Word Association

An innovative annual report created by Leicestershire-based communications agency Word Association has scooped a prestigious award. The rapidly expanding company – ranked 13th nationally by PR Week – designed and produced the eye-catching document for Optima Community Association. The report, produced specifically for the Birmingham-based housing association’s tenants, has won the first Annual Report to Residents Award from the Midlands Network for Resident Involvement. Judges praised its striking, vibrant design, easy-to-read style and emphasis on resident engagement.

The colourful, music-inspired document features a collage of tenants’ photos on the cover, in the style of the Beatles’ iconic Sgt Pepper album. Song titles signpost each section of the report, which interweaves information on Optima’s performance with “highlights of the year” and interviews with residents. Word Association Chief Executive Mark Thomas said: “It is fantastic to have our work recognised in this way. The judges commented that the report really stood out – they liked its fresh, modern style and the innovative, themed design which makes it so easy to read.”

Word Association has won numerous awards for the annual reports it has designed, written and produced over the last 20 years. The team has been particularly busy this year following new regulations that require housing providers to produce annual reports specifically for, and with the involvement of, their tenants.