Tag Archives: public relations

Marketing, PR and SEO, News

Provocative punk styling replaces agency brand

Technical, technology and science PR agency Stone Junction, has rebranded to signal a new phase of the company’s development. The iconoclastic and irreverent new visual style is the company’s first rebrand since 2014.

The overhaul of Stone Junction’s aesthetic is part of a wider infrastructural upgrade which is set to see the company to expand rapidly. A series of new hires, a move to a larger office and expansion of the PR, communications and marketing services offered, all position the agency as ready to grow strongly in the coming months and years.

“The PR industry has changed dramatically in the last five years and it’s important that Stone Junction adapts with that change,” explained Richard Stone, managing director of Stone Junction. “In a funny way, while our clients and friends across the PR world have gotten younger on average, we’ve matured as an agency.

“I wanted to make sure that, amid all the exciting upheaval, change and growth, we retained the witty, anti-establishment, and iconoclastic identity that Stone Junction has always had. We’ve grown organically, without any external investment, and we’re proud to be a company with an entrepreneurial, positive and DIY aesthetic that pulls itself up by its bootstraps.”

Branding, of which visual identity is a crucial part, is central to a company’s key values and the way it chooses to communicate those values. The striking blazes of colour in the new Stone Junction visual style stand out from the deep, broody black canvas and convey the company’s provocative and challenging approach to capturing attention for its clients.

“I think the punk influences for this design scheme are clear. We want it to excite people and make them wonder about us,” explained Kelly Doble, senior designer at Stone Junction. “The Sex Pistols, Vivienne Westwood, and The Clash’s first sets of punk ideals might be 45 years old, but they still stir up rebellious feeling.

“Having this design capability in-house means that we’ve been able to keep the root of our brand identity while giving the company a new face. Although it seems like a big change, this is a natural progression from the agency that we have been into the one that we’re becoming.”

To see more of the rebranded identity and to find out about how Stone Junction’s rebrand design services can help your company to update its image, visit the new website at wechangeminds.com.

News

Planet-conscious PR agency partners with recycled cashmere company

A Yorkshire-based, purpose-driven PR agency has been appointed to handle the PR for the second-hand cashmere brand, Nearly New Cashmere Co.

LIT Communication is supporting Nearly New Cashmere Co with a tailor-made digital PR strategy and media relations to help grow the digital presence of its eCommerce store. They’ll also be raising awareness on a local and regional level for the fashion company’s physical retail store in Masham, Yorkshire Dales and their busy schedule of pop-up events.

Established in 2018 and based in West Yorkshire, LIT Communication is a conscious copywriting and PR agency specialising in ethical communications, public relations management and strategy. The agency is a remote-first, 4-day working week business that supports clients from all over the globe to drive organic business growth and brand awareness.

Nearly New Cashmere Co was founded in 2015 by Alison Orr after she decided to pursue her passion for second-hand buying and selling. Now, the sustainable fashion retailer has a growing team and continuously finds innovative new ways to restore and recycle discarded 100% cashmere that would otherwise face a future in landfill – transforming them into high-quality, unique cashmere pieces. The company is on a mission to be the go-to destination for luxurious, sustainable cashmere clothing and accessories at affordable prices. 

Sophie Marsden, Director of LIT Communication, explains: “We’ve recently started to focus on working with climate-conscious and sustainable companies and are delighted that Alison and the team at Nearly New Cashmere Co have chosen us to manage their PR. 

“While we don’t exclusively work with eco-friendly businesses, we are being much more selective about the types of clients that we work with. The opportunity to work with people like Alison and her team, whose values closely align with ours, is fantastic. We can’t wait to communicate the brand’s story and raise awareness of the positive impact that second-hand fashion can have on the planet.

“Our values must align with that of our clients, and we would rather grow slowly without compromising on that. I’m not afraid of turning down briefs from companies that aren’t a good fit for us.”

