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Opinions
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FleishmanHillard UK Analysis: The New Cabinet
September 7, 2022
As we look at Liz Truss’s new Cabinet, her vision is evident. Important figures who have been loyal to her both during the leadership campaign and her wider time in politics now occupy key positions. There are also some familiar faces who ran in the leadership race themselves, such as Nadhim Zahawi and Penny Mordaunt – who both rowed in behind #LizForLeader once the writing was on the walls. Truss has favoured loyalty over unity...
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Loyal to a fault – what will the PM value most when appointing their new Cabinet?
August 24, 2022
The Boris Johnson premiership will soon come to an end. In just under two weeks’ time, he and his Cabinet will pass on the torch to new leading lights to shape the direction of government. Who holds those roles is of central importance to the future of the party, and the country at large. To understand who will be in Cabinet, we must understand that this race is between two candidates with very different approaches...
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Stick and twist: Navigating food and drink purchasing behaviours during the cost-of-living crisis
August 10, 2022
The importance of purpose, value and authenticity to attract and retain customer loyalty and protect reputation As the real impacts of the cost-of-living crisis unfold and the food and drink sector finds itself facing a perfect storm of issues, the FleishmanHillard UK Food, Agriculture and Beverage team is exploring the implications for brand and communication teams in our new ‘Cost-of-Living Bites’ series. Pauline Gillingham, a director in FleishmanHillard UK’s Corporate team, takes a look at...
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What does authenticity even mean (and why does it matter?)
August 8, 2022
It’s one of those words – like ‘insights’ – that’s often used and even more frequently claimed. It’s as if everyone knows that businesses and brands have to look and sound authentic to succeed, but nobody remembers quite what you have to do to actually be authentic. Politicians, influencers, business leaders all appear to know that ‘the public’ respond better, buy more, and vote for people or brands who’re authentic. But often as not, they...
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No place to hide for financial services firms as the FCA’s Consumer Duty shines a spotlight on authenticity
July 28, 2022
The FCA’s Consumer Duty will help ensure that retail financial services firms’ promises match their actions. Firms that don’t behave and communicate authentically will face ever-increasing reputational challenges. Financial services firms’ marketing is full of phrases like ‘great customer service’ and ‘competitive interest rates’. But when I phone my car insurer the call wait time is more than 10 minutes. When I do finally speak to them, they promise to call me back but never...
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What does authentic communication feel like in practice?
July 27, 2022
What does it take to bring an authentic voice to one of the UK economy’s most important sectors and how does it affect one of the leading voices in the national debate? Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO of UKHospitality talks about her experience as one of the most vocal communicators for the hospitality sector at the height of the pandemic. In conversation with Liam McCloy, Partner & EMEA Lead for Food, Agribusiness and Beverage at FleishmanHillard...
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How can banks communicate authentically through the cost-of-living crisis?
July 25, 2022
Emily Rushgrove, Associate Director Good communication is vital – but in times of crisis, its importance rises still further. That’s true now amid the cost-of-living crisis and many banks have already begun announcing measures to help their customers, be they retail or commercial. Banks must make sure that they communicate with authenticity and demonstrate to consumers that they’re ready to help. Their words must map to their actions. Saying one thing but failing to act...
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Authentic Magic: Gaining notoriety
July 20, 2022
Samuel Hogarth is a street magician based in London. He is originally from Chorley in Lancashire, England. Samuel uses authenticity during his street shows, which he believes helps him to connect with crowds and makes his show stand out from the rest. Samuel credits authenticity as helping him garner more notoriety as a successful magician. Creating magic I always knew I wanted to be a magician when I was young, however I only decided I...
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No time to lie: Gen-Z’s perspective on corporate greenwashing
July 15, 2022
TJ Jordan, Creative and Caitlin Whyte, Account Manager Authentic Action With the increase in demand for global brands to be more sustainable, how many brands are actually living up to their claims of committing to green practice? In recent times, the term ‘greenwashing’ has been used to describe companies that purport to be environmentally conscious for marketing or reputational purposes, but their action does not reflect the message they are communicating. Research shows that Gen-Z...
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Forget taxes, the Tories need to tell us their plans on international trade
July 14, 2022
Tim Harding, Associate Director, International Affairs As the Conservative leadership election heats up, candidates are vying for pole position on who can lower taxes the most. But amidst a steep drop in UK exports, continued uncertainty over the trade relationship with the EU, and global supply chain difficulties, we need to hear much more from the candidates to be the next Prime Minister about their approach to international trade. That is what will shape the...