COUNTDOWN TO THE National Digital Awards
02.07.2027 @ The Birmingham Conferences and Events Centre Hill Street, Birmingham, B5 4EW
(6pm - Event starts, Reception Drinks)
Celebrating Excellence Across the UK’s Digital Landscape
Honouring the agencies, creators, innovators and digital leaders shaping the future of the UK digital economy.
#NationalDigitalAwards
About the National Digital Awards
The National Digital Awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding digital talent powering innovation across the United Kingdom. From agencies delivering transformative client work, to creators redefining online culture, to tech teams building the platforms of tomorrow — these awards celebrate the people who push boundaries, solve real problems, and move our industry forward.
In a landscape marked by rapid change, rising client expectations and the growing impact of artificial intelligence, the digital sector continues to show resilience, creativity and progress. These awards recognise that spirit. They exist to champion the individuals and teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes, often without recognition, to deliver excellence every day.
More than just an awards ceremony, the National Digital Awards bring the UK digital community together — connecting leaders, celebrating achievement and elevating industry standards across the country.
National Digital Awards 2026 Highlights
Relive the biggest celebration of digital excellence in the UK — the National Digital Awards 2026, hosted at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre.
From agency founders and innovators to creators, strategists and developers, this unforgettable night brought together the brightest minds shaping the future of the UK’s digital landscape.
This was a night that truly defined what it means to be #UnitedInDigital.
#UnitedInDigital
Why these Awards matter
Digital is now at the heart of every sector, every organisation and every consumer touchpoint. Our industry has never been more influential — or more pressured. Innovation cycles are faster, competition is fiercer, and expectations continue to rise.
This is the moment to celebrate:
● The agencies who never stop delivering
● The creators who inspire millions
● The developers who build the invisible foundations
● The leaders who support teams through constant change
● The emerging talent redefining our future
By recognising excellence, we amplify it. By celebrating talent, we elevate the entire industry.
The Awards Ceremony
Get ready for a spectacular evening bringing together over 500 agency professionals, the great and the good of the UK’s digital and agency world.
Expect:
● A glamorous national celebration
● Leading agencies and industry pioneers in attendance
● Emerging talent sharing the room with major industry figures
● An atmosphere of connection, recognition and inspiration
This is a night built to honour the people behind the work — from late-night deployments to breakthrough campaigns and game-changing innovations.
CLICK ON AN AWARD CATEGORY TO FIND OUT MORE
Award Categories & Themes
Do you know an outstanding individual or organisation making a difference in the Midlands Creative Sector? Nominate Now!
Website & Digital Product Excellence
Best Platform/Tool of the Year (MarTech & AI)
Best Platform/Tool of the Year (MarTech & AI)
This category recognises an outstanding marketing technology (MarTech), AI-powered platform, or digital tool that delivers exceptional innovation, usability, and measurable business impact. Judges will look for a solution that solves real-world challenges, enhances marketing performance, streamlines workflows, or empowers organisations to make smarter, data-driven decisions. Entries should demonstrate how the platform combines technical excellence with an intuitive user experience, making it easy to adopt and integrate into existing business processes.
Submissions should showcase innovative capabilities such as AI-driven automation, personalisation, predictive analytics, customer insights, campaign optimisation, workflow management, or intelligent reporting. Judges will also consider scalability, security, reliability, customer support, and the platform’s ability to evolve with changing market needs.
Evidence of measurable impact is essential, including improvements in productivity, marketing performance, ROI, customer engagement, operational efficiency, or business growth. The winning platform or tool will demonstrate outstanding innovation, practical value, and a proven ability to help organisations achieve meaningful, measurable results.
Best UX Designer (Team, Agency or Individual)
Best UX Designer (Team, Agency or Individual)
This category recognises an outstanding UX designer, design team, or agency that has demonstrated excellence in creating intuitive, accessible, and user-centred digital experiences. Judges will look for a strong understanding of user needs, supported by research, testing, and evidence-based design decisions that deliver seamless interactions across websites, apps, or digital products. Entries should demonstrate a clear design process, from discovery and user insight through to prototyping, iteration, and final delivery.
