TALA shortlisted for internationally important award for 18-year relationship with National Memorial Arboretum

Our 18-year relationship with the National Memorial Arboretum, built on shared values and earned trust, has been shortlisted for an internationally important ‘Long Term Commitment Award’ in the Purpose Awards EMEA 2025.

The Purpose Awards EMEA 2025 – and awards scheme from PR Week, Campaign and Third Sector – recognise campaigns that use creative ideas successfully to further positive causes, and acknowledge the organisations behind them.

The Arboretum was our very first client when Andrew Baud founded TALA in 2007 and, as the UK’s year-round place to Remember, it is truly unique.

Part of the Royal British Legion, the Arboretum’s 150-acre garden and woodland site is home to over 420 memorials commemorating the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and civilian organisations.

Since we first started working with the Arboretum 18 years ago, we’ve continuously delivered a comprehensive communications programme and become an integral and close-knit part of the site team, providing continuity between successive leaders.  

Through integrated storytelling campaigns, managing media at national Remembrance events attended by royalty and prime ministers, and securing profile-raising activities on everything from Countryfile, to Gardeners’ Question Time and CBeebies, our efforts have contributed to a 405% increase in visitor numbers.

Over the years, there have been many horrendously early starts and late-night finishes hosting our friends in the broadcast media – yet none of the TALA team questions it when working for such an inspirational client.

It was this partnership that inspired us to launch On The Record, the campaign to create the UK’s first national memorial to honour the sacrifice made by UK reporting teams in conflict zones. 

We know that every single organisation that entered an award, whether they were shortlisted or not, is working to raise the profile and understanding of a cause they really believe in – and that is what is worth celebrating most.