The Yorkshire Publicity Association (YPA), the region’s biggest media networking forum, has today announced the appointment of John Ainley to chairman as the association looks to significantly expand its membership and activities during 2010.

Founded in 1923, the YPA is the oldest publicity association in the UK and aims to improve the presence of Yorkshire’s media companies and professionals across the region, nationally and internationally.

 
Ainley’s appointment comes at a time of significant development for the association, as it looks to double its membership, expand the YPA committee and redevelop its website and online presence in line with current media trends.

 
John Ainley, Business Director for CBS Outdoor Ltd in Leeds, assumes the role from incumbent chairwoman, Leigh Bulmer, who has guided the organisation through the first phase of its expansion. The association also boasts Nick Lane-Fox, owner of Bramham Park, as its Honorary President.

 
John Ainley, YPA Chairman, said: “I am thrilled to be taking on the chairmanship of the YPA at such a pivotal time in its history. As the oldest publicity association in the UK we have a unique and unparalleled history and I look forward to building on the fantastic work undertaken by my predecessor, Leigh Bulmer.

 
“As part of our strategic drive to expand and develop the association, we are enhancing the YPA committee, aiming to double our membership and undertaking a complete overhaul of our website and e-communications to significantly increase our web traffic over the coming year.

 
“I look forward to overseeing the growth and development of the association and whilst we’ve never been in a stronger position, there are plenty more opportunities for us to extend our influence and benefit the region as a whole.

 
“People are working incredibly hard in the media sector as a whole as we move forward in challenging times.  At the YPA we also look forward to putting together events throughout 2010 that will not only be fantastic networking opportunities but also times to relax with industry colleagues in spite of the tough economic climate.”

 
Adrian Johnson, Director of PR agency Umpf was elected as Vice Chairman.

The sold-out event at the Living Room in Leeds saw agencies from a mix of marketing, print, media buying, video, advertising, radio, digital and PR disciplines take part, with Radio Aire’s JK & Joel as quizmasters.

Following a three-way tie on 63 points, the team from Principles in Leeds – the smallest team, with just three people – were victorious in a tie-breaker question to guess the cost of the spare-no-expenses trophy (£12.50).

The aim of the quiz was to increase YPA membership and raise the profile of the organisation among new agencies.  John Ainley, from CBS Outdoor, who is on the YPA’s Committee, said: “Six months ago we reviewed the YPA and the two key areas were to refresh the Committee, which we’re just about to complete, and to reach out to new members with a series of social, networking events such as this quiz.

“The YPA is very well known for its successful annual summer and Christmas Ball, each of which attracts well over 300 people, but we wanted to create more regular events, and appeal to more staff in more agencies by hosting some less formal get-togethers.

“We’ve got more planned and judging by the feedback from the quiz night, we’ve got an eager and willing audience.  It was a good-spirited quiz and no evidence of iPhone or BlackBerry-assisted answer sheets!

“Well done to the Principles team who won fair and square and are deserving of their title of the brainiest quiz agency in Yorkshire.”

Laura Hattersley, Integrated Media Account Manager at Principles Media in Leeds, said: “We had a fantastic evening and particularly enjoyed putting our competitive streaks and music knowledge to good use for once!  The trophy has pride of place in the Principles Media office and the champers has already being quaffed.”

This event recognised and rewarded creative talent in the Yorkshire area and there was a lot on display.   The event was attended by creatives from the design and advertising industry who gathered to find out if they had been nominated, commended or won an award.

Taking home the Grand Prix was The Workshop for Roundabout Annual Report and the Chairman’s Award went to Chris Miller for Vin De Payback.

Other awards winners included; JDA who won the Press Advert category for their work for Chris Lines; The Individual Agency Ltd won the Packaging Award for Ben Shaws and Mezzo films scooped the Broadcast Award for their advert for Motorpoint.  The award for Outdoor Advertising was given to fuse8 for Safer Leeds; The Individual Agency won Corporate Identity for Fleur of England and Lowd and Klea Group won in Corporate Literature. In Direct Mail the award went to Elmwood for Breakfast Club, in Digital to MadeByPi for First Direct and in Low Budget fuse8 won 2 awards for Metro Shred and Greyhound Action

For the full list of award, commendation and nomination winners visit – http://www.thedrum.co.uk/events/64-cream-yorkshire-awards-2009/categories

Everybody had a great time, as you can see by the pictures – http://www.thedrum.co.uk/events/64-cream-yorkshire-awards-2009/page/121/ and we are already looking forward to 2010.

For more information about the Cream Yorkshire awards and to register your interest for 2010 please contact Lisa Fraser on 0141 559 6064 or at lisa.fraser@carnyx.com