Updated for 2026 (UK): The top UK PR industry awards in 2026 are the PRCA National Awards (May), CIPR Excellence Awards (September), PRWeek Awards (October), PRovoke Global SABRE Awards, and the European Excellence Awards. Winning PR industry awards drives new business, helps hiring, and compounds agency reputation.
Major UK PR awards 2026
- PRCA National Awards (submissions Feb-Mar, awards May).
- CIPR Excellence Awards (submissions May-Jun, awards September).
- PRWeek UK Awards (submissions Jun-Jul, awards October).
- PRovoke SABRE Awards EMEA (submissions Mar-Apr, awards May).
- European Excellence Awards (submissions Jul-Aug, awards November).
Common categories in 2026
- Best B2B campaign.
- Best B2C campaign.
- Best crisis management.
- Best digital campaign.
- Best agency of the year.
- Best in-house team.
How to win UK PR industry awards
- Choose the right category. Read the criteria carefully and enter only where your work is a strong fit.
- Tell a clear story. Judges look for a defined challenge, a smart strategy, good execution and measurable results.
- Prove the results. Link outcomes to business objectives, not just volume of coverage. Evidence beats adjectives.
- Follow the format. Stick to word limits, include the requested supporting material and check every figure.
- Start early. Collect evidence during the campaign so the entry is easy to write when deadlines arrive.
Why UK PR industry awards matter
- They give independent recognition that helps win new clients.
- They help with recruitment and staff morale.
- They encourage teams to measure campaigns properly.
- Shortlists and wins create their own news stories.
Awards for clients, not just agencies
Many businesses also enter sector awards in their own industries. A win in a respected trade award is a strong PR story in itself. Add awards deadlines to your PR calendar so they are not missed.
FAQs
Are UK PR industry awards worth the entry fee?
For strong, well-evidenced work, often yes. Choose a few relevant awards rather than entering everything.
Where are award dates published?
Each organiser publishes its own timetable; check the PRCA and CIPR websites for current deadlines, as dates can change each year.