Proximity London leads the way as DMA Awards nominations are revealed

Last night, London’s Haymarket Hotel hosted this year’s DMA Awards shortlist party, where those still in the running for the big prizes on Awards night were revealed.

This year’s shortlist includes entries from over 60 agencies across the 34 categories, with 160 still vying for silverware, not to mention a chance at the prestigious DMA Awards Grand Prix.

Over 300 senior marketers from agencies, brands and marketing service providers helped judge the entries over 4 days.

Leading the way this year is Proximity London with 20 entries across 16 different categories, but just behind them was Ogilvy with 17 entries in 12 categories.

The top ten frontrunners for the DMA Awards 2018 includes:

1. Proximity London – 20

2. Ogilvy – 17

3. OLIVER – 10

4. Havas helia – 9

5. MRM McCann – 8

6. Karmarama – 7

7. RAPP UK – 6

= Wavemaker – 6

9. TMW Unlimited – 5

10. Arthur London – 4

= Engine – 4

= GOOD Agency – 4

The most shortlisted brands at this years’ awards are British Airways (10), Virgin Holidays (6), Barclaycard (5) and E.ON (5), each still in the running for prizes on Awards night.

While vying for four each is a larger group of brands, including Britain's Beer Alliance, Capita for the British Army, Microsoft, The Economist and The Guardian.

Matt Conner, Chair of the DMA Awards Committee and MD at MRM//McCann, said: “It’s been a challenging year for many businesses and marketers, with new laws and some uncertainty about the UK’s future.

"However, this hasn’t affected the quality of work our industry has produced and it’s a real testament to everyone working in data and marketing that we’re able to showcase the UK as a leading light. I hope to see this continue into 2019 and beyond, whatever changes we may have to face over that time.”

Rachel Aldighieri, MD at the DMA, added: “It’s important that our industry stands out and remains a global leader in the data-driven creative industries while the details of our future outside the EU are still unsure.

"Every year the DMA Awards acts as our shop window to showcase the amazing work we do. This year’s entries have been full of creative panache, strategic thinking and results that really deliver for clients, making it a real achievement just to make it to the shortlist.

"It’s also fantastic to see the wide array of skills and talent we have on display in our industry through the work we produce.”

The winners of the DMA Awards 2018, supported by headline sponsor Royal Mail MarketReach, will be announced at the DMA Awards night at Old Billingsgate on Tuesday 4 December.