The Guild of Motoring Writers is delighted to announce that entries for its 2020 awards are now open.
Members will be able to submit up to three pieces of published work in any of 10 categories, with prize money of up to £500, as well as a trophy.
Entries will remain open until Monday 14th December 2020. The finalists will be announced in mid-January, with an awards ceremony broadcast online in February to announce the winners.
The decision to hold the awards was driven by an overwhelming desire by the Guild committee to ensure the organisation reflects the automotive and publishing industries’ determination to show they are open for business in what has been an extremely challenging year.
As people were asked to follow restrictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, it became clear during the summer that the plan to hold an awards dinner at the Royal Automobile Club in London would not be feasible, with social distancing requirements dramatically reducing the number of attendees.
The Guild committee evaluated alternatives with a slimmed down number of awards with winners announced in an online video stream early in 2021.
Guild chairman Richard Aucock said: “We are delighted to be holding the 2020 Guild of Motoring Writers Awards in a modified format, as we feel it is important to recognise the efforts of our members to produce the highest standards of work in extremely difficult circumstances.
“We’re grateful to our sponsors who have offered their support in the unusual circumstances of 2020 and we hope the awards will bring some cheer in late winter and as we see the lighter evenings of spring looming on the horizon
“I would encourage everyone eligible to seek out their best work from the last awards deadline at the end of September 2019, up to December 2020, and enter it for judging.”
Depending on the category entered, material (which should have been published or broadcast from st1 October 2019 to 14th December 2020), can be supplied as pdfs, jpeg scans or URL links to websites (the material must be readily accessible from the date of entry until 28th February 2021).
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.
Books only are eligible to be entered into the Mercedes-Benz Award for the Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy. The closing date for entries is 14 thDecember 2020. An individual piece of material (such as a story or feature) can only be submitted into one category.
Automotive journalists who are not already members of the Guild still have time to apply to join before the closing date which would make them eligible to enter all the award categories – but hurry as time is tight to get new applications processed.
For full details on all the award categories, prize money and an entry form go to: http://www.gomw.co.uk/enter.
Candidates are advised to read the online instructions carefully before entering. If you have any questions about the entry procedure or want to apply for Guild membership contact Honorary Secretary, Richard Netherwood email: [email protected]
The awards categories and criteria are as follows:
AA Campaigning for Safety Award
£500
Open to Guild members only
A merger of the previous Campaigning Journalism and Safety awards, the scope of this category is wide and entries should focus on areas of safety such as road and motorway conditions or design; safety of road users whether in vehicles, on cycles or pedestrians; cycling; the environment including pollution and new technology; infrastructure and maintenance; car parking; young drivers; legislation. 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 and which shows depth of passion and commitment for the safety of all whether inside or outside a vehicle.
Audi Photographic Awards
£250 each in General and Motorsport categories
Open to Guild members only
A category each for motorsport and general motoring photographers. The judges are looking for an innovative or instinctive angle on photographing vehicles or motorsport action in all its diverse outlets. The winner will be selected for his or her range of photographic techniques across the full selection of their entered work.
BCA Feature Writer of the Year
£500
Open to Guild members only
For the best general feature (not regular column) dealing with any aspect of the motoring scene. 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.
Bentley Motors Editor of the Year
£500
Open to Guild members only
For 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.
Business Writer of the Year
£500
Open to Guild members only
This award rewards excellence among journalists 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.
Classic Writer of the Year
£500
Open to Guild members only
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.
CNH Industrial Commercial Vehicle Writer of the Year Award
£500
Open to Guild members only
Awarded for a feature or series of features that best represent the world of commercial vehicles, these can either be on the latest innovations in vehicle technology or the innovative use of commercial vehicles in day to day business. The judges are looking for a fresh and interesting approach to the subject.
Genesis Award for Automotive Technology Journalism
£500
Open to Guild members only
For a journalist whose writing demonstrates 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 accessible to non-specialists.
loop Journalist of the Year
£500
Open to Guild members only
To be selected as an overall winner from all other media award winners.
Mercedes-Benz Award for the Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy
- 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
Open to Guild and non-Guild journalists
This award 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 book form. There will be prizes for first, second and third place.
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