Creative Awards – 2026 Categories
Celebrating Creativity in the North and Scotland!
The Prolific North Creative Awards are back in 2026, celebrating the North’s unrivalled creative brilliance!
We’re always on the hunt for the most exceptional organisations, projects and teams across the North of England and Scotland – and 2026 is no exception. From standout campaigns that stop you in your tracks to agencies and teams that consistently push boundaries, it’s all here.
Entries are now CLOSED
Recognising Campaigns
Advertising Campaign: Micro, Small & Large
Advertising Campaign: Micro, Small & Large
Stand-out marketing campaigns have a way of sticking with us and getting noticed.
Irrespective of the ad format or device, we’re looking for an ad campaign that breaks through the noise to get its audience’s attention. You’ll need to outline the ad's objectives and demonstrate how these were met. This award will be split into three categories:
- Micro: 5k and below
- Small: over £5k - under £50k
- Large: £50k and above
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- How creative/innovative the concept/idea is
- Effectiveness (measurable impact and results)
- The quality of your execution in relation to the brief/objectives
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Best Collaboration
Best Collaboration
We’re looking for the most exciting collab that has resulted in brilliant work and compelling results.
Your entry can relate to two brands working together in a collaboration, agency-brand partnerships or independent creators of any type partnering with a company. We want to know the story of why the two partners came together, how their values align and how this was demonstrated creatively.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- How creative/innovative the concept/idea is
- Effectiveness (measurable impact and results)
- The quality of your execution in relation to the brief/objectives
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Brand Launch/Activation or Event
Brand Launch/Activation or Event
Have you introduced your brand/new product/service to the market in a way that has nestled your brand identity firmly in the minds of your target audience?
Whether it's an unforgettable event, a captivating digital campaign, or a multi-channel activation, this category celebrates the strategic planning, creative execution, and measurable results of a launch or activation that has captured audience attention, generated buzz, and achieved tangible objectives.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- How creative/innovative the concept/idea is
- Effectiveness (measurable impact and results)
- The quality of your execution in relation to the brief/objectives
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Rebrand
Rebrand
Out with the Old, In with the Bold!
This category celebrates the ingenuity and creativity behind successfully revitalised brands that have demonstrated a profound understanding of their target audience, market trends, and evolving industry landscapes.
Entries in this category showcase a harmonious fusion of design excellence, strategic thinking, and impactful communication, ultimately resulting in a rebrand campaign that not only stands out but also effectively positions the brand for sustained success in the competitive business environment.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- How creative/innovative the concept/idea is
- Effectiveness (measurable impact and results)
- The quality of your execution in relation to the brief/objectives
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Healthcare Campaign
Healthcare Campaign
Whether raising awareness of critical health issues, encouraging healthy behaviours, or enhancing the patient experience, we’re looking for campaigns that leverage the power of creativity to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Entrants should showcase how their work effectively communicates health information, engages target audiences through compelling storytelling, drives positive change, and adheres to ethical healthcare communication practices.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- How creative/innovative the concept/idea is
- Effectiveness (measurable impact and results)
- The quality of your execution in relation to the brief/objectives
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Social Impact & Public Good
Social Impact & Public Good
Reserved for Public Institutions, Educational Bodies, and Government agencies using creativity to deliver essential public messages, student recruitment, or civic engagement.
This award recognizes campaigns that ignite positive social change through the power of creativity. We're looking for initiatives that tackle pressing social and environmental challenges with originality, strategic thinking, and a demonstrable impact on the community. Whether promoting sustainability, advocating for equality, or fostering community development, these campaigns inspire action, raise awareness, and contribute to a better future. Entrants should showcase how their campaign addresses a significant social or environmental challenge, employs a creative and impactful approach, achieves measurable outcomes, and inspires action and engagement.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- How creative/innovative the concept/idea is
- Effectiveness (measurable impact and results)
- The quality of your execution in relation to the brief/objectives
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Most Impactful OOH & Ambient Campaign
Most Impactful OOH & Ambient Campaign
This category celebrates out-of-home and ambient campaigns that have transformed everyday spaces into powerful brand moments. From billboards and transport takeovers to unexpected installations, stunts, or place-based activations, we’re looking for work that stops people in their tracks and sparks conversation beyond the physical environment.
