Looking back on a productive quarter and celebrating with our clients and partners.
From hosting our quarterly team meeting, to seeing our clients soar, and connecting with our awards community at events, last month was a true reflection of what it means to grow together.
Here’s what we’ve been up to.
Reflecting on Q1 Growth
We kicked off July with one of our favourite moments in the calendar, our quarterly team meeting.
This isn’t just a tick-box catch-up. It’s a chance to zoom out and reflect on the real gains we’re making, as individuals, as a team, and as a business.
And we’re so proud to be achieving the following for our clients;
- 90% of our clients were shortlisted for awards in Q1
- 82% of them went on to win
That kind of success isn’t luck. It’s the result of strategic thinking, expert storytelling, and spotlighting real achievement, all backed by the commitment of a high-performing team that truly cares.
We also gave space for each department to share updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes wins. Whether it’s client delivery, partnerships, or operations, understanding how every part of the business is growing helps us stay motivated and aligned.
Celebrating 40 Years of Impact with The Marketing Society Awards
Donna had the pleasure and privilege of judging and attending the finals of the 2025 Marketing Society Awards.
From the instantly recognisable Milky Bar Kid to modern campaigns like Virgin Media’s “Daisy vs the Scammers”, the ceremony was a celebration of legacy, creativity, and connection.
The level of competition this year was unbelievable, but Donna and the judges were thrilled to award the AA for their outstanding brand communications. Their incredible legacy of ads and communications have quite literally driven them into the instantly recognisable and reliable brand voice we know today.
With so many iconic campaigns in the spotlight, judging was no easy task. But it was a powerful reminder of why recognition matters and how effective storytelling underpins the most memorable, impactful brands.
Relationship-Driven Recognition
July was an action-packed month not just for us, but for our brilliant partners.
Donna and August Sales & Partnership Manager, Brooke, joined ActionCOACH UK at their Summer Bash, a beautiful evening of networking, pizza, fizz, and plenty of good conversation on a London rooftop.
The next day, they were up bright and early for the Speaker Awards & Summit, hosted by Elliot Kay and team. And what a day it was,hundreds of inspiring speakers, a full schedule of insights, panels, and workshops, and a night of celebration, connection, and recognition.
A vital event in a speaker’s calendar which demonstrates how awards can help speakers become the go-to names in their niche.
It’s moments like these that strengthen our belief: our partners matter. They’re part of our extended team and we’re proud to work alongside people who are generous, ambitious, and rooted in impact.
“The part of my job I love the most is conversations, building relationships, and uncovering opportunities through human connection. This is where I thrive.”
Brooke Gwynne, August Sales and Partnership Manager
Focus on the Fun Stuff with Emma Mills
This month, Donna guest starred on the Focus on the Fun Stuff podcast hosted by founder of Award Winning Virtual PA agency Mi PA, and productivity and outsourcing expert Emma Mills.
In the episode, Donna and Emma discussed everything from the red flags to look for in dodgy awards, the truth about pricing power, credibility, and positioning, how awards really help you land corporate contracts and what to avoid when using AI.
And so much more you really won't find anywhere else.
You can listen to the full episode here. We promise it’s full of takeaways that will either save you money or make you money. Possibly both.
Supporting Ambitious Brands Behind the Scenes: The King’s Awards for Enterprise
While we’ve been out and about, we’ve also been busy supporting UK businesses on their journey to the King’s Awards for Enterprise.
The 2026 application deadline – Tuesday 9th September 2025 – is fast approaching, preparation is key with the King’s Awards for Enterprise so this month we’ve been;
- Conducting eligibility assessments
- Advising on the best category choice and developing their winning story
- Preparing written nominations and impactful supporting evidence designed to win
If you think your business could be a contender for the King’s Awards for Enterprise, don’t wait until it’s too late. Get assessed now, and let’s find out if the UK’s most prestigious award could be part of your growth story.
July Client Wins Making an Impact on a Global Scale
And of course, once again we are delighted to continue achieving an outstanding shortlist and win rate for our clients.
In fact, this month the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards announced their shortlist, and we’re thrilled to share that our clients achieved a 100% success rate. Next steps, presentations to the judges, then the finals in November!
Take a look at some of the award shortlists and wins from this month, and, as always, huge congratulations to all.
Shortlistings
Building Awards
FT Innovative Lawyers Europe
Global Good Finance Awards
Growing Business Awards
H&V News Awards
Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards
Marketing Week Awards
National Building & Construction Awards
National Sustainability Awards
Stevies for Technology Excellence
Stevies for Great Employers
UC Today Awards
UK Business Tech Awards
UK Customer Experience Awards
“Being a finalist in the Best Businesswomen Awards is a huge achievement… thank you Donna O’Toole and the whole team for all your help”
Wins
Education Awards
Electric Vehicle Awards
Construction News Awards
Digital Construction Awards
Energy Awards
International Sustainability Awards
Getting Results in Q2
If July has shown us anything, it’s that growth can be more than just numbers.
It’s the relationships we deepen.
The insight we gain.
The pride we feel in each other and our clients.
And the momentum we build, quarter by quarter.
As we step into August – our founding month and namesake, we’re excited to carry this energy forward and help even more brilliant brands earn the recognition they deserve.
If you’re ready to start getting the results you deserve, or if you’re wondering whether your business could win a King’s Award?
Book your free awards discovery call and let’s talk winning tactics.
