PR agency wins third consecutive award for public sector work

PR agency Viva has won the Public Sector award at the PRCA DARE Awards North West for the third straight year.

The Rossendale-based team previously won the award on behalf of Rossendale Borough Council and two impactful behaviour change campaigns – the Check Before You Chuck recycling campaign (2023) and the launch of Rossendale Forest (2022). 

Now its work helping Blackburn BID to secure a third five-year term through a member ballot has won the award. The campaign was also Highly Commended in the Digital and Social Media category. 

Lisa Woodhouse, who heads up Viva's public sector team, said: "We focused on demonstrating the value Blackburn BID had delivered over the past decade to the town centre in order to secure a majority yes vote in the ballot. It means a great deal to me and the team to see this recognised with an industry award."

The PRCA judges said: “Great attention to detail and results on a modest budget over three months. Good to see visual engagement from senior BID decision makers that engaged businesses of all types. Great use of content to raise awareness, with the desired results.”

Catherine Price, Blackburn BID manager, said: "Everyone went the extra mile to ensure we got a great result. I can’t thank Viva enough for all their hard work."