Who should apply?
Any MR agency that can genuinely claim to have had an exceptional year and operates within a recognised self-regulatory research framework (MRS Company Partner, employs members of MRS or other equivalent associations outside the UK).

What will the judges be looking for?

• strong financial performance
• research innovation
• proven business-driven results
• strong sense of the agency’s brand values
• clear evidence that the agency has moved forward over the last 12 months

In particular, the judges will look for evidence of:

• client list growth
• client retention
• added value services to clients
• staff retention/development
• research innovation

How to apply

• one copy of the submission document
• one copy of the entry form
• a high resolution copy of your company logo (in .jpg format)

Entries should be sent to researchawards@mrs.org.uk by 5pm on Wednesday 27 July 2011.

Submission Format
Basis of submission: 500 word (max) statement supporting your case plus specific additional information.

Your statement should:

• emphasise the agency’s achievements in the twelve months running up to 01 July 2011.
• provide evidence of client list growth, client retention, staff retention and development.
• include, where possible, examples of how you have made a real difference to your clients’ businesses or, in the case of social research, had a major impact on the way an organisation operates or communicates.

In addition to your statement you should specify:

• date of incorporation
• numbers employed (split between executive and support staff)
• fees and profit data for two years (where possible)
• your key clients – you may also include up to three short ( 100 words max) client anecdotes

Only electronic applications in the required format will be considered for this award.

• Download and complete the MS Word submission document and entry forms – these two forms will constitute your award application.
• Your submission will be judged on the merits of the submission document alone – no appendices or additional material will be considered.
• You must send a high resolution version of your company logo, or two logos if the project is an agency/client partnership, in print quality jpg format (about 300dpi) to be used for publicity purposes if your entry is shortlisted for an award.
• The submission document, entry form and company logo should be sent as attachments to the same email with the subject line Best Agency Award Entry 2011.

Rules of entry – Best Agency

• To enter for this award, the agency must participate in a recognised self-regulatory research framework (MRS Company Partner, employ members of MRS or other equivalent association outside the UK).
• You must nominate a primary contact on your Entry Form who will take overall responsibility for the entry.
• The primary contact must ensure that permission to enter the Awards is obtained from all parties involved including any clients or suppliers.
• Entries must not overtly ‘sell’ any organisation. Company logos are acceptable.
• The judges’ decisions are final. The Panel will not enter into correspondence about why an entry is not selected as a finalist.
• All submission materials will remain confidential to the Judging Panels and MRS during the judging process. We may subsequently wish to publish information based on the materials provided but specific permission to publish will always be sought from the entrants.
• Entries must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 27 July 2010 to qualify. No extensions will be granted.

There is an entry fee for this award. You will be invoiced once your entry has been processed. Failure to pay by 01 September 2011 will cancel your application.

One ticket to the Research Awards Dinner in December will be allocated per shortlisted entry. Additional tickets can be purchased nearer the time at the standard advertised price.