprised me with an UnAward on my own, a cup and a very touching video featuring all sorts of friends and colleagues I know from the industry. Thank you for this - I had no idea and it was lovely moment.

What next?

Well, I’m looking forward to reading through the entries as I haven’t had a chance to look at yet, and with some down time looming in a couple of weeks.

The vast majority of the 593 entries this year will go into an updated new COMMS:FILES – surely the largest new treasure trove of commsy goodness anywhere and all free to access and browse.

And pencil in Friday 4 December 2025 for the 11th annual UnAwards. We have big plans for it already.

I will again organise the UnAwards Winners Masterclass for the spring when we will get as many winners as possible into the room for the best free learning day of the year.

Giving

Each year the UnAwards supports a charity and this year it’s one which is important me and a loved one – the Epilepsy Society. A wonderful charity which offers support and help often not available elsewhere. If you would like to support them you can do HERE. Thank you.

Saying thanks…

Thank you to everyone who entered. Finding the time to enter can be tricky I know but it’s always a useful exercise and opportunity for self-evaluation and reflection, in my experience.

Thank you so much to everyone who came to the big day. I hope you enjoyed it. That’s always the aim.

Thank you to the army of 35 judges for their hard work and skills.

And special thanks too to the official UnAwards 2025 partners and sponsors: CAN Digital, Alive with Ideas, Orlo, e-shot, the Local Government Association, Perago, Letterbox Distribution, Seashell Communications, Grey Fox Communications and Marketing, Whetstone Communications, the Behaviour Change Network and Ruby Bhattal Coaching and Consultancy.

And finally

I came to realise a couple of years ago that the UnAwards is absolutely not my event. It’s the community’s event. And a big team are responsible for its success. It would be nothing without the people who make it happen and elevate it sky high with a hell of a lot of love and enthusiasm

And it’s STILL the best work day of the year. This one may have been my best ever 🖤

Darren Caveney is creator and owner of comms2point0 and creative communicators ltd and organiser of the UnAwards.

the unawards 2025 - your guide to the big day

After a three-month build-up the UnAwards 2025 is almost here. Here’s your guide to the sold out big day…

by Darren Caveney

Now in their 10th year, there has never been a more important role for the UnAwards in saluting, recognising and celebrating the work of communicators across our industry. Most of you are working under tough conditions. Some of you are constantly adapting to smaller resources and increased demands amid a backdrop of restructures and constant change. And most are just busy delivering damned fine work.

The UnAwards is my own way of giving a little bit back to an industry which has been very good to me. I take huge pride and pleasure in being able to take a decent chunk of time out each year, away from the day-to-day consultancy work, to organise the UnAwards and to help fly a flag – in my own small way – for our communications community.

The big day

If you have managed to secure a ticket to the UnAwards 2025, thanks and well done – it’s a total sell out (please message me to join the waiting list if you want to be there)

Win or not you’re in for a great day where we can come together to celebrate your hard work across the year.

The UnAwards is my favourite work day of the year. It’s quite unlike any other industry event I’ve been to.

Not winning…

Of course, if you’re shortlisted but don’t win, you’ll be disappointed.

With a record-breaking 593 entries and 112 on the shortlist, across 22 categories, it’s stating the obvious in saying that not everyone can win. Some incredibly good work wasn’t shortlisted such was the volume of entries and sheer competition.

If you’ve been to a traditional awards event, paid handsomely for it, and left empty-handed it can feel like a massive anti-climax. I know, I have experienced that.

The UnAwards is different

The UnAwards aims to give everyone a fun day whatever the results.

The day is designed so that win or not you can genuinely enjoy a fun event and a unique opportunity to connect with industry colleagues new and old. That in itself is reason to be there.

Announcing the winners and snaps of the big day

I’ll be posting the winners names to the UnAwards website after the event.

We also have a photographer snapping and filming the event and I’ll get these online as soon as possible.

Timings, ceremony, film and food

The venue for the UnAwards 2025 is our spiritual home, the very cool Everyman Cinema up on the third floor of Birmingham's Mailbox, B1 1 RF.

