It’s Liverpool and Wirral Waters have been shortlisted for prestigious international branding awards, taking place in London next month.

The City Nation Place Awards recognises the best international programmes for place branding. Liverpool has been shortlisted in the category of ‘Best Place Brand’ alongside Sweden, Oslo, Eindhoven and the UK’s GREAT Campaign. Marketing Liverpool, the city’s destination marketing organisation, has worked closely with award-winning creative agency Uniform to develop the brand.

Launched four years ago, It’s Liverpool reflects the city’s unique personality, style and attitude. The brand has been adopted and used by local residents, companies and organisations who are passionate about promoting the city’s thrilling blend of arts, business, science, sports, music, technology, food and fashion.

Chris Brown, director of Marketing Liverpool, said:

“Place branding is used by cities to compete for visitors, investment and profile. These inaugural awards are recognition of the city’s success in developing a brand that’s on the frontline of the emerging and influential field. From social media and smartphone apps to outdoor advertising and live events, the brand is in the city’s bloodstream, and is being used by more than 60 businesses and cultural organisations.”

Meanwhile, Wirral Waters – Peel’s bold plan to transform 500 acres of Birkenhead dockland – is a finalist in the ‘Best Citizen Engagement’. The Wirral project, the UK’s largest regeneration, is a designated government Enterprise Zone, and will compete with Brand South Africa and Connect Ireland.

Richard Mawdsley, development director for Wirral Waters, said:

“It’s been vital that the local community have been involved in shaping the project. From day one, the local people wanted training and skills – as well as opportunities for their children. This message was heard loud and clear. To this end, we’re pleased that the first building project at Wirral Waters has been a Further Education college that specialises in delivering the construction skills we will need to help build the rest of Wirral Waters.”

“Our first project is a statement – an investment in skills and in our young people. Over 300 construction students have already been involved – building their own College.”

Tim Sharp, creative director at Uniform said:

“We’re very proud to be shortlisted for two of the four categories in one year. These are two very different projects, Wirral Waters is a truly transformational project. The right considered approach is more important than rushing through the process to publicise a ‘logo’. Our client at Peel has been very supportive of the approach. Everyone is determined to make this the finest placemaking project that we’ve seen to date by working with the community.

“As for Liverpool, this is a big city project on a city on an upward trajectory, but maintaining momentum can sometimes be more difficult than starting from scratch. It’s been complex but fulfilling to see the execution and support, and playing an important role in developing the story of our home city.”