Submissions should showcase excellence in areas such as usability, information architecture, interaction design, accessibility, and user journey optimisation. Judges will also assess creativity, innovation, collaboration with stakeholders, and the ability to balance user needs with business objectives.
Evidence of measurable impact is essential, including improvements in user satisfaction, engagement, task completion, accessibility, conversion rates, or other key performance indicators. The winning individual, team, or agency will demonstrate exceptional design thinking, technical expertise, and a proven ability to create digital experiences that are both intuitive and impactful.
Best Video/Animation Agency of the Year
Best Video/Animation Agency of the Year
This category recognises an agency that has demonstrated exceptional creativity, technical expertise, and commercial success in the production of video and animation. Judges will look for a portfolio of work that showcases outstanding storytelling, visual quality, and the ability to create engaging content across a range of formats, including brand films, social media, motion graphics, explainer videos, commercials, and animated content. Entries should demonstrate how creative ideas are transformed into impactful visual experiences that meet client objectives and resonate with target audiences.
Submissions should highlight the agency’s creative process, production capabilities, innovation, and ability to manage projects from concept through to final delivery. Judges will also consider collaboration with clients, use of emerging technologies, and the effectiveness of content across multiple digital platforms.
Evidence of measurable success is essential, including audience engagement, campaign performance, client satisfaction, business growth, or industry recognition. The winning agency will demonstrate exceptional creative excellence, technical quality, and a consistent ability to deliver outstanding video and animation that drives real results.
Best PPC Agency of the Year
Best PPC Agency of the Year
This category recognises an agency that has demonstrated exceptional expertise, innovation, and results in delivering Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns across search, social, display, shopping, and other paid media platforms. Judges will look for a strategic, data-driven approach that consistently delivers measurable value for clients through intelligent planning, audience targeting, creative execution, and continuous optimisation. Entries should showcase the agency’s ability to manage budgets effectively while maximising performance and return on investment.
Submissions should highlight standout client campaigns, demonstrating expertise in areas such as keyword strategy, audience segmentation, bid management, automation, A/B testing, landing page optimisation, and performance reporting. Judges will also consider the agency’s ability to adapt to evolving platforms, technologies, and consumer behaviours while maintaining exceptional client relationships.
Evidence of measurable success is essential, including improvements in ROAS, ROI, conversion rates, cost per acquisition, lead quality, revenue growth, or other key performance indicators. The winning agency will demonstrate consistent excellence, innovation, and a proven ability to deliver outstanding paid media results for its clients.
Best SEO Agency of the Year
Best SEO Agency of the Year
This category recognises an agency that has demonstrated outstanding expertise, innovation, and measurable success in delivering search engine optimisation strategies that drive long-term growth for clients. Judges will look for a strategic, data-led approach that combines technical SEO, content optimisation, digital PR, link acquisition, user experience, and performance analysis to achieve sustainable organic visibility and commercial results. Entries should demonstrate a deep understanding of search best practices and the ability to adapt to evolving search engine algorithms and user behaviours.
Submissions should showcase standout client campaigns, highlighting the agency’s methodology, collaboration, technical capability, and commitment to continuous optimisation. Judges will assess creativity, problem-solving, and how SEO is integrated with wider digital marketing strategies to maximise impact.
Evidence of measurable success is essential, including improvements in organic traffic, keyword rankings, conversions, revenue, search visibility, website performance, or client retention. The winning agency will demonstrate consistent excellence, innovation, and a proven ability to deliver exceptional SEO results that create lasting value for its clients.
Best Digital PR Agency of the Year
Best Digital PR Agency of the Year
This category recognises an agency that has demonstrated exceptional creativity, strategic thinking, and measurable success in delivering digital PR campaigns that build brand awareness, authority, and online visibility. Judges will look for a proven ability to create compelling stories, secure high-quality media coverage, and generate meaningful engagement across digital publications, online media, influencers, podcasts, and social platforms. Entries should demonstrate a strategic approach that combines creativity with data and audience insight to deliver impactful results.
