OnBrand Radio shortlisted for Inavation Awards 2027

Palm-sized technology brings together mobile music control, built-in content creation and instant professional messaging for a complete instore experience.

OnBrand Radio, the music and messaging platform developed by UK marketing agency OnBrand, has been named one of five Audio finalists in the Technology Awards at the Inavation Awards 2027.

Developed in-house, the new platform pairs a media player small enough to fit in the palm of a hand with a management portal accessible from a phone or computer. Mobile access and bespoke volume controls let venue teams adjust music, messaging and sound levels in real time as they move around a large venue.

OnBrand Radio’s new player has evolved from the expertise behind their instore “Centre Radio” service, which provides music and customer messaging to more than 200+ shopping centres across the UK.

Teams can schedule different playlists for different times of day, matching music to the demographic profiles of expected visitors and the atmosphere they want to create. The platform is designed to encourage shoppers to stay longer and spend more, with timely messages directing footfall towards retailers, offers and events to support sales.

Daniel Graham, Managing Director of OnBrand, said:

“We have taken instore radio beyond background music to create a complete music experience built for destinations and their visitors. OnBrand Radio brings together the soundtrack, messages and the control that venue teams need to shape the atmosphere throughout the day. It is technology built around how destinations actually operate.

To see our own technology shortlisted is a significant moment for OnBrand and the team behind it.”

Removing one of the key obstacles that inhibits creative and relevant messaging is the new AI-assisted script generation function, which turn any simple idea into engaging creative. Not just the script, but instantly turned into audio with a wide choice of voice talent. Couple with our pre-scripted seasonal content and retailer calendar suggestions, operators now have a complete and dynamic radio station capability at their disposal.

Teams can adapt or create an announcement, review it and deploy it instantly in a professional voice, helping them respond to last-minute promotions or operational changes.

The compact player stores music, messages and schedules locally, allowing playback to continue even during temporary internet interruptions.

Jo Kaye, Product Manager, Audio Marketing at OnBrand, added:

“Large venue operators need to shape the atmosphere and respond to what is happening on the ground. OnBrand Radio puts sophisticated audio control in the palm of their hand, so they can change the music, adjust the volume or get a message live in the moment, without having to return to a desktop.

We have also tackled the time it takes to decide what to say. Included content ideas and script writing, alongside ready-to-use seasonal scripts, help teams turn an idea or a last-minute update into a professional announcement quickly. That combination of flexibility and creative support makes this international recognition particularly rewarding.”

Finalists are selected by an international judging panel. The Technology Awards winners will be decided by a public vote, which closes on the 15th January 2027.

The winners will be announced on Tuesday 2nd February 2027 at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) in Barcelona, on the opening evening of ISE 2027.