Govt backed start-up lender hires Citypress

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Start Up Loans, a Government-backed scheme which provides loans, mentoring and support for new and early stage businesses, has selected Citypress as its retained PR agency following a competitive pitch.

Citypress will provide a newsroom service for Start Up Loans and a series of campaigns designed to encourage a new generation of microbusiness owners. It will also position the organisation as the first choice for start-ups.

The agency aims to reach a broad demographic by targeting national media as well as a mix of broadcast, lifestyle, online and social media.

Martin Currie, Citypress MD, said: “So much of the media narrative around start ups and microbusinesses focuses on high-growth tech enterprises. Start Up Loans isn’t all about funding the next Uber or Snapchat – it’s about helping normal people make positive changes in their lives and become their own boss, especially when other avenues for funding may be closed, whether that’s a tech business, a craft brewery, a kids play gym or a deli.

“Despite a lot of alternative providers entering the small business funding arena, no other brand has the same authority, proposition, track record, trust or focus on microbusiness than Start Up Loans. This – and the success stories of its loan recipients – is where we’ll be focusing our work.”

David English, Start Up Loans CMO, said: “This year, we’re embarking on a major drive to increase our support to those people with viable business ideas or ventures and continue making a positive economic impact through the scheme. Citypress will be playing an important role in helping us deliver on our ambitions as a brand and a business with inspiring content for media and our full range of communications channels.”

Start Up Loans was  founded in 2012 and provides low interest rate personal loans of up to £25,000 to help people start up or grow their business, alongside a range of free mentoring and support services.

Pictured: Pip and Nut, a Start Up Loan funded business.

10 Yetis Digital wins Online Mortgage Advisor brief

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Mortgage specialist Online Mortgage Advisor has appointed 10 Yetis Digital to handle its PR as it launches a wider marketing push to raise awareness of the brand and its offer.

Online Mortgage Advisor deals with UK customers who have “unique or complex financial situations” and struggle to get a mortgage approved.

10 Yetis Digital has been briefed to create both a consumer and trade-facing PR campaign to position the Online Mortgage Advisor team as experts within the mortgage and personal finance sectors.

Activity will focus on generating coverage for the firm’s website and services, and include social media and digital marketing activity.

David Bird, director of Online Mortgage Advisor, said: “We have an ambitious growth strategy and by bringing 10 Yetis on board to lead on our PR activity we’re confident our goals can be met.”

Andy Barr, owner of 10 Yetis Digital, said: “We’re confident that our PR campaign for Online Mortgage Advisor will not only generate high quality coverage and brand awareness, but will also enable them to widen their existing customer base.

“It was great news for us to be the chosen agency to assist with the campaign over the coming months and we hope that any coverage generated will encourage more people struggling to find the right advice to come forward.”

Quantum Pharma calls in Buchanan for financial PR

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Pharmaceutical manufacturer Quantum Pharma has appointed Buchanan as the group’s financial PR and investor relations adviser.

Quantum entered the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market in December 2014. It operates three divisions; Specials, Niche Pharmaceuticals and Medication Adherence.

Buchanan‘s Henry Harrison-Topham will lead the account, supported by partner Mark Court, account director Sophie Cowles, and account manager Steph Watson. The team will work closely with CEO Andrew Scaife, CFO Martin Such and Craig Swinhoe, the group’s legal and projects director.

Harrison-Topham said: “We are delighted to have been appointed by Quantum Pharma, which is well positioned for growth with its exciting product pipeline, and development and manufacturing infrastructure. Buchanan has an established depth of expertise in the healthcare sector and we look forward to working with Quantum Pharma to build awareness of its attractive investment case.”

Tria Beauty appoints Fever as UK PR agency

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Skincare brand Tria Beauty has brought in Fever as its retained UK PR agency to promote its portfolio of medical devices.

Tria Beauty, which claims to bring professional beauty technology “out of the doctor’s clinic straight to consumers”, has briefed Fever to educate and engage with both media and consumers to promote the company’s portfolio of medical devices.

Tria Beauty’s product portfolio includes Hair Removal Laser 4X, Hair Removal Laser Precision, Age-Defying Laser and Acne Clearing Blue Light.

Shereen Atkinson, marketing director for Tria, said: “2016 is a big year for Tria and our expanding range of products. We were really impressed with the integrated campaigns rooted in consumer insight that Fever demonstrated during the pitch process alongside its influencer strategy and look forward to it taking a fresh approach to the brand.”

