Echo Press Releases

Echo has gained the top award for research and evaluation in the European Excellence Awards (EEA) for its "very successful" assessment of the reputation and communications of the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

One of the world's biggest and most heavily contested competitions, with a record 1450 entries this year, the EEA awards are made by the 1600-strong European Association of Communications Directors (EACD). Echo's trophy, in the form of a dramatic swirl of golden flames, was presented at a glittering international gathering at Prague's Zofin Palace in December.

"This latest accolade is an real showcase of best practice and a strong endorsement of the vision and commitment by our clients to evidence-based strategic communication in support of the UAE nation's continued progress," said Sandra Macleod, Echo's Global Chief Executive.

The study, A nation in the public eye: a gameplan for better communication in Europe and globally, laid a ruler alongside the UAE's reputation with stakeholders and media. Following a 360-degree stakeholder and media analysis, the study tracked the movement of reputational indices for news outlets across Europe including Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the UK, plus multiple Web 2.0 sources.

The EACD's judges opined: "Echo Research very successfully carried out a reputation audit as a frame for the United Arab Emirates' first ever communications strategy, which had a crucial focus on Europe as the home of key UAE customers and stakeholders. The study provided a sound basis upon which to drive tactical interventions, and helped to advance the professionalisation of government communications".