Submissions should showcase standout campaigns, highlighting how digital PR has been integrated with SEO, content marketing, and wider digital strategies to maximise reach and long-term value. Judges will assess innovation, media relationship management, campaign execution, and the agency’s ability to adapt to changing trends and client objectives.
Evidence of measurable success is essential, including increases in media coverage, high-authority backlinks, organic traffic, brand awareness, audience engagement, or commercial outcomes. The winning agency will demonstrate consistent excellence, innovation, and a proven ability to deliver digital PR campaigns that create lasting impact for its clients.
Best Social Media Agency of the Year
Best Social Media Agency of the Year
This category recognises an agency that has demonstrated exceptional creativity, strategic expertise, and measurable success in delivering outstanding social media campaigns and ongoing brand growth for its clients. Judges will look for a clear understanding of audience behaviour, platform-specific best practice, and the ability to create engaging content that builds communities, strengthens brand awareness, and delivers commercial results across channels such as Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Entries should showcase a portfolio of successful campaigns, demonstrating excellence in content strategy, creative execution, community management, paid social integration, influencer collaboration, and performance optimisation. Judges will assess the agency’s ability to innovate, respond to emerging trends, and align social media activity with wider marketing and business objectives.
Evidence of measurable success is essential, including improvements in engagement, audience growth, reach, conversions, brand sentiment, lead generation, or return on investment. The winning agency will demonstrate consistent excellence, strategic innovation, and a proven ability to deliver outstanding social media results that create lasting value for its clients.
Best Development Agency of the Year
Best Development Agency of the Year
This category recognises a development agency that has demonstrated outstanding technical excellence, innovation, and client success in delivering high-quality digital solutions. Judges will look for an agency with a proven track record of creating robust, scalable, and secure websites, applications, platforms, or bespoke software that solve complex challenges and deliver measurable value. Entries should demonstrate the agency’s ability to combine technical expertise with strategic thinking, user-focused design, and efficient project delivery.
Submissions should showcase standout client projects, highlighting strengths in software architecture, coding standards, integrations, performance optimisation, security, accessibility, testing, and ongoing support. Judges will also assess the agency’s approach to collaboration, project management, quality assurance, and adoption of emerging technologies and development practices.
Evidence of measurable success is essential, including improved system performance, enhanced user experience, operational efficiencies, successful product launches, business growth, or exceptional client satisfaction. The winning agency will demonstrate consistent technical excellence, innovation, and a proven ability to deliver future-ready digital solutions that create lasting impact for its clients.
Best eCommerce Agency of the Year
Best eCommerce Agency of the Year
This category recognises an agency that has demonstrated exceptional expertise, innovation, and commercial success in delivering eCommerce solutions that drive measurable results for clients. Judges will look for a proven track record of designing, developing, and optimising high-performing online stores, alongside delivering strategic digital commerce solutions that enhance customer experience and business growth. Entries should showcase excellence across platforms such as Shopify, Shopify Plus, Magento, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Adobe Commerce, or bespoke eCommerce solutions.
Submissions should highlight outstanding client projects, demonstrating strengths in UX, conversion rate optimisation (CRO), technical delivery, integrations, personalisation, performance marketing, and ongoing optimisation. Judges will assess the agency’s strategic approach, technical capability, innovation, and ability to build long-term client partnerships that deliver sustained success.
Evidence of measurable impact is essential, including increased online revenue, improved conversion rates, higher average order values, customer retention, international growth, or operational efficiencies. The winning agency will demonstrate consistent excellence, innovation, and a proven ability to deliver outstanding eCommerce solutions that create lasting commercial value for its clients.
