Your guide to the UK
Breakthrough Marketing Awards

A better award recognising the most admired breakthrough marketing companies

GROWTH EDITION I 2024

Flick through tabs: Why Apply, Process, Vision, and Eligibility here

TABS

GROWTH EDITION

Your guide to the Breakthrough Marketing Awards

The Breakthrough Marketing Awards: Growth Edition is a 12 month certification & award recognising the next wave of marketing companies with fewer than 50 employees. Backed by world renowned marketing leaders, and baked in deep research alongside Nielsen, to turbo-charge the adoption of growing marketing excellence in the UK & Globally.

The Breakthrough Marketing Awards is not just an award that appears one day, and forgotten about the next. BMA is the leading 12 month certification for growing and smaller marketing companies, highlighting the UK's next great wave of brands, talent, best work and innovation giving the same exposure, and credibility as industry giants.

FEATURED IN

What an award should be

Apply today

BCA is not a typical award. Prior to its inception we did not value industry awards—or even the concept of an award anymore. Awards felt self promoting and lacked real prestige. However, we did believe in promoting great work and achievements. We knew that the right award, done correctly could really help deserving companies actually stand out.

From the start we set out to build a better award, more like a certification that we would love and fight to be a part of, an award that was transparent and made a true difference to the companies and people involved. BMA is totally transparent, with a filmed judging panel whose decision is turned into a behind-the-scenes style documentary.

A re-imagined award was created to do 3 important things for selected companies: massive attention, true trust, and real community. There are no paid award nights, and there is no plastic trophy. Instead, there is a 12 month online campaign designed to help deserving companies stand out like never before.

Be known for your work,
and team

Standing out as a recognised leader can drastically elevate a growing companies reputation to win customers and employees.

In addition to the BMA Certified Label and Report, selected companies are put in front of millions of eyeballs, mentioned in multiple major press outlets, and featured in the award-winning Marketing show “Breakthrough Marketing: The Open.”

The Science
behind BMA

BMA in association with Nielsen, is the leading movement celebrating and rewarding the most thriving small and growing marketing companies across the UK.

Together, we see an opportunity for a more inspired future, by showcasing the heartbeat behind a great company.

All companies to make the shortlist will receive a company-specific report prepared by global consulting firm, Nielsen.

Nielsen is a global consulting firm and leader in audience measurement, data and analytics, shaping the future of marketing.

How Breakthrough Marketing

companies really stand out

Widespread and focused attention, instant and credible trust, along with a community to learn and share.

Massive attention

True and

Instant trust

Expert

community

Each winning company will enjoy extensive coverage, multiple features, and significant exposure across major press outlets, spotlight features inside Hyer ( 1m monthly readers,) and social media recognition. Widespread and focused attention is the primary goal for BMA.

With the BMA label, digital assets, and certification, each company is instantly recognised and trusted by consumers, businesses, and future employees. The BMA seal sets companies apart for their commitment to marketing excellence.

Winning companies gain access to a relevant community where leaders and renowned marketing experts share real world ideas, best practices, and challenges. Rely on this community for all your insider knowledge and needs.

Flick through tabs: Why Apply, Process, Vision, and Eligibility here

Meet the panel

Aileen Ottenweller
Business Impact
Patagonia

Lesley Scott
Global Marketing Partner
Google

We are marketing, and creative optimists with over 5 million Linkedin followers leading the community to create change for growing companies that aspire to make great work. Our greatest opportunity is putting the people and organisations that care about great work - on a pedestal.

Ray Page
Customer Innovation
We Group

Leslie Hurley
Head Of Marketing
Brilliant.org

Ananda Baron
Head of Comms
Atlassian

Irin Son
Global Marketing Lead
Angel.co

"We can view The BMA Award as a vehicle for progress, accelerating the next generation of marketing firms that strive for greatness."

DANNIE HANSON, VP MARKETING AT NIELSEN

BMA has three main focuses:

Accelerate the important movement of marketing excellence by placing great work, talent, and companies at the forefront of people's minds.

