The Strategic Mailing Partnership (SMP) has revealed the winners of its 2024 Awards, recognising the outstanding performances of the UK’s leading mailing houses, printers, print managers, and agencies.
The winners were announced at the SMP Awards evening at The Steel Yard in London on 26 September, hosted by the talented comedian, Ellie Taylor.
Recognised for their exceptional work in the industry, Paragon, Go Inspire and Encore took the Platinum Mail Performance Award for demonstrating their innovation and ability to go above and beyond for the RNLI’s ‘200th Birthday Appeal’ campaign.
Taking the Gold Mail Performance Awards were ZAP~POST, Webmart, Adare SEC, and instantprint. With Go Inspire and The Dragonfly Agency winning Highly Commended.
The Bright Futures Award category, first introduced in 2023, shines a light on emerging talent under the age of 30 in the UK print and mailing industry, and celebrates individuals showing amazing promise in any discipline and at any level.
Winning the Gold Award was Darryl Worbey from Webmart, followed by Silver Award winner Maddie Reynolds from Paragon, and Bronze Award Winner Liam Mellor from Adare SEC. Also from Adare SEC, Klaudia Akinis was presented with a Highly Commended Award.
The Sustainable Campaign Award recognises successful projects that have reduced environmental impacts, both of the campaign, and the wider value chain. This award was also introduced in 2023, as environmental and social sustainability becomes a more critical focus for customers and other key stakeholders.
The Sustainable Campaign Award Gold Winner was presented to Webmart for the ‘Summer Direct Mail’ campaign for Browns Books – showcasing its innovation and ingenuity when it comes to supporting its clients to reduce their carbon footprint. Eight Group won the Silver Award, and instantprint took home the Bronze Award.
A thriving industry
Lucy Swanston, SMP Chair, commented at the event, ‘Tonight we come together to celebrate the achievements of our industry and recognise the hard work of so many – and most importantly, look ahead to the opportunities and challenges we all face together. This year has not been without its challenges, from evolving customer expectations to the changing landscape of sustainability pressures, our industry continues to be tested, but if there’s one thing we all know, it’s that we are resilient.
‘Through adaptability, collaboration and a commitment to excellence, we will always find new ways to thrive. The mailing industry remains vital in providing business growth across all sectors, essential services to businesses and consumers alike, even in a world that feels increasingly digital.
‘The entries this year were outstanding, making the judges’ decisions incredibly challenging – we really have brought the best of the best together – so let’s celebrate what they have achieved and spread the word so brands know the impact mail can have.’
A new light and purpose
Phillip Ricketts, Wholesale Commercial Director at Royal Mail, added, ‘The SMP Awards night is an opportunity to celebrate the great work across the whole of the mail and print industry. It’s great to bring people together to celebrate the achievements, developments, and innovations the organisations in this industry play. It’s a unique opportunity to take a night out of the busy schedules that everyone has, to sit back and realise what has been achieved in a relatively short period of time.
‘Mail is a fantastic communication channel in an increasingly digital world, playing an important part in customer communications for brands and agencies. The reason for that is a number of things: physicality – its drives a lot of attention in a busy world, and the reach that it has as a channel is unrivalled compared to other media.
‘Mail has a new light and purpose, the industry is evolving and innovating to develop for the future – ensuring mail continues to play an important role in maintaining an interconnected world. It also has a positive future in helping brands connect, engage and deliver great service. Congratulations to all this years’ shortlisted entries and our SMP 2024 Award winners.’
Congratulations to all those recognised at the SMP Awards 2024:
Mail Performance Award
Platinum: RNLI in collaboration with Paragon, Go Inspire and Encore for the ‘200th Birthday Appeal’ campaign for the RNLI
Gold: Zappost for its ‘Perfectly Tailored’ reactivation ZAP campaign
Gold: Webmart for the ‘Summer of Adventure’ campaign for Exodus
Gold: Adare SEC for its ‘Postal Optimisation’ project for Lowell
Gold: Instantprint for the ‘Bringing Your Projects to Life’ campaign
Highly Commended: Go Inspire for the ‘Spring 2024 Raffle’ campaign for Age UK
Highly Commended: The Dragonfly Agency for the ‘Build it together’ campaign for St Ann’s Hospice
Bright Futures Award
Gold: Webmart, Darryl Worbey – Client Strategist
Silver: Paragon, Maddie Reynolds – Senior Account Manager
Bronze: Adare SEC, Liam Mellor – Account Executive
Highly Commended: Adare SEC, Klaudia Akinis – Production Management Team Leader
Sustainable Campaign Award
Gold: Webmart for the ‘Summer Direct Mail’ campaign for Browns Books
Silver: Eight Group for its ‘B-Corp’ campaign
Bronze: instantprint for its ‘Creating world-class print that preserves the planet’ campaign
Heartfelt thanks to all the judges for contributing their time, experience and expertise to the SMP Awards 2024:
Mail Performance Award
Chris Gilfoy, the7stars
Amanda Griffiths, Royal Mail Marketreach
Rowena Humby, Starcount
Philip Ricketts, Royal Mail
Lucy Swanston, Nutshell Creative
Rob Syme, The Gate Worldwide
Bright Futures Award
Lee Bennett, Paragon
Ben Briggs, Join the Dots
Lance Hill, Eight Group
Sophie Grender, Royal Mail Marketreach
Hayden Savage, Adare SEC
Sustainable Campaign Award
Anthony Rowell, Tradeprint
Laura Johnson, Encore Envelopes
Jonathan Tame, Two Sides
Meeka Walwyn-Lewis, BPIF
Lucy Kinkenberg-Matthews, Paragon’
