Bristol-based brand engagement agency Synergy Creative is celebrating after picking up two ‘best agency’ awards in the same week.
The agency walked away with Best HR Consultancy title at the Chartered Institute of Personal Development (CIPD) People Management Awards and then collected Best Agency trophy at the Institute of Internal Communications (IoIC) Awards.
The awards recognise Synergy Creative’s internal communications and employee engagement work with brands as diverse as BNP Paribas, Aviva, Vodafone, Ladbrokes and ODEON & UCI Cinemas.
Gemma McGrattan, who founded the agency with fellow directors Giles Hicks and Nicola Clark, said: “This September marked Synergy’s 10th anniversary so we really couldn’t have asked for a better way to recognise all of the hard work, creativity and dedication of our team. It’s such a great achievement.”
While the IoIC award recognised the overall accomplishments of the agency in the past 12 months, the CIPD award was in recognition of one project in particular.
“We’ve been working with ODEON & UCI Cinemas for the past three years,” added Gemma. “Helping the business to define and roll out a new employer brand, improve employee engagement and ensure a consistent and authentic experience for employees at every single stage of their journey with the company.”
Recipients of the coveted award needed to demonstrate ‘close working relationships with clients’. The judges said that Synergy’s partnership with ODEON ‘couldn’t have been more hands on’ and acknowledged the extra effort Synergy goes to, in order to really get under the skin of its clients.
“Everything we do is based on insight,” said Gemma. “For ODEON we worked shifts in the cinema cleaning up popcorn and serving drinks. We’ve also spent time out on the road with FMCG sales reps and been knee deep in muddy quarries with our construction clients.”
The awards follow an extensive period of growth for Synergy Creative, with seven new recruits in the past six months, multiple new client wins and an office move due later this year.
“We’ve got big plans for growth so we’re doubling our space,” said Gemma. “We’ve worked hard for 10 years and flown somewhat under the radar, heads down and focussed on creating great work for amazing clients. Now it’s time to tell the world.”
Pictured, from left: Synergy account director James Marsden, account manager Neneh Pepperell and director Gemma McGrattan