Emerging Talent (Under 30)
Emerging Talent (Under 30)
This category recognises an exceptional individual under the age of 30 who is making a significant impact within the digital industry through talent, innovation, and ambition. Judges will look for someone who has demonstrated outstanding achievement early in their career, showing initiative, creativity, and a clear passion for driving positive change. Whether working in an agency, in-house team, startup, or as an entrepreneur, nominees should have made a meaningful contribution to projects, clients, products, or their organisation.
Submissions should highlight examples of leadership potential, problem-solving, innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Judges will also consider how the nominee has embraced new technologies, influenced others, or gone beyond the expectations of their role to deliver exceptional results.
Evidence of measurable impact is essential, including successful projects, commercial achievements, client or colleague recognition, industry involvement, or other notable accomplishments. The winner will be an inspiring rising star with the vision, capability, and potential to become one of the future leaders of the digital sector.
Platforms, Tools & Technology Innovation
Best Agency Ops Person of the Year
Best Agency Ops Person of the Year
This category recognises an outstanding Agency Operations Person who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and strategic impact within their agency. Judges will look for an individual who has successfully optimised processes, improved efficiency, and created the operational foundations that enable teams to deliver outstanding work and exceptional client service. Nominees should demonstrate a strong ability to balance commercial performance, people management, and operational effectiveness while supporting sustainable agency growth.
Submissions should highlight achievements such as implementing new systems, improving workflows, driving operational innovation, managing resources effectively, strengthening cross-team collaboration, or enhancing profitability and scalability. Judges will also consider leadership style, culture, employee development, and the nominee’s ability to create an environment where people and projects can thrive.
Evidence of measurable impact is essential, including improvements in productivity, operational performance, client satisfaction, employee engagement, financial performance, or business growth. The winning Operations Person will demonstrate strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a significant contribution to the overall success and long-term growth of their agency.
Best Agency Team
Best Agency Team
This category recognises an outstanding agency team that has demonstrated exceptional collaboration, innovation, and performance in delivering outstanding results for clients and the agency. Open to teams of all sizes, judges will look for a group that consistently works together to overcome challenges, deliver high-quality work, and create meaningful outcomes through a shared commitment to excellence. Entries should showcase how the team combines diverse skills, expertise, and perspectives to achieve exceptional results.
Submissions should highlight successful projects or campaigns that demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability. Judges will also consider the team’s culture, leadership, knowledge sharing, professional development, and ability to foster an inclusive and supportive working environment where individuals can thrive.
Evidence of measurable impact is essential, including client satisfaction, commercial success, project delivery, operational improvements, innovation, industry recognition, or outstanding stakeholder feedback. The winning team will demonstrate exceptional teamwork, a high-performance culture, and a proven ability to consistently deliver outstanding results while making a significant contribution to the success of their agency.
Best Agency Culture & DEI Initiative
Best Agency Culture & DEI Initiative
This category recognises an agency that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to building a positive workplace culture and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Judges will look for organisations that have created an environment where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed, while embedding inclusion into everyday business practices rather than treating it as a standalone initiative.
Submissions should showcase programmes, policies, or initiatives that have strengthened employee wellbeing, diversity, accessibility, career development, leadership, recruitment, retention, or social mobility. Judges will assess how these initiatives have been implemented, the level of employee engagement, leadership commitment, and how inclusion is reflected across the organisation’s culture and decision-making.
Evidence of measurable impact is essential, including improvements in employee engagement, retention, representation, wellbeing, recruitment outcomes, internal progression, or staff feedback. The winning agency will demonstrate that a strong, inclusive culture is central to its success, creating a workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive while delivering exceptional outcomes for clients and the wider industry.
Start Up Agency of the Year
Start Up Agency of the Year
This category recognises an outstanding agency that has been trading for three years or less and has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and potential within the digital sector. Judges will look for a business that has established a clear market position, delivered outstanding work for clients, and built strong foundations for long-term success despite being in the early stages of its journey.
