BEST ASSOCIATION TEAM
Association for Project Management – APM Customer Relationship Management project team
Created specifically for this project, the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) team have stood out because of their commitment, collaboration and innovative approach to successfully delivering the CRM project. This large-scale project was more complex than the standard CRM implementation, taking place over a two-and-a-half-year period and requiring seamless teamwork across APM.
Incorporating members from across the organisation, the team had to tackle data migration challenges, a rising technical debt, engage/inform a broad audience and complex business processes. In the face of these challenges, the team remained focussed, managing to successfully deliver a new CRM that has had a significantly positive impact on APM, improving efficiency and operational performances.
Throughout the two-year project, the team exemplified perseverance. They worked beyond their usual roles to ensure that the CRM project was delivered as best as possible, communicating effectively and adapting to its numerous challenges. The team’s success is reflected through the delivery of the CRM.
Association for Project Management – APM Project Management Qualification project team
The Project Management Qualification (PMQ) project team have stood out not only for what they delivered, but how they delivered it. The team were formed to launch a new version of APM’s flagship PMQ. This task had strategic importance for APM and the project profession. Rather than relying on a core group, the team used people from different roles, levels of seniority, and areas of expertise. People across the organisation were encouraged to volunteer or nominate themselves to be part of the team, even if they weren’t directly assigned to the project. Instead of working in silos, the team made a deliberate effort to work closely with suppliers and customers, recognising the importance of building the qualification with those who would deliver and experience it.
The impact of the teams work can be seen in the success of the relaunch. Over 6,000 candidates have sat the new qualification and we have an average pass rate of 64%. This is in comparison to the previous year’s average pass rate which was 39%, representing a 25% average increase.
Automate UK
In 2023, Automate UK (formerly the PPMA Group of Associations) delivered a full-scale brand and organisational transformation in just six months — a feat that typically takes three years. This remarkable achievement was led by a multidisciplinary team of experts spanning sales, marketing, events, operations, and digital innovation, supported by marketing partner De Bono Marketing Communications.
Under the leadership of CEO Peter Williamson and COO Scott McKenna, the team redefined the association’s role from trade show organiser to a strategic voice for the UK’s automation and smart manufacturing sectors. Their collaboration resulted in a 23% growth in membership, 604% increase in digital engagement, record-breaking events, and over 50% of event income reinvested into member services and advocacy.
This transformation was not only delivered on time and under pressure, but with resilience, professionalism — and a smile. Even post-launch, the team continues to evolve and optimise, introducing new platforms, content and events to benefit members and industry alike.
Automate UK is a shining example of what the best association teams can accomplish: agile, driven, and united by purpose.
British Educational Suppliers Association
BESA’s 10-person team successfully maintained full operations and exceeded expectations across events, policy, services, brand, and strategic delivery during a year of significant transition.
Working under a newly set up leadership approach, the team launched a new five-year strategy, modernised digital systems, strengthened global trade activity, and navigated complex sector challenges on behalf of members. A new leadership model empowered colleagues at all levels, reinforcing collaboration, accountability, and delivery standards.
Key achievements included record-breaking member events, a modernised CRM and website, high-level policy influence, and BESA’s strongest presence to date at the sector’s biggest trade show. Member engagement also reached new heights, supported by enhanced communications and brand visibility.
Throughout, the team demonstrated resilience, professionalism, and alignment, not only safeguarding but actively growing member value. Their achievements highlight the power of shared leadership and trust, making BESA a standout candidate for Best Association Team.
Institute of Management Accountants
Introduction & Background
The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is a global association with over 105 years of history, comprising 140,000 members across 150 over countries. IMA’s vision is to empower and connect business professionals to build a positive future. IMA offers services such as certification programs, continuing education, networking opportunities and advocacy for ethical business practices. These services are delivered across six global regions: The Americas, China, Europe, Middle East/North Africa, India, and Asia Pacific.
Challenges & Objectives
Last year, the team faced several significant challenges that hindered operational efficiency and member experience.
Firstly, delayed and incomplete handovers in the scholarships process, with transitions taking over a month and missing critical information, making it difficult for new team members to adjust and learn effectively.
Secondly, lack of streamlined onboarding processes, particularly ARCP, where essential steps like IMA account registration, exam registration, and structured onboarding guides were missing.
Furthermore, operational shortcomings such as the absence of onboarding materials for new staff and a lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities across the team. Lastly, marketing inefficiencies where the focus was overly centered on strategizing postings for specific campaigns.
Major Projects Association
In 2024, the team worked together to revitalise our in-person programme, increased engagement across our diverse membership, strengthened our community of practice, and delivered exceptional results – including record attendance, outstanding member satisfaction, and a world-class Net Promoter Score of 72.5.
We achieved this with a clear focus on showcasing a diversity of voices and under-represented narratives. Internally, our regular communications ensured that the team were kept up to date with the work of one another and we have developed a strong team culture that values individuality and humour alongside hard work.
This award would recognise not only what we’ve delivered – 37 events, 20 reports, 21 blogs, 6 podcasts, world class satisfaction scores and a 10% membership growth – but more importantly how we’ve done it – with warmth, professionalism, and purpose.
National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers
The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) is the UK’s largest independent trade body for commercial finance brokers, supporting over 2,000 members and 160 lender patrons. The Association’s mission is to support, inform, and represent commercial finance intermediaries while upholding professionalism and integrity. The NACFB’s cross-departmental team works collaboratively across communications, compliance, events, and membership to deliver high-impact services aligned with its strategic goals.
In 2024–2025, the team overcame major challenges, including regulatory changes and rising digital expectations. The compliance team responded with practical tools such as the expanded Compliance Hub, including a popular Consumer Duty toolkit accessed by over 1,500 firms. Simultaneously, the team revamped digital platforms and redesigned the Commercial Broker magazine for improved interactivity and clarity.
Team culture is strengthened through regular cross-functional collaboration and quarterly team days. The team also delivered a refreshed 2025 NACFB Commercial Finance Expo with a new city-themed format, drawing more than 2,000 delegates and 140+ exhibitors.
The NACFB’s resources, events, and advocacy have improved member outcomes and strengthened broker-lender relationships. From helping SMEs access funding to elevating compliance standards, the NACFB team continues to play a central role in shaping the UK’s commercial finance landscape.
Seddon Management Services
Seddon Management Services (SMS) is the driving force behind five high-impact trade associations – CBOA, FASET, SAEMA, UKMDA, and WAHSA—delivering tailored, strategic support that empowers each to thrive. Operating a rare but highly effective multi-association model, SMS provides bespoke services in governance, policy, events, training, and communications, ensuring each association remains influential, visible, and future-ready.
SMS is “big enough to deliver, small enough to care,” supporting members through technical guidance, regulatory navigation, and award-winning event delivery. It elevates members’ profiles through media campaigns, success stories, and award nominations, directly enhancing their credibility and commercial potential.
SMS is also a policy shaper – engaging directly with regulators, responding to consultations, and producing technical guidance grounded in real-world expertise. Their leadership in safety training is exemplified by the SAEMA Training Platform, a CPD-accredited, digital learning system transforming industry competence with scalable, modern training.
The SMS team’s culture – defined by empathy, professionalism, and deep sector knowledge—builds lasting trust. Their impact is tangible: stronger member engagement, national visibility, and real-world business benefits.
SMS doesn’t just manage associations – it builds communities and shape industries. Its people-centred approach sets a gold standard in association leadership, proving that strategic management can deliver real transformation across
