Marketing communications agency McCann Central, which includes McCann Bristol, has been awarded a gold medal by its industry body for the “outstanding” professional development opportunities it has given its staff over the past year.
The IPA (Institute of Practitioners in Advertising) CPD Gold scheme recognises and rewards agencies that demonstrate a genuine culture of learning, bettering the professionalism, development and reputation of the industry enhancing clients’ brands and agencies’ worth as a result. 
McCann Central is one of just 35 agencies UK-wide to receive the accreditation.
Those applying for the award must demonstrate that CPD (continuing professional development) lies at the heart of their business, building a strong learning culture, in support of real business objectives and the development of employees professionally and personally.
McCann Central CEO Dean Lovett said winning the award was a huge accolade for the agency.
“Building a strong learning culture that supports real business objectives, as well as supporting the professional and personal development of our employees is a priority for us,” he said. 
“Thanks to our people, we have overcome the challenges of the last two years and the business is in a very strong position.
“Through this continued focus on our people, and their place within our business, we’ve been able to further improve the CPD opportunities available to them.”
These include the agency’s annual Day for Meaning where employees come together to create plans to improve conscious inclusion across its offices and enhance company culture.
Dean added: “This is also an award for all employees. Their commitment to learning as well as personal and professional development through a very challenging period, is really impressive.”
McCann Bristol provides integrated communications and award-winning creative across a range of best-in-class services including strategy, research and planning, design and creative, broadcast, digital, PR and social, internal comms and employee engagement, activation and media buying.
Last summer the agency won four highly coveted Lion awards – a Silver and three Bronzes – at the advertising industry’s most prestigious global event, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for its GoAbility campaign with Motability Operations, which operates the Motability scheme for people with disabilities, their families and carers.
The office has also produced TV advertising for family-owned cider firm Thatchers and Yeo Valley, Britain’s largest organic dairy brand Yeo Valley.
