Our typing fingers have been itching because the past seven days have been absolutely ridiculous in the best possible way. We’ve had a week of award announcements that has left us feeling incredibly proud, slightly dizzy, and wondering if we need to lease a small warehouse just to store silverware.

Before we look ahead, we have to celebrate a massive moment that just happened...

The Golden Warm-Up

The Internal Communication and Engagement (ICE) Awards took place, and our incredible partners at Virgin Media O2 absolutely cleared the table.

We took home three Gold wins for our colleague engagement work! We’re still buzzing. If you want to see the secret sauce behind the silverware, you can dive into the VMO2 Case Study right here.

But as it turns out, the universe wasn't done with us yet. The shortlists for two major industry awards dropped this week, and we’re struggling to keep our modesty intact...

The Employer Brand Management Awards

We’re going to need a minibus for this one. Maybe two. We are over the moon to see so many of our brilliant clients shortlisted for their hard work and creativity:

• KFC UK & Ireland: Shortlisted twice! Once for Best Brand Ambassador Programme and again for Best Use of Digital. 
• Royal London & Medik8: Going head-to-head (friendly rivalry, of course!) in the Best Communication of the Employer Brand to the External Audience category.
• Yorkshire Building Society: Shortlisted for Best Diversity and Inclusion Strategy — phenomenal recognition for a truly impactful strategy.
• evoke: Up for Best Management of the Employer Brand Following a Change of Mission, Positioning, or Management. Change is hard, but making it look this good is harder.
• Virgin Media O2: Continuing their hot streak, they're in the running for Best Employee Experience.

The In-House Recruitment Awards

Because we like to keep our winter calendar appropriately booked, the IHR 2026 Finalists were also announced. The Chatter cheering section will be out in full force as we’re shortlisted with:

• KFC UK & Ireland & Morrisons: Both shortlisted for their shiny, candidate-first Careers Sites.
• Asda: Shortlisted for their brilliant video campaign targeting optometrists.
• Royal London & Medik8: Making another stellar appearance, both shortlisted for overall Employer Brand.

A massive, heartfelt thank you

To all of our clients - whether you’re on this list or working with us on the next big thing- thank you for trusting us with your brands, your stories, and your people. We don't get to do award-winning work without brave, brilliant clients who let us push boundaries.

We’ll return to your regularly scheduled programming later this month. Until then, we’ll be the ones practicing our "we're just happy to be nominated" faces in the mirror (though secretly crossing everything for a win).

A very happy (and shiny) week to you all,

The Chatter Team