NEWPORT-based marketing and communications professional, Dan Langford, was hailed for his ‘Outstanding Contribution’ to the Welsh marketing industry last week (02 October) at The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)’s Canmol: Wales Marketing Awards, which took place at Cardiff’s City Hall.

Dan is Group Marketing Director of Acorn, Wales’ largest and one of the UK's leading recruitment and training companies with a network of branches, on-site locations and specialist divisions throughout England, Wales and Australia. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and a Fellow of the RSA.

Prior to joining Acorn in 2004, Dan was the Director of Communications and Marketing at UWIC, where he had previously held a number of different commercial, marketing and communications positions.

In addition to his role at Newport based Acorn, Dan also sits on the Board of the Wales in London Society, and the Welsh Government’s Strategic Board for Business Wales (One Stop Shop).

He has previously held a number of other non-executive positions including Commercial Director on the Commonwealth Games Council for Wales, and Board Member of Cardiff Marketing Ltd. He is a former College Governor of Coleg Glan Hafren, and has served on the Council of both CBI Wales and the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce.

Dan said: "I'm really delighted to have received this award - which frankly, is recognition of the brilliant support I have received over the years from my co-marketers and from other managers and colleagues I have worked for who put their confidence in me. This award is definitely 'one for the team'.

"Mention must also be made to the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the work it does to support and drive the profession. It's a profession that continues to face many challenges and opportunities, and the CIM is at the forefront in giving modern marketers the wherewithal to make a strategic and sophisticated contribution to their organisations."

Richard Houdmont, Director for Wales of The Chartered Institute of Marketing, said: “I’d like to offer huge congratulations to all ten Canmol winners, particularly to Dan Langford. Dan has contributed not only to the enormous success and growth of Acorn Group in Wales, but has also made a real difference through his role on many other bodies, including the Commonwealth Games Council for Wales and Cardiff Marketing Ltd. He is a truly deserving recipient of the Outstanding Contribution title.”

Joining Dan in his Canmol success were eight marketing teams from a mix of public sector organisations, renowned Welsh brands and SMEs, which reflected the range of sector-based categories that were introduced this year for the very first time.

Winners included Principality Building Society, Peter’s Foods Ltd, Swansea University, Ffotogallery, Quality Carpets Direct, City and County of Swansea, EarthMonkey Media Ltd and Pembrokeshire National Park Authority. While Aimee Bateman, founder of CareerCake.TV, was awarded the title of ‘New Marketer’ for her innovation and ability to carve such a high profile in a short amount of time.

A panel of 15 business and marketing experts were responsible for selecting the winners under the Chairmanship of Dr. Jonathan Deacon, South Wales Business School, University of South Wales and member of the CIM Board of Trustees. Dr. Deacon said: “This year’s winners each overcame their own challenges; whether it was being faced with a small budget, getting the buy-in of internal staff, or trying to stand out in a highly competitive market, they demonstrated innovation and forward-thinking, and achieved great results.”

Richard Houdmont, Director for Wales of The Chartered Institute of Marketing, added: “There is a wealth of marketing talent here in Wales, and the Canmol Awards continue to set a benchmark for professionals across the country.”