Nearly New Cashmere Founder and Co-Director Ali Orr commented: “PR is a significant investment for our small business marketing budget. So, we needed to choose a team that could help us multiply our output and maximise every penny spent on marketing. It was clear from their pitch that this would be the case with LIT Communication. Like us, LIT Communication is a small but ambitious team, so it was an easy value-led decision.”

“We have ambitious plans to grow the business. We have a strong returning customer base but plan to make big strides at increasing the top of our funnel in the next 1-2 cashmere seasons. With the cost of paid ads increasing, we plan to achieve this with an email and SMS-based loyalty programme and PR.”

The new client win follows a successful first nine months of the year for LIT Communication after securing new PR contracts with Systemise Fulfilment, Bobble Digital, and That Works Agency.

News

Cloudapps selects Neo PR to support thought leadership campaigns 

Neo PR, a business-to-business (B2B) technology public relations (PR) agency, announced it has been appointed as UK PR agency for Cloudapps, the leading provider of Artificial Intelligence (AI) sales effectiveness and accuracy technology in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) sector.

Headquartered in Oxford, United Kingdom, the Cloudapps ‘Sales Effectiveness & Accuracy Platform’ is the first and currently only AI platform to integrate advanced deep-learning and time-sequenced data with CRM. This solution provides highly accurate sales forecasting, deep insights into deal health, guided selling, gamification, and data-driven sales coaching for some of the world’s most successful companies, including SUSE, Vodafone, and LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

Cloudapps recognised that traditional marketing wasn’t working to its full potential and investigated incorporating PR into the marketing mix, with the help of Neo PR. With this partnership, Cloudapps will grow its footprint in the United Kingdom through thought leadership to create brand awareness and drive inbound sales activity. Furthermore, to support the campaign, Neo PR has enabled Cloudapps to utilise its social media channels, producing a range of content to engage key prospects and stakeholders, have an authoritative voice on key issues and maximise the reach of media coverage.

Additionally, Spinks Creative, a boutique marketing agency based in Milton Keynes and long-standing partner of Neo PR, will work with Cloudapps to develop a multi-platform marketing strategy, employing web design, SEO, proactive email campaigning and graphic design to ensure success. Utilising both Neo PR and Spinks Creative, Cloudapps has effectively created an outsourced marketing team delivering brand awareness and sales traction.

Ashley Carr, Managing Director and Founder of Neo PR commented, “Cloudapps is innovating at the leading edge of its industry and with the combination of proactive thought leadership & customer success media outreach, we are helping to position the Cloudapps proposition to its target prospects. Neo PR‘s unique delivery-based engagement ensures Cloudapps gets great results consistently throughout the campaign.”

“In partnership with Spinks Creative, Neo PR integrated themselves seamlessly into our business”, Andy McDonald, CEO, Cloudapps, commented. “With a concerted campaign, we will further amplify our presence in the UK and elevate our key messaging as we work in sync together to deliver an effective ‘go-to-market’ combination of PR and marketing.

Marketing, PR and SEO, News, South West

HeadOn PR hires again and calls for more new recruits

Cheltenham-based PR and media communications agency, HeadOn PR, has appointed Emily Goold fresh out of University as a Junior Public Relations Account Executive.  

Emily, who lives in Corse Lawn, Gloucester and recently achieved a 2:1 degree in Media and Journalism from the University of the West of England, a top 40 UK University, joins the growing team at Eagle Tower, Montpellier. She holds a strong skillset in media writing, photography and video editing, podcasting and social media management.

Emily’s appointment comes just three months after Val Proctor joined as PR account manager, and the PR agency, which specialises in press, digital and social media services, is calling for more PR and media specialists to join their expanding team.

Emily said: “Having just graduated I was over the moon to be offered the position at HeadOn PR and to be able to put my media skills and knowledge into practice. The agency works on some really exciting campaigns across a range of sectors from cyber security, law, to sustainability and engineering, that it’s a great opportunity for me to grow. I’m already learning so much as well as bringing new ideas to the table!”

