DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY 

There is no cost to enter the Development Awards.

The Rising Marketing Star, Rising Agency Star and Rising Creative Star categories are by nomination only. If you know someone or work with a Rising Star that you would like to nominate, please submit your nomination below by clicking on ENTER NOW no later than 23:59 Thursday 12 February 2026.

Candidates will be contacted, asked to complete a questionnaire and if shortlisted, will be invited for interview on Zoom on 6 May 2026.

Candidates can be of any age but should have less than 7 years’ experience working in the marketing industry. Candidates should be nominated based on their achievements in 2025 and potential to become an inspirational leader.

Nominations should be less than 200 words. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a questionnaire.
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Rising Agency Star

The judges will score the following areas:

  • Achievements in 2025 – 40 points
  • Experience – 10 points
  • Expertise – 10 points
  • Ambition – 10 points
  • Interview – 30 points

Candidates can be of any age but should have less than 7 years’ experience working in the marketing industry. Candidates should be nominated based on their achievements in 2025 and potential to become an inspirational leader.

Nominations should be less than 200 words. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a questionnaire.
You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

Rising Creative Star

The judges will score the following areas:

  • Achievements and projects in 2025 – 30 points
  • Portfolio – 20 points
  • Experience – 10 points
  • Ambition – 10 points
  • Interview – 30 points

Candidates can be of any age but should have less than 7 years’ experience working in the marketing industry. Candidates should be nominated based on their achievements in 2025 and potential to become an inspirational leader.

Nominations should be less than 200 words. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a questionnaire.
You have used the multi-select option by clicking a checkbox.
Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

Rising Marketing Star

The judges will score the following areas:

  • Achievements and projects in 2025 – 40 points
  • Experience – 10 points
  • Expertise – 10 points
  • Ambition – 10 points
  • Interview – 30 points

The Aspiring Creative Star Award has been developed to encourage entrants from all backgrounds who may be interested in a career in advertising and the range of creative disciplines in marketing communications.

The overall winner of the award will be offered a paid placement at Union Direct.
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Sponsored by:

This award will be presented to the team of pupils that produces the best marketing strategy as part of their business plan for a new product or service developed in line with the YES Business Award involving schools throughout Scotland.
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Star Marketing Students are nominated by universities and colleges from across Scotland and assessed at an Apprentice Day involving several team tasks as well as individual interviews.

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