how we do it

Working closely with senior management, we can assist in the development of long-term, results-driven communications strategies.

Using the latest computer-based research and planning tools, combined with creative and accurate copywriting skills and an intuitive approach to editorial relationships, we help clients to make best use of media channels to communicate with their audiences.

We offer:

• News management
• Feature articles and case studies
• Technical articles
• 'Thought leadership' articles
• Product trials/tests/surveys
• Press launches/briefings/conferences
• Press office
• Editorial promotions/sponsorship/competitions

Issues and crisis management

We help clients look ahead to identify and plan for potential problems - thereby avoiding or minimising potential damage to their carefully-built reputations.

Our crisis management service involves risk analysis, developing crisis procedures, media training, simulation exercises and front-line support in the event of a crisis.

We provide accurate and compelling copy and relevant, creative design solutions for corporate, product and customer literature, including newsletters.

We develop and implement programmes that help to enhance communication between staff and management, raise morale, increase productivity and improve staff retention. Our internal communications programmes have involved communications audits, staff focus groups, staff training, employee newsletters, videos, intranets, incentive schemes and networking activities.

Public relations is unlike any other element of the communications mix.

The range of activity carried out under the PR banner means our view of a client is multi-dimensional. Over time, we talk to a wide range of people inside and outside the organisation. Employees, customers, management, suppliers and the media say things to us that they normally wouldn't say to the other stakeholders in the business. It is a unique position to be in. It is one that we value. And it's one that can bring additional value to our clients.

Over the years, this unique position has enabled us to help clients with a range of issues, including customer service, service development, business expansion, employee development, sales organisation, distribution channels and recruitment.

We develop creative solutions to overcome local community issues or simply to demonstrate good corporate citizenship. At the same time, we increase and enhance clients' profiles with local residents, the business community, local government, educational establishments and other local opinion formers.

Our meticulous planning, preparation and implementation ensure that seminars, conferences, roadshows, exhibitions, award ceremonies and open days go like clockwork.

We help prepare clients for different types of print and broadcast media interviews, using professional trainers from the media to ensure that clients deliver key messages convincingly and handle tricky situations with confidence.

We conduct media surveys to gauge perceptions of clients and their competitors and to ensure that we are giving individual journalists exactly what they need.

We also undertake company audits to identify issues, which may be hampering business effectiveness and associated business and communications objectives. These audits can be used as a benchmark for measuring the effectiveness of clients' PR and marketing activities.

We have extensive exhibition experience ranging from creating new shows for clients to ensuring clients extract maximum value and exposure from attendance at established events.

We firmly believe that if you're doing it, you should be measuring it. We employ in-house methods and external research to test the effectiveness of our programmes, dependent on clients' objectives and budgets.

Measurement and evaluation are fundamental elements of our service.

We typically use the following criteria to assess the outcome of programmes:-

• Reach and impact of campaign messages
• Level of brand or corporate awareness
• Leads/enquiries generated
• Value of editorial space in advertising terms
• Change in behaviour or perception