60 seconds with Jamie Brookes, MHP

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Jamie Brookes, managing director of MHP Communications, on getting a kick out of his part in the world’s biggest financial services merger, why US customs ‘found’ 20 wigs in his luggage and the joy of no two days in PR ever being the same.

What is the first thing you do as soon as you arrive at work?

I grab a black coffee and follow up on the news that I didn’t read on my mobile on the train in, then I look across the media for news on clients and the financial services industry (I also check the BBC Sport gossip column to see whether Manchester United are pulling their finger out and getting Sir Alex back…)

Which media outlet can’t you start your day without?

The email alerts from the FT and The Guardian.

What three qualities do you ask from your colleagues?

Honesty, integrity and passion – we work together for more than 70% of our waking week, so we can’t waste time on individuals who don’t buy into the mantra that pulling together as a team is better than acting alone.

What is your favourite thing about working in comms?

We work in an industry that has been challenged and celebrated, in equal amounts, over the last two decades. An industry with bright, dedicated people and with a media that works hard to deliver engaging content. No two days are the same, and the fun never stops. What’s not to like?!

What piece of coverage from your career are you most proud of?

When BNY and Mellon merged, there was a lot of teasing about BoNY M – Global Investor ran a cover story with our then-CEO, Bob Kelly, and the strapline ‘Daddy Cool?’. As I recall it may have been just he and I that liked that, but it was a moment of humour around a story that became the world’s biggest ever financial services merger, and I was very proud to be a part of that.

On a serious note, I am immensely proud of the work I have done repositioning Newton following a period of change in 2001, as well as positioning BNY Mellon Investment Management as a global leader, and over the last five years partnering with the media on behalf of the 30% Club – something which has culminated in real change within industry as a whole. At MHP, the team has generated some fantastic coverage for clients and each week I see something else to celebrate – the work we did as a firm for NHS Blood and Transplant – ‘Missing Type’ – for example was just outstanding.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve done in the name of PR?

Was searched taking 20 curly black wigs and hula skirts through US customs for an ‘event’.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would that be?

One thing I would change across the industry is ensuring that different disciplines and skillsets worked together more seamlessly and effectively. That’s what we work hard to do at MHP, bringing together sector expertise with skills across consumer PR, public affairs, corporate comms and financial and investor relations. Proper collaboration brings powerful and impactful results for clients, as MHP’s recent success in client wins and industry awards attests.

What is the most common misconception your friends make about your job?

The Thick Of It and Absolutely Fabulous did a lot for the industry!

If you weren’t in PR, what would you be doing?

Probably a train driver or an astronaut.

What is a typical weekend for you?

Long runs and time with my wife, and three under 5s. Not necessarily all at the same time.

What book would you take to a desert island?

I would push to take my Kindle, which is full of Frederick Forsyth and Jack Reacher books. If I had to take just one book, probably The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, easily the best book I’ve ever read. Then I’d try and sneak in the Guinness Book of Records.

What are the weirdest questions you have to field from your peers about your job in comms? Get the chance to ‘set your friends right’ in a ’60 seconds’ piece by emailing [email protected]

72Point hires The Sun’s former head of news, Chris Pharo

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The Sun’s former head of news, Chris Pharo, has joined 72Point, the PR arm of independent news agency group SWNS, as chief operations officer.

Pharo worked for The Sun for 25 years, heading up its news department for more than a decade before rising to the position of associate editor.

72Point is the PR arm of SWNS and one of the largest suppliers of content to The Sun and other national publications. 72Point specialises in generating research-based news coverage with its market research arm OnePoll.

Clients include Asda, Heinz, Thomas Cook and Barclays.

In his new role, Pharo will oversee the core business of 72Point and OnePoll, with an aim to generate brand exposure through news coverage.

He will also head up London operations for SWNS, which includes 72Point, the National News agency and story-brokering service Talk To The Press.

Pharo has also been briefed to launch new ventures in media training and crisis management.

Paul Walters, MD of SWNS and 72Point,  said: “It’s an honour to welcome Chris to the SWNS family. Someone of his calibre, ability and experience is a fantastic addition to the business.”

Pharo added: “72Point is ready now to build on its excellent foundations and branch out. As well as our exceptionally healthy core business, we have many other strings to our bow.  The future is a very exciting prospect.”

Towards the end of his time at The Sun, Pharo faced two trials over alleged illegal payments to public officials, but was cleared by a jury at the Old Bailey in October 2015 after four years under suspicion.

He added: “It’s great to be back in the saddle and working for yet another premier operation. There are many challenges ahead and I can’t wait to take them on alongside the dynamic team at 72Point.”