Submissions should showcase the agency’s vision, unique proposition, and how it has differentiated itself in a competitive marketplace. Judges will assess the quality of client work, commercial performance, innovation, leadership, customer satisfaction, and the ability to attract and retain clients while developing a strong team and positive culture.
Evidence of measurable success is essential, including client acquisition, revenue growth, business milestones, successful campaigns or projects, industry recognition, or testimonials demonstrating the agency’s impact. The winning agency will combine entrepreneurial spirit with exceptional delivery, showing outstanding ambition, resilience, and a clear trajectory for future growth and continued success within the digital industry.
Best Agency Community of the Year
Best Agency Community of the Year
This category recognises an agency that has made an outstanding contribution to building and supporting its wider community, whether within the digital industry, local communities, or through charitable, educational, or social initiatives. Judges will look for agencies that go beyond commercial success to create meaningful, lasting impact by sharing knowledge, supporting others, and fostering collaboration.
Submissions should showcase initiatives such as mentoring programmes, networking events, community partnerships, pro bono work, charitable fundraising, education and skills development, diversity and inclusion programmes, or activities that strengthen the wider digital ecosystem. Judges will assess the authenticity of the agency’s commitment, employee involvement, innovation, and how community engagement aligns with the organisation’s values and long-term strategy.
Evidence of measurable impact is essential, including the number of people supported, funds raised, partnerships created, volunteer hours, educational outcomes, or wider social and industry benefits. The winning agency will demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a positive difference, inspiring others, and creating lasting value for the communities it serves.
Best Partnerships Person of the Year
Best Partnerships Person of the Year
This category recognises an exceptional individual who has demonstrated outstanding skill in developing, managing, and growing strategic partnerships that create long-term value for their organisation and its stakeholders. Judges will look for someone who excels at building trusted relationships, identifying new opportunities, and creating mutually beneficial collaborations that deliver measurable commercial, strategic, or social impact.
Submissions should highlight the nominee’s ability to establish and nurture partnerships with clients, suppliers, sponsors, technology providers, industry organisations, or other key stakeholders. Judges will assess strategic thinking, communication, negotiation, collaboration, and the ability to align partnerships with wider organisational objectives. Evidence of innovation, relationship management, and long-term partnership success will also be considered.
Evidence of measurable impact is essential, including new partnership opportunities secured, revenue generated, collaborative projects delivered, client or stakeholder retention, market expansion, or other demonstrable outcomes. The winner will be an exceptional relationship builder whose vision, professionalism, and collaborative approach have made a significant contribution to the success of their organisation and the wider digital industry.
Best Account Manager/Director of the Year
Best Account Manager/Director of the Year
This category recognises an outstanding Account Manager or Account Director who has demonstrated exceptional client relationship management, strategic thinking, and commercial impact. Judges will look for an individual who consistently builds trusted partnerships with clients, understands their objectives, and delivers outstanding service while driving measurable results. Nominees should demonstrate the ability to balance client expectations with business objectives, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to an exceptional standard.
Submissions should highlight examples of successful client management, proactive communication, problem-solving, and the ability to identify opportunities for growth and added value. Judges will assess relationship-building skills, leadership, collaboration with internal teams, commercial awareness, and the ability to manage complex accounts while maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.
Evidence of measurable success is essential, including client retention, account growth, revenue generation, successful project delivery, client testimonials, or outstanding feedback. The winning Account Manager or Director will demonstrate professionalism, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for both clients and their organisation.
Best CEO of the Year (Agency or Vendor)
Best CEO of the Year (Agency or Vendor)
This category recognises an exceptional Chief Executive Officer who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, and business performance within an agency or technology vendor. Judges will look for a CEO who has successfully guided their organisation through growth, innovation, and change while creating a strong culture, delivering commercial success, and inspiring employees, clients, and the wider industry. Nominees should demonstrate strategic leadership that has positioned their organisation for long-term, sustainable success.
Submissions should highlight key achievements, including business growth, innovation, client success, team development, culture, and the ability to navigate challenges while identifying new opportunities. Judges will also assess leadership style, decision-making, commitment to people, and contributions to the wider digital community through mentoring, advocacy, or industry leadership.
