Michael Rigby Associates has reached the finals of the Construction Marketing Awards 2006 in two categories, 'Market research' and 'Agency of the Year'. The awards are organised by EMAP Construction Network and supported by the CIMCIG (Chartered Institute of Marketing Construction Industry Group). MRA won the award for 'Agency of the Year' in 2004.

The award for 'Market Research' is for any company who completed an exemplary market research project between June 2005 and June 2006. Clear objectives for the research must be demonstrated, along with a structured and disciplined approach to data capture and analysis. The research is required to have been executed on time and on budget, and to have produced tangible results with evidence.

"Our focus is on actionable research, and on providing information and insight with strong, clear recommendations to make customers' marketing more effective," explains Lucia Di Stazio, head of Rigby Research, a divsion of Michael Rigby Associates. "This is the first year we have entered the 'Market Research' Category and we are delighted to be short listed."

The 'Agency of the Year' award is for any agency, whether advertising, business development or PR, that has performed for clients, changed perceptions and made a measurable difference to their customers' business.

"We are results oriented and we help companies grow," comments Fiona Lund, Director and General Manager of Michael Rigby Associates. "Our PR cutomers grow faster than their markets, usually much faster, and they see our PR as a major factor in boosting their growth. That's why we won this award two years ago."

Andy Jones, Sales Director and General Manager of Edgetech UK adds: "Michael Rigby Associates has been an integral part of Edgetech's success over the last three years. Unlike other PR agencies, MRA has helped develop our marketing strategy as well as our PR. Working on the two in tandem has ensured our success, and MRA positioned us, via excellent PR, as one of the voices of the industry.

"Since we've been working together Edgetech's turnover has grown by 250%, no small feat in a marketplace that has declined by 25%. We started with 1.5% of the market and are now on target to take in excess of 10% by the end of 2007. MRA has enabled us to reach a wider audience, including local authorities and local government, and has achieved column inches for us in trade journals, and even The Times newspaper.

"Edgetech doesn't see MRA as a PR agency, much more an extension of our company."

The winners will be announced at the CMA Awards Dinner, held on Thursday 30th November at The New Connaught Rooms in London.