If you are driving I recommend you park in the Mailbox car park – not the cheapest but nearest and best. Sat Nav code is B1 1RS.

If you are coming by train the Everyman Cinema in the Mailbox is a 10-12 minute walk – leave New Street Station via the Victoria Square exits and turn left. Cross the road carrying straight on at the lights and you’ll see the large red Mailbox buillding straight ahead of you.

If you’re coming along aim to be at the venue by 9.00am for registration, a mug of fresh coffee and a croissant. The UnAwards ceremony will begin at 9.45am sharp.

After the ceremony we’re watching a brilliant film, kept a closely-guarded secret until the day.

After the film we’ll have food in the diner – there’s a selection of veggie and non-veggie sharing plates to tuck into and be done by 3pm. I expect plenty of you may the stay behind for a pre-christmas celebratory tipple. And why not.

From 5pm many of us will be jumping in an Uber to 1000 Trades bar in Brum’s lovely Jewellery Quarter for drinks and food. It would be great if you can join us.

And the dress code is…

Whatever you fancy. Literally. This is NOT black tie, as you’ll have guessed 😊 But if you want to come in your fancy clobber then go for it. I will, as always, be showcasing velvet! Why don’t you join me.

Music to your ears - A Fusion Radio UnAwards takeover

Brand new for the UnAwards this year, we’re taking over Fusion Radio between 7am and 7pm - perfect for your trip to the big day.

Over 250 of you requested songs when you entered the UnAwards and ALL of them will be played on the station on UnAwards day.

Even better, if you win an UnAward, you’ll get a namecheck alongside your chosen track.

Search fusionradio.uk to listen to this fab station. Sounds different.

Fancy a pre-UnAwards social gathering?

You have snapped up almost all of the 30 places we have reserved at Brum’s favourite restaurant - The Indian Streatery. Tables are booked for 7.30pm. Put your name on the list HERE.

If you would like to be there too you could see if there are any tables free and come and join the fun. Their smoked aubergine curry is a thing of beauty. Just saying.

Giving back

Each year the UnAwards donates to an important charity.

This year it’s the Epilepsy Society, who have provided incredible support to a loved one over the past two years.

Epilepsy has a huge impact on the people affected, and around 80 people a week develop it in the UK, many in later life.

A small donation would make a real difference

 You can donate HERE.

Thank you

Saying thanks

Thanks so much for your support again this year, it means an awful lot. Everyone who entered, posted and supported.

Thanks to the panel of 35 external judges, who tackled an enormous challenge this year.

Special thanks too to the official UnAwards 2025 partners and sponsors: CAN Digital, the Local Government Association, Alive With Ideas, Orlo, e-shot, Perago, Letterbox Distribution, Whetstone Communications, Grey Fox Communications and Marketing, Seashell Communications, Ruby Bhattal Coaching and Consultancy, and the Behaviour Change Network. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – there would be no UnAwards without you.

I really look forward to seeing you on Friday 5 December

Darren Caveney is owner and creator of comms2point0, creative communicators and organiser of the UnAwards

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THE UNAWARDS 2025 SHORTLISTS ARE LIVE

It's here. Almost 3 months after their launch, the shortlists in the 10th annual UnAwards are LIVE.

by Darren Caveney

With a record-equalling 593 entries this year the team of 35 external judges have had an almighty job deciding on the shortlists. But decide they have.

The magic link to the shortlists is HERE.

You choose - The public vote is OPEN

Remember to choose your favourites in the three public vote categories: Best Comms Team, Best Guest Post of 2025, and the Lifetime Achievement UnAward.

You can do that now HERE. The public vote closes on Monday 24 November, midnight.

Ticket scramble...

If you're shortlisted there now begins a scramble for tickets to be at the big day. The capacity is strictly limited to 141 and the event sells out every year.

Tickets are limited to two per organisation max in order to get as many of you there as possible.

Get your tickets HERE.

I will also set up a waiting list so please message me once tickets are sold out and I will add you to this.

