Clarion Bright Sparks Creative Challenge Entry Form

Clarion is an award-winning PR and communications agency based in London. As part of our mission to get a broader range of talent into the PR industry, we’ve teamed up with Creative Alliance to launch a brand-new creative challenge open to all people under 30 not already working in the PR industry.

Individually – or in pairs – respond to the challenge below for your chance to win £1,000 plus a 2-week paid internship at Clarion, where you’ll get the chance to work on some of our clients, including retailer Aldi UK, food and drink brands, such as Unilever, Hovis and Border Biscuits, and lifestyle brands, including The Shard and airline Cathay Pacific.

The below brief is a real life one, set by our Wickes client so you get the chance to tackle the sorts of briefs we get given first hand. We’re looking for new and creative ways to attract shoppers into Wickes stores to use their kitchens service.

How it works:

• Apply via the form on the buttom below by 21st April
• We’ll shortlist up to 10 entries who will come to our offices in London on 30th April to pitch their idea to a panel of judges, including Head of Marketing at Wickes, Clarion CEO and Clarion’s Head of Creative, as well as a representative from Creative Alliance
• The panel of judges will pick one team (made up of maximum of 2 people) to win £1,000 and a 2-week internship at Clarion
• Best of luck with your entry – we can’t wait to see all of your creative ideas!

T&Cs

The competiton is only open to those aged 18-30 (as of 21.04.2025) eligible to work in the UK and not already employed full time at a PR agency. Max 2 people per entry. One entry per person. The competition closes at 11.59PM on 21.04.2025. Winners will receive £1,000 (split if two winners) + a 2-week paid internship at Clarion (London Living Wage). Internship must be completed for 2 consecutive weeks in 2025. No accommodation provided. Shortlisted entrants must be available to pitch at Clarion's London office on 30th April 2025. Your entry must be your own work and not infringe on anyone else’s rights. By entering, you agree to appear in publicity materials. The judges’ decision is final. Clarion can cancel or modify the competition if necessary. See full T&Cs here: 

The communications challenge:

Downloadable copy here

Introduction:

Wickes is a leading home improvement retailer in the UK. Wickes has a range of products and services for both trade professionals and DIYers alike. From power tools, paint and decking, to kitchen and bathroom installation, Wickes has everything to help improve and enhance the nation’s homes.

Objective:

We would like to see an innovative and creative PR campaign that will drive awareness and consideration for Wickes Kitchens. Consumers often don’t know that Wickes sell kitchens so we want the campaign to position Wickes as the go-to destination for stylish and well-designed kitchens, regardless of budget. The campaign should also contribute to Wickes' overarching brand proposition of ‘Making the Nation Feel House proud.’

Whether it’s a first home or a forever home, Wickes offer beautifully designed kitchens for every budget, combining style, functionality, and expert design guidance, helping to create a kitchen you'll be proud to call your own.

All Kitchens from Wickes include:

• Kitchens from under £3k (Wickes Lifestyle Kitchens range) to £20k+ (Wickes Bespoke Kitchens range)
• Free design service including a home visit with an expert Design Consultant
• 70 different styles and over 200 cabinet options
• Top appliance brands from the likes of AEG and Bosch
• Installation available with 2 year workmanship guarantee
• A personal coordinator to support your kitchen journey

Target Audience:

• Broadly targeting ABC1 homeowning adults
• Wickes Bespoke Kitchens: Primarily ABC1 females aged 35+
• Wickes Lifestyle Kitchens: Primarily BC1C2 females aged 28+

Budget: £50,000

Develop a PR campaign idea that:

• Positions Wickes as an authority in kitchens and the go-to destination for kitchens, regardless of budget.
• Focuses on the design elements of Wickes kitchens. We want to move beyond interior design and showcase the actual design features, materials, and innovations within the kitchen units, layouts, and overall aesthetic.
• Appeals to the specified target audiences.
• Generates significant editorial coverage in relevant media outlets. Think national news (print and online) interior/lifestyle media and relevant online outlets.
• Raises awareness and drives consideration for Wickes kitchens.
• Demonstrates how the campaign aligns with Wickes' creative proposition of "Making the Nation Feel House proud."
• Is creative, engaging, and newsworthy.
• Is feasible and cost-effective.
• Includes details on the media strategy, you should also consider how the idea could be amplified using influencers.
• Demonstrates how you would evaluate the results.

Considerations:

• Design Focus: The core of your campaign should be rooted in the design of the kitchens themselves. Think about the trends influencing kitchen design, the innovative features Wickes offers, and the overall aesthetic appeal.
• Design Consultants: Wickes employs over 700 experienced kitchen Design Consultants who are at the forefront of current and emerging kitchen design trends. Consider leveraging their expertise as part of your campaign. They can provide quotes, insights, and act as spokespeople.
• Editorial Focus: This brief is specifically for editorial coverage, the primary focus should be on securing coverage in print, online and broadcast media.
• Influencer Integration: Consider how you would leverage relevant influencers to amplify your campaign message and reach a wider audience. Be specific about the types of influencers you would target and how you would engage them.
• Competition: Research the competitive landscape and identify how your campaign will differentiate Wickes from other kitchen retailers.