Entries are now open for the 2023 Guild of Motoring Writers Awards, with the winners set to be presented with their awards during a black-tie dinner held at the Royal Automobile Club in December.
The period for submitting entries will last until midnight on Friday 30th September and, following judging, finalists will be announced in November. Work published between 1st October 2022 and 30th September 2023 will be eligible for consideration.
The awards presentation will be held at its traditional home of the Royal Automobile Club on 7th December, during the Guild’s Annual Dinner, which always features leading figures in automotive journalism and the industry.
With the exception of the RAC EV Journalist of the Year, Guild judges will select from up to three submissions per entry, with the best single piece of work from three entrants selected to make up the finalists of each category. Please note RAC EV Journalist of the Year entrants are limited to just one submission.
Books only are eligible to be entered into the Suzuki Award for the Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy. The closing date for entries is Monday, 2nd October 2023. An individual piece of material (such as a story or feature) can only be submitted into one category.
The awards are listed in detail below – regular entrants will notice that this list does not currently include the Photographic Awards or the Business Publication Award, for which sponsorship is still being sought. Guild Chair Simon Harris commented: “We are extremely appreciative of all the companies that have sponsored our 2023 awards, and it’s gratifying that they recognise the importance of these prestigious accolades as highpoints in the careers of the winners.
“Sadly, it is not possible for awards to run without sponsorship, and we are working tirelessly to ensure we can secure backing for the Photographic Awards and Business Publication Award in 2023.
“There is a huge breadth of talent among automotive photographers, and the judges are presented with an extremely difficult task each year in selecting the winners.
“Likewise, business publications contain some of the highest quality automotive journalism, with unrivalled knowledge and expertise in the various elements of the car industry that support manufacturers in their quests for sales.
“We hope to secure sponsorship for these awards very soon, as it’s vital that the best in these sectors are also allowed their chance to shine.”
Full details on all the award categories, prize money and an entry form are on the Guild Awards page of the website, www.gomw.co.uk
Candidates are advised to read the online instructions carefully before entering. If you have any questions about the entry procedure contact Honorary Secretary, Richard Netherwood.
The awards categories and criteria are as follows:
AA Campaigning for Motoring Award
Open to Guild members only
£500 plus trophy
This award merges the AA’s previous Campaigning Journalism and Safety awards. The scope of this category is wide and entries should focus on how their writing advances campaigns that impact motorists.
From road safety to electric vehicles, or roads maintenance to environmental issues, we want to see examples of how entrants have built and delivered their case to improve the lives of all road users. The judges will be looking for a piece of writing that provokes, challenges or encourages real change among authorities, car makers and road-users in general. Judges are also looking for writing that shows depth of passion and commitment to improve the roads for all regardless of whether they are inside or outside a vehicle.
BCA Feature Writer of the Year
Open to Guild members only
£500 plus trophy
For the best general feature (not regular column) dealing with any aspect of the motoring scene by a Guild member. The judges are looking for a feature that takes a fresh or novel approach to a topic and one which demonstrates well-researched material that is both entertaining and informative. Candidates are required to enter just one feature for consideration.
Bentley Editor of the Year
Open to Guild members only
£500 plus trophy
First presented in 2010 this award goes to the editor who demonstrates they have balanced the demands of publishers and readers while nurturing journalistic talent and successfully making the critical decisions that turn a good publication into a great one. The judges are looking for strong leadership, innovations in the approach to editing and a keen understanding of the target audience and their requirements as well as supporting the development of their staff.
Footman James Classic Writer of the Year
Open to Guild members only
£500 plus trophy
Presented to the journalist offering the best example of an article or feature (but not books) reporting on the world of classic vehicles of any age. Entries should demonstrate an extensive knowledge of the subject and an interest in promoting the cause of classic motoring, whether it be cars, motorcycles or commercial vehicles. The judges will be looking for material which shows a genuine enthusiasm for the subject and that is both engaging and informative for the reader.
Genesis Award for Automotive Technology Journalism
Open to Guild members only
£500 plus trophy
Recognising engineering excellence for technical audiences, the judges are looking for an ability to write features that are valued by specialists in the subject, yet which are also interesting and easily accessible to non-specialists.
Iveco Industrial Commercial Vehicle Writer of the Year
Open to Guild members only
£500 plus trophy
This award is presented for features that best represent the world of commercial vehicles. These can either be on the latest innovations in vehicle technology or innovative use of commercial vehicles in day-to-day business. The judges are looking for a fresh and interesting approach to the subject.
Sue Baker Journalist of the Year sponsored by loop
Open to members and non-members
£500 plus trophy
This flagship award is supported by loop, a specialist automotive PR and communications agency. In 2019 a new format was introduced making this an award for the ‘best of the best’ – the judging panel reviews the entries of all the category winners to select the most outstanding performer.
Prodrive Motorsport Cup
Open to Guild members only
£500 plus trophy
The award recognises an outstanding achievement by a Guild member in the world of motorsport either writing about or competing in motorsport at any level.
Prova PR Business Writer of the Year
Open to Guild members only
£500 plus trophy
This award recognises excellence among Guild members who work in business media, both print and online. Judges will be looking for clarity of writing and well-researched articles that help readers understand the complexities of the business side of the UK auto industry from a retail, fleet or manufacturing perspective.
RAC EV Journalist of the Year
Open to Guild members only
£500 plus trophy
For the most outstanding example of electric vehicle (EV) journalism by a Guild member. Entrants are asked to submit just one article for this award. The judges will be looking for an informative, innovative and entertaining article related to the use of EVs.
We classify an EV as a vehicle where power to the wheels is provided by one or more electric motors, using electricity generated on or off the vehicle.
Suzuki Award for the Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy
Open to Guild members and non-members
1st £500 and two years’ free Guild membership
2nd £200 and one year’s free Guild membership
3rd £100 and one year’s free Guild membership
This award, open to Guild and non-Guild members, is presented to the person judged to have made the greatest contribution to recording, in the English language, the history of motoring or motorcycling in books.
GOMW MICA Young PR Professional of the Year Award sponsored by Meridian Audio
Open to those under 30, the award looks for the best examples of performance, professionalism and practice in automotive PR.
As well as the above awards there will also be presentations for the Driver of the Year, Rider of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Motorsport, The Guild of Motoring Writers’ Special Commendation sponsored by Kia, the Pemberton Trophy and the President’s Trophy.