I'm so excited to see you at our spiritual home - the Everyman Cinema, Birmingham - on Friday 5 December to announce the winners, and to celebrate your incredible efforts again this year. You genuinely are all winners.

Good luck

Saying thanks

Huge thanks go to the team of 35 external judges who who undertaken the task of creating our shortlist. I am so grateful to all of you.

• Ruby Bhattal

• Dee Cowburn

• Alan Oram

• Victoria Ford

• Chris Elias

• Adeeba Hussain

• Emily Patel

• Alex Waddington

• Tasneem Shahpurwala

• Sarah Roberts

• Matt Nicholls

• Sadie Burgess

• Dan Hare

• Laurel Smithson

• Carla Ryan-Griffiths

• James Morton

• Ian Curwen

• Ben Capper

• Paul Masterman

• Mandy Pearse

• Ross Wigham

• Emma Rodgers

• Graeme Davidson

• Andrew Walker

• Jude Tipper

• Saranne Postans

• Louisa Dean

• Holly Bremner

• John-Paul Danon

• Mark Gardner

• Helena Hornby

• Gemma Scorey

• Georgia Turner

• Sally Northeast

• Dominic Ridley-Moy

• Amanda Nash

I owe you all.

Darren 💙

Darren Caveney is creator and owner of both comms2point0 and the UnAwards, and the owner of creative communicators ltd

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Something astonishing happened yesterday

My email inbox went into meltdown under the weight of UnAwards entries as the midnight deadline loomed last night.

It was the busiest day in the 10-year history of the UnAwards.

by Darren Caveney

Remarkably, a monster 593 entries have been submitted – matching exactly the record-breaking 2024 total.

The title for the latest entry was also matched – not once but twice - with two separate entries both landing at 23.59pm. It’s true – comms people really do love a deadline.

It’s over now to an army of 35 judges who will work through every entry and give us our shortlist. They have their work cut out.

The shortlist will be published on Monday 17 November.

The full UnAwards timeline can be seen here.

Tickets for the event always sell out, and it’s strictly first come, first served. It’s the fairest way.

You can buy up to two tickets per team, available here. They are just £30 + vat each.

Thank you to everyone who entered. I mean it when I say you’re all stars, all winners, and you make me proud to work in the best industry there is.

I’m very fortunate to be able to run the UnAwards. It takes up a lot of my time but it’s the best thing I do.

Good luck to everyone.

And I look forward to seeing many of you at the UnAwards ceremony at its spiritual home, the Everyman Cinema Birmingham, on Friday 5 December 🖤

Darren Caveney is creator and owner of both comms2point0 and the UnAwards, and the owner of creative communicators ltd

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UnAwards Fusion Radio takeover

We’re doing something a bit special to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the UnAwards – and it’ll be music to your ears.

by Mark Gardner

Brand new for the UnAwards, when you submit your entries, you get the chance to choose a tune that relates to that entry. Or else just one of your own music faves.

And you’ll get to hear it on the brilliant online station FusionRadio.uk – which we are taking over for the whole UnAwards ceremony day of 5 December!

Even better, if you win an UnAward, you’ll get a namecheck alongside your chosen track.

FusionRadio.uk has been delivering on its promise – “Sounds Different” – for almost a year now. It plays pop, rock and alternative music with a pulse from the 1960s till now.

UnAwards organiser Darren presents his own show “Sunday Sounds” at 9pm on Fusion each week. Do tune in to hear his choice of indie with a twist live or on catch-up. And other leading comms pros from our industry have shows too - Helena Hornby, Ian Curwen and James Morton. Do check them out.

Enter UnAwards by the 28 October (midnight) deadline for your chance to pick a track. There’s a space for your choice on the entry form: www.comms2point0unawards.co.uk/reservations

It’s free to enter. We want to celebrate the best of communications from the public sector and its partners.

And search “fusionradio.uk” to listen to this fab station. Sounds different.

Mark Gardner is owner and creator of Fusion Radio

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The comms2point0 eMag features exclusive new content, free give-aways, special offers, first dibs on new events and much, much more.

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