Rob Morrice, managing director at IAS commented: "As a pioneer for all things ground-breaking in B2B, it's safe to say we like to do things differently and never back down from a challenge.

"Make no mistake about it, the IAStival caused a huge stir on the industry scene, and that is exactly what we love doing."

The fun-filled weekend for over 500 staff, clients, family and friends included a packed programme of music and cultural activities. Headlining acts included Turin brakes; The Sunshine Underground; singer/ songwriter Bailey Tzuke - who's 'Uninvited' track charted number eight with the Freemasons - and the first commissioned poet for the 2012 Olympics, Lemn Sissay.

"With London reputed as the hotbed of world creativity, this goes to show that we are the best agency of any kind in the country at marketing ourselves and that we can come up with superb creative ideas that nobody else can dream of," adds Morrice.

"Considering that we only opened our London office in this year, picking up the award is a massive achievement - the time and effort that our staff invested in making what many deemed the impossible - possible, makes the award that extra bit special."

For pictures and videos from the IAStival visit www.iastival.co.uk/gallery

"Nikki demonstrated a great understanding of PR spanning trade, consumer, digital and social media. She has worked her way quickly up the ranks at IAS b2b to become PR and Social Media Account Manager, and is clearly thriving in a position which holds a great deal of responsibility," commented the panel.

"In addition to managing several accounts, regularly being part of new business pitches and discussing examples to back up her broad skills set, Nikki was able to demonstrate the impact that her PR campaigns have had on her clients too. Moreover, her passion for PR and her honest work ethic shone through."

Nikki joined IAS as a Graduate in 2007 and has consistently performed during her four years with the agency, immersing herself in new world PR channels, content and tactics. Her digital communications know-how played an instrumental part in the success of a Kingspan campaign targeting architects, which was shortlisted for 'Best Use of Social Media' as well as in the 'Integrated Communications' and 'Best Website' categories at this year's awards.

For further information visit http://www.cipr.co.uk/content/events-awards/pride-awards/pride-awards-results-2011/north-west

"B2B marketers generally take more convincing when it comes to investing the time, resource and finance to commit to a meaningful presence on web 2.0 platforms," says IAS Head of PR and Social Content, Paul Myerscough.

"Consequently our consumer counterparts naturally stole a march on the social media score. Winning 'Consultancy of the Year' in this category against any agency, of any kind, is a clear indication that B2B has found its social media footing and that the IAS offer is nationally held up as a leading agency model."

The IAS approach recognises social media as an increasing vital channel to market, but only as part of an integrated web-based dialogue programme - not an isolated discipline. To this end the agency has developed an eight step process to plan, manage and measure online engagement. This latest award win sees IAS B2B Marketing secure 12 industry accolades and nominations for its holistic and forward thinking social media stance during 2011 alone, with a total 34 trophies collected across all categories.

The MiNetwork's annual awards ceremony was held on Thursday 17th November 2011 in Manchester. IAS B2B Marketing's MD, Rob Morrice, was also named 'Managing Director of the Year'. For further information visit http://www.miawards.me/

"When I first told staff that we'd be the number one B2B agency in the UK in five years and take the world title in 10, they thought I was a Scottish lunatic - they don't now!" says Rob Morrice.

"We've arguably taken the UK lead in terms of reputation, strategic offer, quality of work and awards success, and winning the BMA's International Agency of the Year in July has already kick-started our global assassin for 2012."

The MiNetwork named Morrice Managing Director of the Year at its annual awards ceremony on Thursday 17th November 2011. The specialist B2B agency also scooped 'Social Media Consultancy of the Year'. For further information visit http://www.miawards.me/

The leaders of the Brand Asset Management, Digital Contact Strategy, and Creative teams presented the latest updates to BBN's integrated offering, due for roll-out throughout the network in early 2012. Another key topic of discussion was the Academy, BBN's annual training event, which will take place in Madrid on November 17^th and 18^th. The Academy will feature a Social Media module for the first time, focused on the opportunities offered by social media in B2B.

The other priority in the coming months will be the network's geographical expansion in a number of regions. "Expansion is a part of our DNA, and we are committed to recruiting the best B2B agencies around the globe," pointed out Richard Brelet, Executive Director of BBN.

The highlight of the two days was a meeting with three representatives of the Business Marketing Association (BMA). Earlier this year the BMA awarded BBN UK - IAS b2b Marketing - an outstanding 23 awards, along with the prestigious B2 Agency of the Year accolade. BBN hopes to develop a closer relationship with the BMA and help the association expand in Europe.

Rob Morrice, the new Chairman of BBN, commented: "BBN is the only global B2B network to have a blank sheet of paper to ROI process, which all agencies must adhere to and be trained to implement consistently. Not only that, our recent success proves that it's world leading. So it's natural that we would throw our lot in with the Business Marketing Association of America because it is by far the global leading B2B marketing 'institute' which champions this great industry of ours."

Kick-starting with IAS' proprietary Brand Asset Management (BAM) process, the project will encompass a complete visual rebrand and the development of an integrated web-based dialogue programme, covering digital communications, PR and social media.

