The Guild of Motoring Writers (GoMW) Annual Dinner and Awards 2013, held at the Royal Automobile Club in London, saw Jaguar Executives both present and receive special honours.
The first was the presentation of the GoMW Jaguar Sir William Lyons Award by Jaguar Land Rover Head of Global PR Communications Fiona Pargeter and Guild Chairman, Richard Aucock to budding young motoring journalist Ciaran O’Donnell Anderson, 19, from Heswall, Merseyside.
Fiona Pargeter, said: “All six finalists really impressed us with their talents and understanding of modern motoring journalism, but Ciaran’s work stood out for its very original and engaging style – huge congratulations to him as he embarks on a career that many dream of but only few achieve.”
Ciaran entered the competition by writing an analysis piece on ‘What Defines a Premium Car in 2013’ and was shortlisted with five other finalists. The final six went on to conduct a two-week editorial campaign around their features, using modern social media methods to promote, debate and develop their work. Three were then selected following the social media campaign, and subsequently assessed by a panel representing the GoMW and award sponsor Jaguar. Ciaran was selected as the winner, with fellow entrant Rachael Hogg highly commended.
Guild of Motoring Writers Chairman, Richard Aucock, said: “I would like to thank Jaguar Land Rover for sponsoring this special award. We changed the format of the Sir William Lyons Award slightly this year to include a modern social media element, which we believe has given the finalists more opportunity to showcase their talents and in turn the Guild more opportunity to promote the skills of new and up-and-coming writers.”
Receiving his award, Ciaran O’Donnell Anderson said: “I feel honoured to join a group of award winners that date back to 1966 when Jaguar’s founder Sir William Lyons established this initiative for budding young motoring journalists. If I can go on to achieve what many previous winners have accomplished in this industry, it will be a dream come true.”