The Independent Impact 50 Awards

New & Improved for 2027!

Now more accessible to freelancers and independents of every kind.
New categories and more flexibility in how you submit an entry
More opportunities for your work to be seen on a national stage

We’ve listened and we’ve acted on feedback from people who thought the Independent Impact 50 Awards is only for super-strategic freelancers with big personal brands.

It never has  been, but perception is reality.

So for 2027, we’ve created two channels for entrants to choose from

Campaign Specialists – focussing on campaign-centred work that is delivering huge client outcomes, even if the budgets are small or the client is a bit vanilla. You play the hand you are dealt and what you do with it can have big impact.

Advisory Specialists – focussing on your impact outside of campaign work – how you have changed how PR & comms is valued by clients, provided crucial strategic or organisational advice or campaigned to raise the industry’s standards or developed the skills of others

NEW FOR 2027:

Shooting Stars – A whole new category of entries for people who have begun freelancing in the last two years and are building a high performing business. Let’s talk numbers.

We’ll be explaining how all this works  in detail when entries for 2027 open, but for a lot of people this will be the year to enter, when there’s no excuse not to do so.

Start now by registering for updates on entering and webinars on how to create a compelling entry.

The Independent Impact 50 celebrates the extraordinary, disproportionate influence that an independent practitioner can have on the organisations they advise, on professional learning and development, and on the evolution of the PR and communications sector as a whole.

It is NOT just about a specific campaign or set of client metrics. It’s about the independent practitioner’s journey, their influence, impact, commitment and contribution.

It is a celebration of freelancers who have persuaded clients to do things differently, provided fearless advice and championed high standards of professional communication practice.

It is a showcase for independent practitioners who lift others up, guide clients and industry colleagues, support their development and advance the PR profession as a whole.

And it throws a much-needed spotlight on freelancers committed to making a real contribution to the evolution of the PR and communications sector.

The awards are open to any independent UK practitioner, sole trader or micro business with two or fewer full-time employees. You can self-nominate and provide evidence from clients and/or industry colleagues supporting your rightful place on the Independent Impact 50 list. You don’t need to be a member of one of the professional bodies.

We know independents work on tight budgets, so the 2026 entry fee is only £50.

We described the inaugural Independent Impact 50 as the start of a conversation, not the end of a process – and we meant it!

So get involved, join the celebration of the UK’s very best independent practitioners and join the conversation about how we can take independent PR practice to even greater heights.

“We are delighted that PRovoke Media is the media partner for the new Independent Impact 50 programme, championing some of the UK’s most influential PR practitioners. With some of the best senior talent in the industry now independent, this crucial sector deserves to be promoted and celebrated for its impact on clients’ business and contribution to the professionalism of PR and communications.”

“The CIPR is pleased to support the Independent Impact 50 Awards for another year. The response to last year’s inaugural awards demonstrated just how vital this recognition is, not only in celebrating individual achievement but in highlighting the breadth and calibre of independent talent across our profession.”

“The PRCA is pleased to support The Independent Impact 50, which recognises the exceptional contribution of independent practitioners to the public relations and communications industry.

“The initiative highlights professionals whose influence extends beyond client work, advancing standards, sharing expertise, and shaping the evolution of our sector.

“Independent practice remains essential to the agility and innovation of our profession. We encourage practitioners across the UK to join the conversation on the future of independent PR.”

“Socially Mobile is pleased to partner with The Independent Impact 50 for a second year, to join the celebration of independent talent in the UK public relations industry  and to continue the conversation about unlocking independent success.

The initiative aligns with our objective of improving diversity and representation within the UK public relations industry. We are we grateful to the Independent Impact 50 for its support of Socially Mobile by again funding two places on the 2026 cohort, helping practitioners from underrepresented groups gain management communication expertise and knowledge.”

The Independent Impact 50 shines a spotlight on an under-recognised community in the UK public relations industry, which generates more than £500 million in revenue for the economy and employs more than 8,000 people. Independent practitioners represent the entrepreneurial spirit and specialised expertise that drives practice forward.”

Stephen Waddington, founder and director, Socially Mobile