Entries should demonstrate how the campaign used location, context, and creativity to amplify its message, reach audiences in meaningful ways, and deliver clear objectives. Show us how the idea broke out of traditional formats, interacted with its surroundings, and generated measurable impact - whether through awareness, engagement, earned media, or cultural relevance.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- How creative/innovative the concept/idea is
- Effectiveness (measurable impact and results)
- The quality of your execution in relation to the brief/objectives
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Recognising Content
Branding & Visual Identity
Branding & Visual Identity
Sponsored by Print.com
This category celebrates the power of visual storytelling in building unforgettable brands.
We're looking for outstanding examples of branding and visual identity that capture the essence of a brand, communicate its values, and resonate with its target audience. From logos and colour palettes to typography and imagery, these projects demonstrate a mastery of design principles and a deep understanding of brand strategy.
Entrants should showcase how their visual identity creates a cohesive and compelling brand experience across all touch points, leaving a lasting impression on customers and driving brand recognition and loyalty.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- How creative/innovative the concept/idea is
- Effectiveness (measurable impact and results)
- The quality of your execution in relation to the brief/objectives
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Best Use of Social & Engagement
Best Use of Social & Engagement
Connection is at the heart of everything we do. This category rewards campaigns that have built meaningful relationships with audiences through smart, creative, and culturally relevant use of social and engagement channels. We’re looking for work that goes beyond likes and impressions to foster genuine interaction, conversation, and community.
Entries should demonstrate a deep understanding of platform behaviours, audience motivations, and how creativity can drive participation. Show us how your campaign encouraged audiences to connect with the brand - and with each other - through engaging content, innovative formats, and measurable impact that reflects connection as a core brand pillar.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- How creative/innovative the concept/idea is
- Effectiveness (measurable impact and results)
- The quality of your execution in relation to the brief/objectives
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Excellence in Creative Craft (Audio, Visual & Motion)
Excellence in Creative Craft (Audio, Visual & Motion)
This category celebrates outstanding execution across audio, visual, and motion-based creative work. From film and animation to sound design, editing, illustration, and motion graphics, we’re looking for craft that elevates an idea and brings it to life with precision and flair.
Entries should showcase exceptional attention to detail, technical excellence, and a strong creative vision. Whether subtle or spectacular, the work should demonstrate how high-quality craft enhanced storytelling, strengthened brand expression, and delivered an experience that resonated with audiences.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- How creative/innovative the concept/idea is
- Effectiveness (measurable impact and results)
- The quality of your execution in relation to the brief/objectives
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Master of Narrative
Master of Narrative
This award celebrates the power of the written and spoken word. It is for the wordsmiths and the storytellers who move audiences through compelling narrative, regardless of the platform- be it advertising, social, editorial, audio, film, or experiential.
You don’t need a £100k production budget to win here; you just need to be the best storyteller in the room. We’re looking for work that demonstrates clarity of voice, emotional resonance, and narrative strength. Entries should show how powerful storytelling shaped perception, drove engagement, and left a lasting impression through words alone.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- How creative/innovative the concept/idea is
- Effectiveness (measurable impact and results)
- The quality of your execution in relation to the brief/objectives
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Recognising Companies and People
Creative Agency
Creative Agency
Sponsored by Colony
This category is for creative agencies that demonstrate exceptional creativity, strategic thinking, and innovation across various disciplines, from branding and design to advertising and digital media.
Entries in this category should showcase a portfolio of outstanding work that not only captivates audiences but also achieves tangible results for clients. We’re looking for impact, razor-sharp strategy, brilliant ideas and remarkable execution.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- Evidence of growth or potential for growth
- Your company culture
- Approach to creativity
- The calibre of your work
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Best Brand (In-House) Team
Best Brand (In-House) Team
This category is free to enter or submit a nomination - a discount is applied automatically at checkout.
