WHO WE ARE
Founded in 2005 by serial entrepreneur Nicky Wake, Don’t Panic started life as a small team working from a second bedroom. Since then, the company has grown steadily into an international events business, shaped by a long-standing commitment to creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
Today, Don’t Panic delivers a wide range of events, including award ceremonies, conferences, networking events, and exhibitions. Alongside client projects, the company also owns and produces its own portfolio of established awards programmes, many of which are recognised worldwide. Everything the team delivers is supported by hands-on experience, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for bringing people together through well-crafted events.
THE SEARCH AWARDS SERIES
In 2010, the Don’t Panic team identified a gap in the UK market for a dedicated awards programme that recognised excellence across SEO, PPC, and content marketing. Working closely with industry leaders, the team launched the UK Search Awards, which has since developed into one of the most established and respected search awards in the country.
Today, We Are Search, as part of Don’t Panic, produces a growing portfolio of search-focused awards events around the world, including the UK Search Awards, the European Search Awards, the US Search Awards, the MENA Search Awards, the APAC Search Awards, and the Global Search Awards.
Each event has become a recognised fixture within its regional search community, celebrating the work, talent, and achievements of agencies and in-house teams. Collectively, the awards attract entries from leading search and digital agencies across the globe and serve as an opportunity to recognise innovation and best practice within the industry.
THE UK SEARCH AWARDS
The UK Search Awards began in 2010 with its inaugural live event in London, establishing a platform to recognise excellence across the UK’s search marketing industry. From the very first ceremony, the awards aimed to celebrate the creativity, innovation, and measurable impact of agencies and in-house teams across SEO, PPC, and content marketing.
Over the following years, the event grew steadily in scale and influence. By its 15th live ceremony, the UK Search Awards had received more than 5,000 entries, reflecting the increasing breadth and sophistication of the sector. As the venues and audience expanded, the awards became a key fixture in the UK digital marketing calendar, widely respected for their credibility and industry insight.
Today, the UK Search Awards continue to recognise the full spectrum of search marketing talent, from agencies and in-house teams to software and technology providers driving innovation. With categories spanning all areas of SEO, PPC, content, and integrated search strategies, the programme highlights both specialist skills and strategic excellence, offering a snapshot of the UK search industry’s ongoing evolution.
