Twf, a project emphasising the importance of developing bilingualism from an early age and of using Welsh in the home, has been shortlisted for the finals of The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Marketing Excellence Awards.

The CIM Marketing Excellence Awards is the premier awards programme for the marketing profession in Britain, and the winners will be announced in a special ceremony in London on 17 February 2010.   

Twf is a project run by the Welsh Language Board, encouraging prospective and young parents to pass on the language to their children at home.

Twf field officers work closely with prospective and young parents in the community, and with midwives and health visitors in clinics in order to communicate the Twf messages.

To remind parents of the messages, Twf provide a wide range of useful goods, from scan cards and maternity records^[1] to Welsh language nursery rhymes CDs.

Chair of the Welsh Language Board, Meri Huws, said:

“It’s a great privilege that our marketing work has been acknowledged by the CIM. Reaching the final three is a massive achievement, and we cross our fingers that we’ll come back from London with the award later on this month.

“The greatest challenge in securing the future and viability of the Welsh language is to make sure that the language is passed on from one generation to another in the home. All family members have a part to play in passing on the language to children; mums and dads, grandmas and grandpas. Our aim is to offer family members all the support they need to raise their children in a bilingual environment.”

David Thorp, director of research and professional development at The Chartered Institute of Marketing said;

“More than 300 entries came in this year, and the standard was extremely high. When putting together the shortlist, we were looking for marketing campaigns which showed originality and excitement as well as evidence of careful planning and monitoring. The judging stage proved challenging but eventually, after much deliberation, our judges chose three very deserving applicants.

“The Marketing Excellence Awards have been especially created to highlight the fundamental role marketing plays, throughout both business and the public sector, and to celebrate the best marketing achievements across many industry sectors. It recognises outstanding marketing from UK organisations, both large and small.”