On a day in which hundreds of football fans lined the streets outside a Wembley hotel hoping for a glimpse of Real Madrid stars, the CIPR Inside conference was in full swing. The annual event played host to internal communications professionals from across the UK, and beyond, as it discussed topics of interest, provided thought-provoking commentary and fostered connections within the community.

The Transform Awards’ ongoing recognition of excellence in rebranding honours the very best brand projects from around the globe. Its North America programme, established in 2015, celebrates the vast expanse of branding work from countries such as the US, Canada and Mexico, among others. As acclaimed branding professionals from all corners of the region gathered in New York for the annual ceremony, this year’s winners exemplified the increased focus on branding across the business landscape.

Film has long been associated with famous actors, rolling red carpets and the glamorous pull of Hollywood. But changes in digital technology mean corporate film is becoming integral to many company and agency communications strategies. We take five minutes with Emily Clements and Cam Gunn of creative consultancy Radley Yeldar to discuss how well-crafted corporate film holds the key to successful audience engagement.

It’s no secret that digital is helping evolve the PR and communications industry. Year by year the industry is influenced by, digital; year by year, new trends emerge and the promise of industry revitalisation through digital is present. But just how influential is digital in shaping the future of an industry beset by all manner of changes and adaptations?.

Today’s annual reporting procedures must meet a range of investor and stakeholder interests, yet despite ARAs expanding in length, increased pressure from cyber-security threats and Brexit continue to stifle the reporting landscape. For global professional services firm, EY, cultivating a broad purpose, driving strategy and encapsulating value creation beyond financial merit, will help widen the reporting scope. In doing so however, clarity and broad purpose remains a necessity.

In the last decade, the global M&A market has had its fair share of challenges. Stymied by the aftershocks of the financial crisis, businesses have largely been on the back foot. However, in recent years, the capacity for deal making has boomed, with 2016 records tallying £2.9trn in announced volumes. Yet as brand strategy considerations are often cast by the wayside during the M&A process, understanding the complexities around transitioning an acquired brand is essential.

The CIPR has today announced the release of an interactive podcast promoting best practice and ethical conduct throughout the PR profession. The podcast, introduced as part of the CIPR’s ‘Ethics Festival’ held this month, aims to help practitioners working in PR roles gauge a well-rounded view of the field, introducing fictional scenarios and informed discussion surrounding the pressing issues that face PR today.

What defines Britain in 2017? That’s the question that inspired artists from across Britain to submit 280 postcard designs into the Great British Postcard Competition, sponsored by Saxoprint in association with the Big Issue.

As organisations continue to expand, internal communicators must be equipped to face the vast network of employees that today define the modern business landscape. Yet achieving positive engagement is often a fine balance between firm, grounded IC principles, and a flexible internal structure that welcomes new ideas. At a recent talk held in London by internal communications agency, Sequel Group, communicators gathered in the capital to discuss the complex challenges that face the industry.