"We're used to working with global heavyweights so Radicon sits perfectly within our sweet spot," says IAS Managing Director, Rob Morrice. "The Radicon and Benzler brands are amongst the most recognised in the power transmission industry and we're proud to be associated with 150 years of manufacturing pedigree."

IAS's managing director, Rob Morrice, says: "What better way to make our mark on the industry scene than by being the first and only agency to host a festival and on such a mammoth scale?"

Headlining acts included Turin brakes; The Sunshine Underground; singer/ songwriter Bailey Tzuke - who's 'Uninvited' track charted number eight with the Freemasons - and the first commissioned poet for the 2012 Olympics, Lemn Sissay.

IAS management also got in on the act with Studio Manager Tamsin Whalley performing her own set on the festival's acoustic stage and Client Services Director, Jeremy Bramwell, strutting his stuff with 90s brit-pop bandmates, The Adventure Babies.

"I was blown away by what they'd achieved," adds Morrice. "The weekend was an unbelievable success and I'm still in absolute awe of just what we've managed to pull off.

"The acts were superb, the atmosphere was alive and everyone came together to make it one of the best and most professionally organised events I have ever experienced.

"Each and every member of the team is so talented and this weekend's feat goes to show how and why we're the most awarded B2B agency around."

Visit www.iastival.co.uk/gallery for pictures and videos of the weekend's antics or search the #IAStival and #IAStivalhighlight hashtags for the lowdown on the biggest and most successful agency event of the year.

Special thanks to the photographer Chris Boydell and the stage management team at Ro Bo Promotions.

Former IAS-staffer, Rachael Collinge, rejoins the agency after a three-year interval with Marketecture, where she led the PR function during a period of maternity cover. Collinge joins IAS as a senior account manager and will head up a number of construction and engineering clients, as well as the agency's social content specialism.

Also joining the ranks at IAS is Hannah Leyland who has been snapped up from the world's second largest pharmaceutical firm, Merck (also known as MSD). In the role of account manager she will take up the reins on a range of new business wins including two global oil and engineering companies. Leyland will also play a key role in developing IAS' internal comms and planning function.

In support of the expanded PR department, IAS has also recruited English graduate, Katherine Thomas, as a junior account executive. Kat starts at the agency following her studies at Sheffield Hallam University.

Head of PR, Paul Myerscough, said: "Social, digital and, so called, traditional B2B PR is what we do and do well. But we're not one to rest on our laurels, so we're developing specialisms within the department that will operate in harmony with our award-winning, full-service offer and as stand-alone functions in their own right.

"We're known as the know-how agency and we always strive to demonstrate that with a creative flair, whether we're dealing with a brief that requires a strategic, tactical or blended solution."

"As the only integrated agency to feature in the coveted Outstanding PR Consultancy category, we're showing so-called 'pure PR' evangelists that we're specialists in our own right," says IAS Head of PR, Paul Myerscough. "Our strike rate across the marketing, PR and digital industry awards flies in the face of anyone who may cast aspersions on the capabilities of the full service model when it comes to excelling in individual areas.

"The PR team has done brilliantly well once again - not least our Senior Account Manager, Nikki Poyser, who is deservedly in the running for the very personal accolade of Outstanding Young Communicator."

Nikki joined IAS as a Graduate in 2007 and has risen through the ranks during her four years with the agency, immersing herself in all things social media. Her digital communications know-how played an instrumental part in the success of a Kingspan campaign targeting architects, which has been shortlisted for 'Best Use of Social Media' as well as in the 'Integrated Communications' and 'Best Website' categories.

The final nomination comes for IAS B2B PR's work with fleet management company, Lex Autolease (a subsidiary of Lloyds Banking Group plc).

Winners of the North West PRide Awards 2011 will be announced on the 23rd November at the Hilton hotel on Deansgate, Manchester.

For further information and to view the full shortlist visit http://tinyurl.com/3wz4sm8.

In addition to driving key BBN initiatives in the coming year, the new Chairman and Board members will oversee the implementation of BBN's new membership structure.

The Managing Directors of BBN member agencies, as well as guests from Japan and Spain, flew to Paris for the two-day meeting filled with discussions about the network's latest initiatives and priorities for the new financial year.

Rob Morrice commented: "There are two fundamental differences between BBN and other global network "clubs." Firstly, we specialise in B2B Marketing, but more importantly we all use the same processes and approach to Brand Development, Digital Contact Strategy, Creativity, PR and Effectiveness Tracking. This means that whenever you interact with BBN, you get a consistent market-leading offering. None of our competitors, including the big tied networks, can genuinely claim that."

Attendees shared learnings and exchanged best practises over the two days, in addition to receiving updates on BBN's digital and Brand Asset Management programs. They also expressed their full support for the formalisation of an international PR offering.

The week ended with a special event on Friday, June 24, organised by UK-based B2B Marketing and sponsored by BBN - the CMO B2B Marketing International Conference, on how to construct your digital brand architecture. The event provided an interactive platform to discuss the challenges that emerging digital channels pose to marketing strategies.

For a short video of the conference, please click here .