Bring to life each companies values, creativity, and mission like never before, with a series of behind-the-scenes videos, interviews, digital art, and reports.

Bringing together a thriving community of growing UK marketing companies who aspire for greatness.

New I 2024

Peak behind
the curtain

Meet the panel for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at our panel's selection process. Discover the methodology and criteria they use to identify what makes a truly great growing marketing company.

Learn more as you scroll through the tabs >

Are you suited to the Breakthrough Marketing Awards?

BMA is for the global marketing community celebrating every key marketing discipline from Design, Media, Advertising, B2B, Experiential, PR, Digital Experience, and much more. It’s one of the world’s largest competitions and award shows.

BMA is a global competition for all forms of marketing and creative work, advertisers and their agencies, partners and suppliers. If you’ve worked on a campaign or been involved in producing work across any discipline, these awards are for you.

Eligibility Criteria

Employee count

Up to 50 UK based employees. All companies, regardless of when they were founded are eligible for consideration.

Open to sharing

You must be open to sharing your work, and most importantly the creative thinking and people behind your work.

All disciplines

BMA is open to all marketing and creative inititives. celebrating every key marketing discipline.

Apply now

BMA is the worlds biggest home for the next generation of great marketing companies. That means, the panel are not looking for perfection, in fact, we are looking for those companies that are not flawless today, we are on the search for companies on a journey to creative excellence.

If you feel your company has not yet 'mastered' your industry and space, then you're likely to be a good fit for this Growth Edition. It's about shining the same light on companies pursuing a better future at the earliest stage.

The criteria is simple, If you're a growing or smaller company that wants to shout about your work and people, we want to hear from you.

GROWTH EDITION I 2024

The numbers behind the awards

Breakthrough Marketing: Global Edition 2024 I Nominees

BC: GLOBAL I 2024 WINNER

How BMA Boosted
Pipe's Success

Increased Customer Attraction:

Successful Social Media Campaign:

"Potential customers can now see the personality behind our company and what we value, resulting in more 'culture-fit' ready customers. It's hard to put a percentage value on how important this is for us."

By leveraging the award in a social media ad campaign, Pipe highlighted the behind-the-scenes efforts that drive their creative work. This campaign reached over 50,000+ viewers and generated a 19% increase in customer inquiries

Building Trust and Gaining New Customers:

"The recognition from BC continues to drive Pipe's growth and success by highlighting the i impact of our work. It shows both employees and customers what our work truly means, beyond just plain marketing talk."

Flick through tabs: Why Apply, Process, Vision, and Eligibility here

Designed to
make a difference

Recognising great work is important - but it’s only a first step. The BMA pledge is to promote growing marketing companies like never before. We believe you should demand more form your awards and recognitions, and ensure you really stand out for the long term, not just for one day...

BMA celebrates the very best work, companies, and people from the world of marketing and media. Ground-breaking creativity and strategic genius are rewarded across every sector, discipline and channel. An expert-level, global panel, 500 hundred strong, review your entries to select the work most worthy of these prestigious awards. Make this your moment to standout – Enter free today.

Where companies are
known for their work, talent, and people.

Winning is just the beginning. In addition to all BMA labels, media kit, digital art, and certifications, all selected companies will recieve:

4 Spotlight Features inside Hyer and Nielsen across 12 months. 1M+ monthly readers.

Studio and remote team filming. Showcase your work and team.

Access to a roundtable series with marketing experts

Online and offline community of CMO's sharing best practices

Free entry to the Breakthrough Marketing conferences

Involve your team with meet ups designed for all employees - not just leaders.

Major Press & Attention

For 12 months each company will be promoted through multiple content initiatives and recognised by the most well known publications.

Focused press coverage to amplify the BMA movement and spotlight its companies among major press outlets, plus 4 full spotlight features inside Hyer and Nielsen with over 1m monthly readers and feature on social media recognition and announcements totalling 5+ million Linkedin followers.

