Viva scoops fourth CIPR agency title in seven years

Lancashire PR agency Viva was named Outstanding Small PR Consultancy for the fourth time in seven years at the CIPR PRide Awards North West. 

Viva is no stranger in this category of the prestigious industry body’s award – first winning the title in 2016 before coming out on top again in 2019 and 2021.  

Tony Garner, Viva’s founder and MD, said: “We’ve been on an amazing journey these past few years and 2024 will see us complete a five-year transformation at Viva. Being recognised for our growth, enterprise and progress – particularly how we look after our people and their career development – makes me incredibly proud and tells me we’re making great strides. 

“We went with hope rather than expectation, because you don’t win them all. There are so many great agencies in this region producing excellent work. 

“I have to thank my team for all their hard work and fantastically creative ideas for our clients – everyone has played a part in winning this award.” 

Judges praised Viva – recently revealed as the only Lancashire agency to rank in the Prolific North Top 50 PR Agencies 2023. 

The CIPR judging panel added: “A clearly dynamic and enterprising agency hitting all of the criteria of the brief for the awards, including great CPD plans in place.” 

Viva’s ‘Check Before You Chuck’ recycling campaign for Rossendale Borough Council also received the silver award in the hotly contested Low Budget Campaign category.  

The recycling campaign was devised to help the council understand how it could improve recycling rates across the borough. Based on a pilot area, ‘Check Before You Chuck’ delivered impactful results, prompting the council to roll out the behaviour change campaign across Rossendale and its 70,000 residents. 

The full list of winners and finalists is online here.