We know how hard in-house teams have to work to consistently keep their brand at the top of their customers’ minds. So this award is for those ambitious marketing teams that make amazing things happen. We’re looking for the in-house team that’s had the biggest impact on their brand’s fortunes, offering a fantastic culture and ensuring the creation and execution of brilliant creative content.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- Evidence of growth or potential for growth
- Your company culture
- Approach to creativity
- The calibre of your work
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Production Company
Production Company
This category will set out to identify the production company putting out the most striking and memorable content - whether it’s for a marketing campaign, television or on the big screen. The region offers some of the best producers, and we’ll be giving this award to the one who’s made the biggest impact this year.
This category is open to production companies, agencies or studios with an operational base in the North of England.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- Evidence of growth or potential for growth
- Your company culture
- Approach to creativity
- The calibre of your work
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Creative Trailblazer
Creative Trailblazer
This category will recognise the individual who has demonstrated unparalleled creativity, innovation, and prolific output throughout their career. Submissions should illustrate a diverse array of creative work and demonstrate ways in which the nominee’s results and initiatives have left a lasting impact on the North’s creative landscape.
This category is free to enter or submit a nomination - a discount is applied automatically at checkout.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- Evidence of growth or potential for growth
- Your company culture
- Approach to creativity
- The calibre of your work
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Creative Rising Star
Creative Rising Star
This category is designed to spotlight an emerging individual who has exhibited exceptional creativity, innovation, and prolific output in the early stages of their career. Submissions should showcase a dynamic range of creative accomplishments, both within and outside the workplace. Nominations are welcomed from both external sources and self-applicants. To be eligible for this category, nominees must have under three years’ experience in the industry.
This category is free to enter or submit a nomination - a discount is applied automatically at checkout.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- Evidence of growth or potential for growth
- Your company culture
- Approach to creativity
- The calibre of your work
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Special Awards
Creative for Good Award
Creative for Good Award
Sponsored by Colony
Reserved for work created specifically for Registered Charities, NGOs, and non-profit causes where the primary goal is altruistic.
This category celebrates pro bono work that has contributed positively towards a good cause or had a positive social impact. We’re looking for creative problem-solving, solutions or other initiatives that harness creativity and seek to positively impact the world. This category is free to enter for bro-bono work - a discount is applied automatically at checkout. Pro bono includes services that are rendered by a professional for free or at a lower cost.
This category is free to enter or submit a nomination - a discount is applied automatically at checkout.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- How creative/innovative the concept/idea is
- Effectiveness (measurable impact and results)
- The quality of your execution in relation to the brief/objectives
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
Challenger Brand Award
Challenger Brand Award
This category is free to enter or submit a nomination - a discount is applied automatically at checkout.
This category celebrates the brands that punch above their weight and refuse to play by the established rules. Whether disrupting a crowded market, redefining a category, or carving out a bold new position, the Challenger Brand Award recognises fearless thinking and smart execution that delivers outsized impact.
Did you achieve massive growth on a shoestring? This award is for the most resourceful brand execution of the year. We’re looking for brands that have maximised limited budgets through sharp strategy, creativity, and ingenuity - proving that big ideas, not big spend, drive success. Entries should demonstrate clear ambition, inventive problem-solving, and tangible results that show how the brand challenged expectations and accelerated growth.
Entry criteria:
Entries should relate to work undertaken twelve months before the final entry deadline (e.g., April 2025 - April 2026 for the Prolific North Creative Awards). If you have any doubts about your work’s eligibility, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.
If your organisation is headquartered or has an operational base in the North of England OR Scotland, you're eligible to enter.
Please note: if you're entering work done in partnership with another organisation, for example, an agency submitting a campaign delivered for a client, either the agency or client needs to have a presence in the North to be eligible.
A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of all Prolific North Awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed.
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1 - 10 based on the following criteria:
- How creative/innovative the concept/idea is
- Effectiveness (measurable impact and results)
- The quality of your execution in relation to the brief/objectives
These will be combined to give an overall score for each entry. All judges’ pre-scores will then be combined and the highest-scoring entries will determine the shortlists.
Judges then meet to discuss the highest-scoring entries and agree on the winner for each category.
The winners of the individual awards will be decided by a combination of judges' scores and a public vote. We are happy to provide an overview of the judge’s comments on your entry, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange.
GOT QUESTIONS? NEED A LITTLE HELP?
Visit our handy FAQs page for everything you need to know. Alternatively reach out to our lovely events team at [email protected]!
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