Community

Access to a like-minded community (online and offline) that truly believes in sharing and celebrating best practices.

The BMA Award offers a blend of in-person events, Slack communities, influential guest sessions, and a series of meet-ups designed solely for the next generation of growing and smaller marketing companies.

Certification Overview - Highest Reputation

Selected companies get access to a range of exclusive Digital Assets, BC labels, Media Kit, and detailed report breaking down their creative work why they were selected, why they are a growing company to watch, and more.

Team filming

Netflix-style' video trailer of your team, capturing the essence and emotion of what your work truly means to you. Showing the world your behind-the-scenes.

Bring the team to one of our London studios for a day of filming or take advantage of our remote filming software. ( All for free!! )

Say Hello To
3 New Shows

Everything you need to stand out as marketing and creative leader in your space.. BMA works with the most renowned marketing leaders to build awareness and support leading companies. Together we're releasing exclusive shows to tell the behind the scenes stories and showcase the people behind the great work.

Breakthrough Marketing

Originals

Enjoy 3 new exclusive shows created to help you hear from the best in the world.

OCT 2024

BC Show I 12 Episodes I Oct 2024

To learn what’s around the corner, we take a look back through the most influential marketing initiatives we have ever seen.

BC Show I 9 Episodes I Oct 2024

The cameras are turned on, with all-access passes and front-row seats, as companies open their doors to showcase the stories and mindset behind their work.

BC Show I 36 Episodes I Oct 2024

We take marketing leaders to the lab to explore their playbooks, tactics, and innovations for creating a better working world. Featuring unmissable special guests.

For all the team. All the time.

Learning and community is not just for Senior Leaders. All selected BMA companies will be able to invite their team to regular meet-ups with other companies as well as special guests. All designed to inspire and educate all employees on their work as well as enhancing their own experience.

**Please note, selected companies have full control over what content pieces they would like to be involved in. You do not have to be involved in any, or all content if you chose not to.

Flick through tabs: Why Apply, Process, Vision, and Eligibility here

How to apply and next steps

Applying has been made easy. We have all filled out lengthy forms which resulted in silence. The application process is designed by marketing leaders with you in mind, so you can make your initial application in minutes, without risking your time and effort.

Free online application

Applying for your company is completely free with a simple 5-minute initial online application known as your 'Guiding Summary'.

Showcase
your work

You will receive an email requesting you to provide supporting materials, insights, and, where applicable, a link to showcase your work.

Shortlisted companies are invited to a final stage

To avoid lengthy initial applications, we only invite shortlisted companies to enter the final stage - 3 additional questions.

Published dates

The BMA selected winners will be notified in October, 2024.

SUBMIT APPLICATION

Have questions?

When is the deadline to apply?

The initial online application deadline is 24th September, 2024. There will be ample additional time to provide your supporting materials.

What does it mean to be shortlisted in stage 3?

For stage 3, should the panel place you on the shortlist, they will reach out to you for more information ( 3 further questions. ) This way, you can then spend more time on providing detailed insights into your application, knowing you have a stronger change of being accepted and not applying in the dark with lengthy applications in stage 1.

This sounds great, is it really free to apply?

Yes, applying is free. Should your company be fortunate enough to be chosen by the panel, there is a nominal fee involved. However, this fee is only applicable if you're selected, allowing you to apply without any risk. See below for the nominal cost based on company size.

We do not pay for awards, how is this different?

We understand that entirely, and a company can not pay to win The Breakthrough Marketing Award.

We want all worthy companies to be given the opportunity to be a part of BMA. This is why we have made the cost for a growth company nominal, whilst also receiving vast content creation and exposure. We worked tirelessly alongside our marketing leaders, and Nielsen to reduce the cost of the admin fee without compromising on what was important for the movement.

Do we have to be involved in all content creation, communities and events?

Absolutely not. You maintain full control over which assets you wish to receive and participate in. There are no obligations or additional fees associated with content creation, media, endorsements, or reports.

