Katherine Benton, awards executive at MEA Markets, says that the MEA Business Awards 2020 process involves an in-house research team that conducts independent research to create case files on behalf of nominees.

"Scout's case file was built following investigations into public domain sources, which were used to determine the performance, achievements and contributions of each nominee," Benton adds. "Once finalised, the file was presented to our judging panel for their consideration."

Benton adds, "To move successfully from nominee to awardee in the MEA Business Awards, there must be evidence of expertise within a given field, dedication to customer service and client satisfaction with an ongoing commitment to excellence."

According to the awards, this ongoing commitment to excellence on the part of the Scout team has been very much in evidence for 2020, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic.

In January 2020, Scout won an award for social media at the AAXO Roar Awards and in August 2020, the agency was named PR & Social Media Agency of the Year 2020 — South Africa at the Media Innovator Awards.

Agency director Lauren Shantall says, "We're naturally thrilled to have been recognised. But our mission and vision is to serve our clients and deliver results. If we happen to win awards by doing so, then that is just an unexpected blessing and cause for celebration."

"I'd like to thank and honour the Scout team members, the powerhouse of the agency, for their dedication and perseverance. It's been a tough year for everyone across the globe, with no exceptions here, so a little good news is always welcome," adds Shantall.

"We'd very much like to thank the MEA Business Awards 2020 for honouring Scout in this way and we will endeavour to live up to the accolade," concludes Shantall.

For more information, visit www.scoutpr.co.za. You can also follow Scout PR and Social Media on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.