Verity Blake, Managing Director at HeadOn PR added: “Emily is an asset to the team. We invest in our people to be trained in the latest media and social media techniques and Emily has been able to add to that knowledge with her latest learnings from her degree course. It’s a real benefit to the agency which has seen fast-track growth carried into 2022. As a result, we’re looking for more experienced PR practitioners to immediately join the team.”

Cybersecurity, Marketing, PR and SEO, News

Certes Networks furthers global reach with Neo PR launching cyber security webinar campaign

Certes, a leading global data security provider specialising in providing customers with cyber security solutions, partnered with ngena in April 2021 to combine SD-WAN as a Service with High Assurance Data Security Overlay, and Certes relied on Neo PR’s knowledge and network to support its launch in to the industry.

In working with Neo PR, a leading B2B technology PR agency, Certes was able to leverage its latest partnership to expand further into the cyber industry. The combined offering maximises the value of Certes’ and ngena’s best-of-breed technologies in data security and encryption, and SD-WAN respectively, to enable Cisco VARs to deploy an SD-WAN solution that exceeds the increasing regulatory compliance requirements on data handling in sensitive data environments.

Security is at the top of mind for IT leaders seeking to accelerate digital transformation and increase connectivity in today’s cloud world, and even more so for those organisations requiring even higher levels of data assurance. The Certes and ngena team partnered to combine technologies to provide the industry’s first true SD-WAN as a Service for High Assurance offering. 

Both companies have a shared commitment to helping customers and partners solve complex challenges by simplifying networking. The new joint solution, pairing high assurance capabilities from Certes with the flexibility and security of the ngena platform provides an end-to-end solution for the unique challenges of High Assurance environments.

Neo PR has worked with both parties to position Certes as an expert thought leader and coordinated a webinar of which both Certes and ngena would launch its partnership to internal stakeholders, as well as the cyber industry. Driven by the need to prioritise the security of sensitive data, both private enterprises and public sector organisations alike continue to encounter challenges in adopting SD-WAN as a technology which Neo PR was tasked with informing the industry about. 

Paul German, CEO, Certes Networks, comments: “We utilised Neo PR’s knowledge to ensure that our webinar was launched into the industry seamlessly. The partnership messaging with ngena is hugely important and so the webinar and various other collaterals needed to be coordinated. Using Neo’s PR services, we were able to create and deliver exactly what we wanted to the cyber industry. We’re excited to continue developing such a successful relationship and PR campaign with the Neo team.”

Ashley Carr, Founder and Managing Director of Neo PR, concludes: “We have worked with Certes for a number of years. This partnership campaign with ngena has only strengthened our relationship. By working closely with both Certes and ngena, we were thrilled to deliver the desired marketing collateral and coordinate the launch webinar to a high standard.  It is important to work with a company who understands PR and Marketing and how to leverage it in the correct way, we are excited to continue our long standing relationship.”

 

Marketing, PR and SEO, News

District Enforcement selects Neo PR to deliver effective lead generation through PR

Neo PR, a Buckinghamshire-based B2B technology PR agency and District Enforcement, the leading company that provides its clients with legal methods for ensuring compliance immediately upon their land, has seen multiple inbound sales leads as a direct result of the proactive thought leadership PR campaign.

District Enforcement’s family of companies employs over 100 people across the UK with three strategically located offices to ensure that the company’s operational needs can be met. Working closely with local councils, District Enforcement’s four key sectors are identified as car parking management, mooring, marshalling and environmental services.

District Enforcement’s business model involves issuing tickets for outstanding parking, mooring or environmental charges by pursuing those charges through specialised legal means. In this way, the person issued with a fixed penalty notice is given a route to challenge the issue of the charge, which minimises the impact of distress by giving them a fair arbitration system consistent with the impartiality of the courts.