Is everything stated included in the admin fee, or is there more to pay later down the line?

Every aspect mentioned is covered by the admin fee, with no hidden or extra charges whatsoever. The admin fee is the sole cost involved.

How are the BMA winners decided?

Hyer editors , and Panel will review every application, selecting winners based on your online application, further questions, and, where relevant, your supporting materials. At BMA, we pride ourselves on a selection process that is transparent, rigorous, and fair. Here's how we ensure the credibility and integrity:

Clear Criteria and Process: We provide a detailed outline of the criteria and steps involved in selecting our winners. Each application is thoroughly reviewed to ensure it meets our high standards of excellence in company culture.

Expert and Independent Evaluation: Our selection process involves reputable marketing experts and independent auditors who bring their unbiased perspectives and extensive experience. Their involvement guarantees that every decision is fair and well-informed. In addition, our final shortlisted selection processed takes place in-person and is filmed to show the 'behind-the-scenes' decision making process. This filmed process will also be used as part of Breakthrough Marketing Media coverage.

Will we recieve feedback on our application?

We value every company's effort in participating in the BMA Awards. For those that make it to Stage 3, we provide detailed feedback on your application. This feedback includes insights and recommendations to help improve your efforts and strengthen future applications.

Flick through tabs: Why Apply, Process, Vision, and Eligibility here

OUR PURPOSE

Vision

Designed to make a difference, BMA is the worlds largest award and certification celebrating breakthrough marketing work, people, and and companies. BMA is the home of recognition, and support for smaller and growing marketing companies around the world and only available to companies with under 50 employees. Putting the next generation of great companies on the world stage.

Apply in minutes

10 Million +

Bringing thriving marketing companies to 10M+ people.

500+

Marketing Leaders

3 Major Events

Who believe and have joined BMA to accelerate the adaption of thriving marketing companies.

Large, yet intimate events to learn, celebrate, and explore the future of marketing.

Built for
progress

With the largest online and offline marketing community, studio filming, latest research, and analytics, selected BMA companies are proudly celebrated and showcased like never before—and we're just getting started.

OUR PURPOSE

Not just for one day.

Apply

About
Hyer

Masterclass content & analytics for business and marketing leaders.

Hyer is a leading global media brand, and analytics platform with over 1M+ monthly readers producing premium insight-focused content, resources, data, and community for leaders across the globe.

About
Nielsen

Powering a better future

Nielsen is a global consulting firm and leader in audience measurement, data and analytics, shaping the future of marketing.

BREAKTHROUGH MARKETING LEADER

"Breakthrough Marketing companies serve as beacons and standards for marketing creativity across the UK."

Lesley Scott
Global Marketing & Partnerships
Google

Meet the panel

Aileen Ottenweller
Business Impact
Patagonia

Lesley Scott
Global Marketing Partner
Google

Ray Page
Customer Innovation
We Group

Leslie Hurley
Head Of Marketing
Brilliant.org

Ananda Baron
Head of Comms
Atlassian

Irin Son
Global Marketing Lead
Angel.co

"We can view The BMA Award as a vehicle for progress, accelerating the next generation of organisations that strive for greatness."

DANNIE HANSON, VP MARKETING AT NIELSEN

Flick through tabs: Why Apply, Process, Vision, and Eligibility here

Tips for applying

How to create your compelling 'Guiding Summary'

With numerous submissions to review, it's crucial that your entry captures the panel's attention. To stand out in your guiding summary, present why you feel your company should win the Breakthrough Marketing Award and what it would mean to your company to be selected. To really shine, ensure you focus on the personality and beating heart behind your company’s work—your people. We want to hear “the how" and “the why" behind your company’s success. Make your story impossible to overlook.

The steps you should consider before applying

The guiding summary is your first point of contact with the panel. At this initial stage, the panel does not need your supporting materials or access to your work. They want to hear the personality behind your company in the summary.
Once you have applied, you will recieve an email and deadline to provide all and any specific supporting materials including links to your work.

