Merkle UK (www.merkle.com/emea), a leading technology-enabled, data-driven performance marketing agency, has been announced as the winner of Inclusive Culture & Marketing award at the Microsoft Advertising Regional Partner Awards.

The Microsoft Advertising Regional Partner Awards aim to recognise the outstanding work of their agency, channel and technology partners working with Microsoft Advertising in Europe. The Inclusive Culture and Marketing Award is awarded to the partner who demonstrates the strongest commitment to inclusive culture and promoting inclusive marketing practices.

Merkle was recognised for its commitment to achieving its goal of promoting inclusivity beyond its employee networks by leveraging its extensive client, partner and industry relationships. 

This included working with clients to help them make their advertising more inclusive and becoming a member of the Conscious Advertising Network (CAN): a voluntary organisation that aims to prevent ad abuse by promoting the positive choices that agencies and advertisers can make together. Another key initiative, working with community group ‘The Roots Programme’, was to reach candidates from socio-economic backgrounds less likely to apply for roles. This involved removing academic requirements from job specs with the onus placed on experience and transferable skills and attracted talent that would previously have been missed. The agency also worked with Microsoft to organise workshops and training sessions to promote inclusivity into the wider industry.

Claire Billings, VP, Head of Marketing EMEA, said: “Every week a different group is represented through an activity or event across our offices, to promote diversity across our business and make every individual feel included and supported when they come to work. Being recognised by our partner Microsoft at these specialist awards is a real honour and a testament to the commitment from our Diversity & Inclusion Council and the business as a whole."

Merkle’s Diversity & Inclusion Council coordinates activity across six pillars: Mental Health, LGBTQ+, Women in Leadership, Ethnicity, Disability and Religion. Last year it was placed 1st Runner Up for ‘Diversity & Inclusion Leader of the Year’ (Bing Regional Partner Awards).