Due to District Enforcement’s extensive experience and expertise across local government, environmental services, law, and parking management, it is uniquely positioned to deliver a bespoke end-to-end service to its clients. Using technology is an integral part of District’s business, from solar-powered Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems to a completely revamped back-office system that allows users to access all of the data contained within their contract, District supports its clients by improving and educating public awareness.

“It was key that we could utilise PR to educate readers on the importance of keeping communities safe through supporting local councils and we are incredibly impressed with Neo PR’s experience, knowledge and stance within the industry,” said Dyl Kurpil, Managing Director, District Enforcement. “Our relationship with Neo has led to a number of new leads within our sector based on their thought leadership and news opportunities and we are thrilled to continue our partnership with the team.”

Ashley Carr, Managing Director and Founder of Neo PR commented, “District Enforcement is in the forefront of educating audiences and providing lawful solutions to ensure compliance on clients’ land through effective, lawful options.” He added, “Neo PR has a unique deliverables based model, meaning that we are outcome-focused. I am thrilled that the Neo District Enforcement PR team has utilised PR that has, in turn, generated new sales activity, which highlights that the talent we bring to our clients sets us apart from other agencies.

 

News

VIPRE Benefits from Yearly Growth through a Successful CyberSecurity PR Campaign

Neo PR enhances the security solutions provider’s reputation across Europe and APAC through expert led and reactive content

VIPRE, a leading provider of internet security solutions purpose-built to protect businesses, solution providers, and home users from costly and malicious cyber threats, identified a space for PR in its marketing campaigns back in September 2019, and partnered with Neo PR, a B2B technology PR agency.

By working with a public relations agency with a specialism across the cyber industry, VIPRE has since taken advantage of increased brand awareness across the United Kingdom and Europe, and more recently, on a global scale, by being a part of the media conversation around cybersecurity. This has been achieved by placing VIPRE at the forefront of breaking industry news and within industry trends such as ransomware, data breaches and human error. 

By positioning the security solutions provider as an expert and thought leader within the cybersecurity industry, VIPRE has been able to benefit from a year-on-year rise in coverage results, with a 71% increase in coverage across the same three month period compared to 2019 and 2020. This includes Tier A titles, such as the likes of Business Chief Europe, SC Magazine, Silicon and The Journal of International Security. 

Yvonne Conway, Marketing Manager UK and Ireland, VIPRE, comments: “We have been so impressed with Neo PR’s results and work ethic over the last few years, leading to an increase in sales enquiries and global recognition. The coverage and success levels achieved across the United Kingdom and Europe have been greater than we had ever anticipated. We’re excited to continue developing such a successful relationship and PR campaign with the team.”

Ashley Carr, Founder and Managing Director of Neo PR, concludes: “VIPRE’s PR campaign has continued to be a year-on-year success. Our coverage rates for the security company have increased yearly, and we’ve already surpassed last year’s overall coverage by July 2021 – the numbers speak for themselves. But what makes getting coverage so easy is working with a brand that understands the importance of PR, works alongside us to create thought provoking content and is open minded to new opportunities.” 

News

PR director scoops national industry title for second year in a row

A North Wales PR agency won a prestigious industry award for the second time in succession.

Martin Williams retained the PRCA Cymru Professional of the Year title at this week’s virtual prizegiving.

It has been a remarkable 12 months for the business, securing new clients – including Henllan Bakery, Sabor de Amor, DVSC, Mona Island Dairy, and Vic Studios, among many more – and opening a new office in St Asaph.

Dad-of-three Martin, from Kinmel Bay, thanked his partners, collaborators and customers for their continued support.

“It was a complete shock to win this award again, a huge honour,” said the 43 year-old.

“We have, like most companies, faced unprecedented challenges since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, but as restrictions start to ease and consumer confidence grows we have experienced a surge in demand for PR services.

