Whether through print or digital, we create compelling content and innovative design. That’s what the judges said about Sequel’s wins at this year’s Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC) Awards.
On Friday 29 September, we celebrated after winning ‘Best feature-led magazine (up to four issues a year)’ and ‘Best magazine design’ for Antalis Team Talk and ‘Best ezine’ for Kerry Foods kfi – as well as 11 ‘Awards of Excellence’ for our other digital, video, print and design work.
The IoIC Awards 2017 were attended by over 350 internal communication professionals and celebrate the best and brightest in the industry.
Suzanne Peck, Managing Director – Sequel, says, “Everyone at Sequel is delighted! We’re particularly pleased to see the breadth of Sequel’s skills recognised across the board, with accolades showing that we deliver first-class publications in print and digital.”
“Beautifully designed, appealing to all senses”
Winning both ‘Best feature-led magazine’ and ‘Best magazine design’, Team Talk was praised for its “very palatable features, striking images and bold design concepts, which make this publication really stand out”.
Rebecca Leonard, Communications and Content Manager at Sequel, says, “After winning two awards at the IoIC Central and North awards earlier this year, we’re really chuffed to add two more awards to Team Talk’s trophy cabinet.”
With 98 per cent of readers looking forward to the next issue, Team Talk puts employees at the heart of its stories. And because the magazine is produced for Antalis, Europe’s leading distributor of paper, packaging solutions and visual communication products, it was a no-brainer to use paper from their own stocks to create an even stronger connection to the publication.
As Ben Strawbridge, Designer at Sequel, says, “Print design can really play to the senses. With this in mind we selected a lightly coloured stock to give the magazine a unique look and feel.”
It seems the judges agreed, saying, “We were delighted with the creative use of medium, which reflects the business. Adding this element of ‘touch’ to an employee magazine is excellent. And importantly, it makes us smile.”
Emily Evetts, Marketing Executive at Antalis, adds, “We’re over the moon! Feedback from employees has been excellent, with the magazine being received very well from colleagues across all areas of the business. Thank you to the Sequel team for your hard work and making Team Talk an award-winning magazine!”
“A really strong and well-executed e-zine”
Produced with Kerry Foods, kfi – a bi-monthly e-zine – was praised by the judges for its clear strategic focus, saying it was “well written, well designed and intuitive to use.”
Debbie Forrester, Editorial Manager at Sequel, works with Jacqueline Ryan, Internal Communications and Employee Engagement Advisor at Kerry Foods, to bring the company’s strategic direction and vision to life in the e-zine.
Debbie explains, “kfi has its own personality. We use a good mix of narrative, interviews and videos to keep the pace varied and content meaningful.”
This lively content goes hand in hand with strong design and Jessie Watts, Designer at Sequel, ensures kfi is fully interactive and easy to use. She says, “We don’t use gimmicks or employ technologies just because they’re available: every aspect and technology used in kfi has to earn its place and prove its worth.”
Jacqueline adds, “It’s been great working with Sequel to bring the Kerry Foods Story to life through our e-zine; we knew it was a very special publication from the beginning. All the hard work that went into it was well worth it and winning the award was a fantastic feeling!”