Archive

Opinions

  • Why you should stop asking “how can we win on the trans inclusion debate?”

    September 29, 2023

    Lots of clients and contacts say something like “we won’t have an opinion on the trans inclusion debate because there is no way to win.” Normally followed by “it’s just so toxic”. I get it, but my gentle challenge to you is perhaps the problem is your starting point. To help, here are some things you may want to ask yourself. Why do you want to have a point of view? Perhaps you’re committed to...

  • Top three comms tips for emerging climate fintechs

    September 27, 2023

    You’d be forgiven for feeling as though the climate conversation has taken a disappointing turn lately, with UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak’s, recent apparent U-turn on commitments. However, there are still important strides being made in the fight for a sustainable future. In the world I operate most – fintech – I’ve been closely watching the emergence of climate fintechs: businesses offering some form of climate-based risk or accounting software, like carbon offsetting, ESG reporting...

  • Is the money really worth it? Accepting corporate sponsorships that could damage your reputation.

    September 26, 2023

      Corporate sponsors are under growing scrutiny, which means the offer on the table needs careful consideration before charities and international organisations decide whether or not to accept it. Today, everyone – from fans to employees and media – is paying greater attention to who is funding major global events and initiatives, and what sponsors are getting in return. Often, it’s an opportunity to earn credibility on a particular issue simply by association, resulting in...

  • Fail to prepare, prepare to fail…

    September 20, 2023

    Sports events are more high profile than ever before. The surging popularity of women’s sport is driving audience numbers ever higher with women’s sport viewing up 131% in 2022. 2023 is a bumper year for massive sporting events from the Women’s World Cup and the men’s and women’s Ashes to the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and men’s Rugby World Cup. These sporting occasions are some of the few things that we still watch live in...

  • Net Zero Policy: The latest political football or a real own goal?

    August 2, 2023

      Net Zero Policy has once again been dominating the headlines, with the latest wave sparked up by the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election where Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s controversial ULEZ expansion policy was seen to cost the Parliamentary Party a win on Super Thursday. This result says more than meets the eye – on one side the Conservative’s will now be thinking that they could replicate this win with other newly marginal seats...

  • Savings rates are the latest reputational battleground for banks as the FCA flexes its Consumer Duty muscle

    July 25, 2023

      A reputational battle has been playing out with banks and building societies under fire in the media and from policy makers, about whether they have been increasing mortgage rates faster than savings rates as the Bank of England’s base rate has risen. The FCA’s intervention on this pricing issue shows how the Consumer Duty extends its reach into new areas and poses a new challenge for communications teams. At the end of this month...

  • The Power of In-Person Video Shoots: Crafting Unforgettable Brand Stories

    July 5, 2023

      Lights, camera, action! When it comes to creating compelling brand videos, the advantages of in-person shoots are as crisp and clear as 4K footage. Unlike increasingly popular Zoom recording, in-person shoots give us the freedom to utilise quality camera angles, lighting techniques and locations to create a visually and emotionally engaging experience. In today's digital age, where remote work is as common as awkward virtual backgrounds, the art of video creation faces new challenges...

  • The changing face of influencer marketing and how to stay ahead of the curve

    July 4, 2023

    Following my attendance at the PR Week Influencer 360 event, I thought it was worth sharing some important news and trends within the influencer marketing sphere, and what this could mean for brands and creators. New Changes in disclosing what is an ‘Ad’ Previously the ASA shared guidance that a post should be declared an ‘Ad’ if the influencer received some sort of payment AND the brand had some form of editorial influence on the...

  • Taking a moment: How togetherness drives creativity

    June 29, 2023

      Whether kicking ideas around a design huddle, a quiet word of support from a colleague, or unplanned drinks after work, shared moments energise us as creatives. Now just to allay any fears, this is not a middle-aged man’s call to return to a five-day office week. I like going into the office. I also like working from home with a steaming cup of tea on my desk and no commute. But I was recently...

  • Money20/20 Europe: the focus for fintech comms moving forwards

    June 20, 2023

      And just like that, another Money20/20 Europe has come and gone. It was somewhat a little surprising to feel as though this year’s show was even bigger and better than last year’s. Extravagant stands, high energy and where else would you get to network on a pedalo and have donuts served to you by a robot?   Was this a completely accurate reflection of the fintech industry now? Probably more likely that the outlandish displays...