Evidence of measurable impact is essential, including revenue growth, profitability, client retention, employee engagement, market expansion, industry recognition, or other significant business achievements. The winning CEO will demonstrate visionary leadership, integrity, resilience, and a lasting positive impact on their organisation, its people, and the digital sector.
Best Creative Agency of the Year
Best Creative Agency of the Year
This category recognises a creative design agency that has demonstrated exceptional creativity, strategic thinking, and excellence in delivering impactful design solutions. Judges will look for an agency with a proven track record of producing outstanding work across branding, graphic design, digital design, user interface (UI), motion graphics, campaigns, or other creative disciplines. Entries should demonstrate how creativity has been used not only to produce visually compelling work but also to solve business challenges and deliver measurable results for clients.
Submissions should showcase a portfolio of standout projects, highlighting originality, innovation, design quality, and the agency’s ability to understand client objectives and transform ideas into engaging creative solutions. Judges will also assess collaboration, creative process, consistency, and the effective use of emerging technologies or design methodologies.
Evidence of measurable impact is essential, including increased brand recognition, audience engagement, campaign success, client growth, commercial outcomes, or industry recognition. The winning agency will demonstrate exceptional creative excellence, strategic insight, and a consistent ability to deliver design that inspires, influences, and achieves meaningful results.
Specialist Agency Categories
Agency-Wide Performance & Culture
Campaign Excellence
Talent, Networks & Transformation
How the Awards work
NOMINATION OPEN
If you know any outstanding individuals or businesses in the Agency world, please nominate them.
JUDGING & SHORTLISTING
A panel of independent judges will assess the applications of the nominees for each respective category. A voting process will also be implemented at the shortlist stage.
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Our amazing finalist for each category will be announced in the runup to the awards evening.
AWARDS NIGHT
The Award winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony on 2nd July 2027 at The Birmingham Conference & Events Centre & Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre
Latest News
National Digital Awards: Showcasing the Best of Midlands Creative Talent
#HomeOfCreativity
The National Digital Awards is the perfect way to celebrate and showcase the vibrant tapestry of innovation and artistry across the Midlands.
Open to individuals and businesses alike, these awards shine a spotlight on exceptional talent in fields ranging from advertising to architecture, crafts to product design, and graphic design to fashion. They also honour outstanding contributions in the film, TV, and radio industries, as well as IT software & video games. Museums, galleries, and libraries are recognised for their creative exhibitions and outreach, while the music, performing, and visual arts sectors applaud independent artists who captivate and inspire.
If you know of any individuals or businesses within these sectors who you think should be recognised for their creativity and hard work, please NOMINATE, and let us know about them.
Want to get involved in the 2027 National Digital Awards?
We are proud to be sponsored by some of the industry’s leading pioneers.
To find out more about how your organisation can get involved with the Awards contact info@nationaldigitalawards.co.uk
Sponsor the National Digital Awards
Partnering with the National Digital Awards positions your brand at the heart of the UK digital sector. Benefits include:
● High-value exposure to agency leaders & digital decision-makers
● Brand alignment with excellence and innovation
● Visibility across all marketing and event channels
● Thought leadership opportunities
● Priority placement at the awards ceremony
● Networking with finalists and senior figures
Why Enter?
Entering the National Digital Awards gives you the opportunity to:
● Gain national recognition
● Elevate your brand, agency or personal profile
● Attract talent, clients, and collaborators
● Benchmark your work against the best in the UK
● Celebrate your team and acknowledge their hard work
● Strengthen your credibility in pitches, tenders and PR
● Showcase innovation, creativity and measurable impact
About the Organisers
The National Digital Awards are delivered in partnership with Wow Group and B Events. This collaboration brings together founders Cas Majid, a 23-year veteran of the UK digital and agency industry, and Ifraz and Anita, who have delivered spectacular events to thousands of people over the past 10 years.