“Thanks once again to everyone we represent and to PRCA Cymru for shining a light on what we do.

“The focus now is on continuing to grow and deliver first-class communications and reputational support to the incredible organisations we work with.”

For more on Radar PR, visit www.radarpublicrelations.co.uk and follow them on social media @radarforpr.

Marketing, PR and SEO, News

South West PR agency makes new appointment following significant growth

South West based PR and media communications agency, HeadOn PR, has appointed a new Public Relations Account Executive following a surge in new client wins and enquiries as organisations seek new ways to drive up business growth through lockdown.

Based in Cheltenham, the team at HeadOn PR have been busy supporting a growing national and international client base particularly in technology, engineering, and the professional services sector, as media and social media consumption continues to rise among customers during Covid-19 restrictions.

Lucy Allen brings with her over five years’ experience following previous roles as PR Executive for Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, and PR Assistant for international accessory brand, Johnny Loves Rosie. The 26-year-old holds a Master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communication, and has a wealth of B2B and B2C knowledge.

Allen said: “Joining such a creative and well-established agency like HeadOn PR is a fantastic opportunity. The team have been brilliant at welcoming me despite the challenge many businesses currently face with recruiting and onboarding virtually. I am already enjoying the varied nature of the role of working with B2C and B2B clients from major technology companies, law and finance firms, to care homes.

“HeadOn PR values its client’s goals, and the team are incredibly passionate about the work they produce. I’m looking forward to continuing my development with HeadOn as the business continues to expand.”

Lucy will be supporting with the management of client accounts, implementation of PR campaigns, social media management and the agency’s podcast ‘The Art of PR’.

Founder and Managing Director, Verity Blake, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Lucy at such an exciting time for HeadOn PR. We’ve seen a spike in companies contacting us to help them market themselves to their customers after many of their traditional routes have become unavailable under Covid restrictions and they want to harness the fact that consumers are now spending a record amount of time online during lockdown. Recent Ofcom reports have shown that customers are spending 36% more time on social media and 26% more time on news sites a day whether to purchase, keep informed and stay connected with companies, colleagues, friends and family.

“As media communications and public relations becomes ever more important throughout the Covid-19 crisis, collaborating with businesses to provide exciting and different ways to tell their story and share expert insight, allows us to look to the future with positivity.”

Marketing, PR and SEO, News

COVID-19 has left journalists wanting more (and better) PR

The majority of journalists have suffered from a general lack of PR since lockdown began, according to research by Energy PR.

56% of journalists have noticed a drop in PR activity from their industry contacts, with one in four complaining that PR has gone completely quiet.
The research, which surveyed trade and national media professionals to get their view on how things have changed since COVID-19, found the majority of journalists are struggling to get hold of spokespeople and marketing teams, and feel that companies have become more cautious and reluctant to make media decisions.

As a result, 53% of journalists are receiving fewer pitches and press releases from companies or their agencies. And, while one third of journalists are receiving the same volume of PR as before COVID-19, 27% felt the quality has declined.

According to journalists, other common PR errors include trying to be COVID-relevant when they’re not (53%), not being creative (17%) and pitching stories that jar with the general mood of the situation (11%).

Louise Findlay-Wilson, Managing Director of Energy PR, says, “COVID-19 is uncharted waters for all of us, and it’s understandable that companies would take a conservative approach to PR in the first instance, and not get it quite right when they do try to kick things off again.
“But to continue to socially distance your business by cutting comms is a huge mistake. Now more than ever, companies need to be communicating with their target audiences, through their normal comms channels and through the media, so they can get on the front foot as lockdown eases.

“This research just goes to show that there is a huge opportunity to generate coverage as long as you’re pitching quality, creative stories and are sensitive to the situation and to journalists’ needs. With a strong comms team or PR agency, this shouldn’t be difficult. You just have to be brave.”

To view the full report, click here. For more information about Energy PR, visit www.energypr.co.uk.