What type of work is considered best in marketing?

BMA is open to all types of creative and marketing initiatives, we are not limited to industry, medium, size or location. This award represents creativity that gets results and is judged by creative marketers who dial into the mindset behind the work as well as the final outcome. If you are proud of the work your company and team has delivered, this is the ward for you.

Don't be discouraged by perfection.

The BM Award and community is the home for the next generation of marketing companies. That means we want to find those gems of companies that have not yet figured everything out. The panel are looking for companies no matter their scale or size of their customers, we will focus on the idea, creativity, and effectiveness of the campaign or project, regardless of the budget.

Flick through tabs: Why Apply, Process, Vision, and Eligibility here

FREE TO APPLY FOR ALL GROWTH EDITION COMPANIES

Apply today

Before submitting your application, please ensure you have read through the eligibility criteria, what's on offer for selected companies, and the process.

Flick through tabs: Why Apply, Process, Vision, and Eligibility Here

Submit Application

Application Deadline: 24th September

**See pricing for your company size here >

APPLY

Applications Now Open

Is there a cost attached?

There is no cost to simply apply. If a company is fortunate enough to be selected by the nominating panel there's a nominal fee due on acceptance, which ensures the BMA sustainability and supports the promotion of each company.

LEARN MORE > SEE FAQ

ADMIN FEE ONLY DUE IF YOU ARE SELECTED FOR BMA - APPLY RISK FREE

GROWTH EDITION

Up to 50 Employees

**Admin fee only

£695

FREE TO APPLY

GLOBAL EDITION

100+ Employees

£5950

Applications Closed

1,000+ Employees

£9950

Applications Closed

All filming, content, and events included within the admin fee.

Now Open

GROWTH EDITION

Application Deadline

24th September

Flick through tabs: Why Apply, Process, Vision, and Eligibility here

SUBMIT APPLICATION

10 York Road, London, United Kingdom, SE1 7ND

3213 Colby Ave, Los Angeles, CA, United States 90066

25 King St, Bowen Hills, QLD, Australia 4006

pricing

Your guide to the UK Breakthrough Marketing Awards

A better award recognising the most admired breakthrough marketing companies

GROWTH EDITION I 2024

Flick through tabs: Why Apply, Process, Vision, and Eligibility here

GROWTH EDITION

Your guide to the Breakthrough Marketing Awards

FEATURED IN

What an award should be

Be known for your work, and team

The Science behind BMA

Nielsen is a global consulting firm and leader in audience measurement, data and analytics, shaping the future of marketing.

Flick through tabs: Why Apply, Process, Vision, and Eligibility here

Meet the panel

Aileen Ottenweller Business Impact Patagonia

Lesley Scott Global Marketing Partner Google

Ray Page Customer Innovation We Group

Leslie Hurley Head Of Marketing Brilliant.org

Ananda Baron Head of Comms Atlassian

Irin Son Global Marketing Lead Angel.co

"We can view The BMA Award as a vehicle for progress, accelerating the next generation of marketing firms that strive for greatness."

DANNIE HANSON, VP MARKETING AT NIELSEN

New I 2024

Peak behind the curtain

Meet the panel for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at our panel's selection process. Discover the methodology and criteria they use to identify what makes a truly great growing marketing company.

Learn more as you scroll through the tabs >

BREAKTHROUGH MARKETING LEADER

Lesley Scott Global Marketing & Partnerships Google

Your guide to the UK
Breakthrough Marketing Awards

Be known for your work,
and team

The Science
behind BMA

Aileen Ottenweller
Business Impact
Patagonia

Lesley Scott
Global Marketing Partner
Google

Ray Page
Customer Innovation
We Group

Leslie Hurley
Head Of Marketing
Brilliant.org

Ananda Baron
Head of Comms
Atlassian

Irin Son
Global Marketing Lead
Angel.co

Peak behind
the curtain

Lesley Scott
Global Marketing & Partnerships
Google