Adam&eveDDB, Uncommon, VCCP and Mother were among the agencies celebrated at the Oystercatchers Awards 24 in a ceremony attended by Oystercatchers Club member agencies and a host of top CMOs.

With more than 20 agencies shortlisted across 12 categories, it was Adam&EveDDB that scooped the top award for Best Agency Credentials for impressing the judges with its range of client relationships and body of work.

The judges, which included Mark Brown, CMO at Hovis, Chelsea FC’s CMO Claire Cronin and Fiona Spooner, managing director of consumer revenue at the Financial Times, decided the winners after careful consideration of each agency’s nomination.

VCCP and Mother were joint winners of the Agency of the Year prize, for businesses with 150+ staff. VCCP also took home the new Inclusive Pioneers award, which celebrates agencies leading progressive initiatives in diversity, equity and inclusion, and the prize for Best Longstanding Partnership for its work with Cadbury.

Judge Darren McConville-Smith, VP and director of customer service at TJX Europe says it was “evidence that VCCP has stayed true to Cadbury’s values by strong collaboration, open communication, and a shared commitment to long-term success, positioning Cadbury as a leading brand in the UK confectionery market”.

Isobel won Agency of the Year for businesses of less than 150 employees, while Uncommon was awarded The Grand Pearl, the newly introduced judge’s choice award, which recognises an agency that stands out for its vision, positioning and overall performance.

Meanwhile, Marketing Week columnist and CEO of Forsman&Bodenfors London, Helen James, was presented with the Suki Thompson Award for Championing Change.

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Becky McKinlay, managing director at Oystercatchers, says: “The Oystercatchers Awards are the only awards that celebrate the best brand and agency partnerships, highlighting how leading agencies are adapting alongside their clients to drive innovation, growth and resilience during challenging times.

“I want to express heartfelt thanks to all the agencies who submitted their outstanding work and to our brand judges for dedicating their time to celebrating and rewarding these achievements. Congratulations to everyone shortlisted, and a big well done to our winners.”

Full list winners:

Best Agency Credentials: Adam&EveDDB

Agency of the Year (150 staff or less): Isobel
St Luke’s (highly commended)

Agency of the Year (150+ staff): VCCP and Mother

Best Agency Culture (150 staff or less): St Luke’s
Roast (highly commended)

Best Agency Culture (150+ staff): Inspired Thinking Group

Best Longstanding Partnership (three-plus years): VCCP and Cadbury
Quiet Storm / Haribo (highly commended)

Best New Partnership (one year): Uncommon and Hiscox

Inclusive Pioneers: VCCP

The Rising Star Award: Jonathan Pein, planner, Recipe

Client Services Professional: Vicky Janaway, chief client officer, The Gate
Emily Brown, Client Services Director, Receptional (highly commended)

The Suki Thompson Award for Championing Change: Helen James, CEO, Forsman&Bodenfors London
Larisa Wong, strategist, Anomoly London (highly commended)

The Grand Pearl: Uncommon