Pharo is one of several appointments SWNS has made from the journalist world in recent months, including former Sunday Mirror news editor and Daily Mirror reporter Euan Stretch, PA’s former head of video, Isabelle Potts, and Steve Martin, former group head of  content for Trinity Mirror in Scotland.

Behind the Headlines with Lexis’ Dominic Shales

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Lexis MD Dominic Shales on his first pitch to a journalist, what marks a good campaign out and why it really is “good to talk”.

Before I reach the office in the morning, I’ve already…
Managed two different breakfast sittings for different aged children, with the Today programme in the background, squashed on the tube while trying to read Metro and then read emails while walking from London Bridge to the office. Pretty prosaic really!

You’ll mostly find emails about…in my inbox.
A real mix of emails relating to client campaigns, new business, agency management stuff and lots of different media feeds.

I know I’ve had a good day if…
I hear we have exceeded a client’s expectations in some way! All good things in agency life stem from having happy clients.

My first job was…
A courier in the City for a large law firm in the summer before university. In the days when documents had to be delivered by hand, my job was to walk around the City all day carrying packages wrapped in pink ribbon. A great way to get to know London at least.

I can tell a campaign is succeeding when…
A friend or family member tells me about it spontaneously.

I eat…when nobody is watching.
Well, there’s just something about pork pies….

The first time I pitched to a journalist…
I was lucky enough to have a really good story – the prize fund for that year’s Wimbledon Tennis Championships (the All England Club was the client).

The worst thing anyone has said to me is…
Not to be repeated. I’ve buried it deep.

The last book I read was…
The Steve Jobs biography.

I’ve never really understood why…
So many people seem to prefer emailing rather than just picking up the phone. At the risk of sounding like the BT ad, it’s good to talk.

If I could go back and talk to my 10-year-old self, I’d say…
Carry on playing the piano, learn a really good party trick, work hard, travel far, have fun and be prepared to take some risks in your career. And give your parents a break sometimes!

This time next year, I’ll be…
Proud of a cracking agency team doing great work.

Fancy featuring in a Behind the Headlines interview? Please email [email protected].

Redefine|BDL Hotels extends Beattie brief

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Creative comms group Beattie has had its brief with Redefine|BDL Hotels expanded to include digital activity, after two years handling the hotel management company’s PR.

Redefine|BDL Hotels manages 63 hotels across the UK and partners with six international hotel brands, including IHG, Hilton Worldwide, Accor, Best Western, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

Beattie already provides PR consultancy for Redefine|BDL Hotels and the latest contract will see its digital marketing business, Only Digital, work on SEO, content strategy, social media, analytics and web design development.

A new website has recently been completed for the International Hotel Group Limited, which was set-up by Redefine|BDL Hotels’ shareholders to invest in hotel assets, and further sites will be launched throughout 2016.

Yvonne Brennan, group marketing manager at Redefine|BDL Hotels, said: “Beattie was selected on the strength of the team’s ability to deliver great content, a must for hoteliers looking to extend engagement with customers. I’m looking forward to working with the team to improve our online performance across conversion, engagement and reach KPIs.”

beattie

David Reid

David Reid, director of Only Digital, said: “Our digital marketing and development teams have extensive experience in delivering results for clients in many sectors, including hospitality.”

“The rich content that exists across the hotels in the group means that our content team in particular have a fantastic brief for the coming months. Our PR colleagues have worked on this account for several years, so Beattie really is providing a truly integrated service for Redefine|BDL Hotels.”

Beattie recently rebranded its digital marketing business from Only Web to Only Digital.

Only Digital operates from eight offices across the UK, including London, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow. With a 30-strong team, services include social media, PPC management, search engine optimisation and digital strategies.

The rollout of an Only Digital website will be followed within a month by new websites for Beattie and its marketing arm, Only Marketing.

Scottish Widows hires Claire Burston as comms lead

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Scottish Widows, the pensions provider and subsidiary of Lloyds Banking Group, has brought in Standard Life’s Claire Burston as head of comms.

As part of Lloyd’s group corporate affairs team, Burston will provide strategic Claire Burston ALERTcounsel to senior stakeholders and executives.

She reports into John Penman, director of comms, who said: “At a time of unprecedented change in the life and pensions industry, Scottish Widows is determined to ensure it remains at the forefront of the debate. Claire brings a wealth of experience to help us shape and deliver our communications strategy at one of the most important periods in the history of the brand. We’re very excited to have her on board.”

Burston was appointed head of PR at Standard Life in 2015, after four years with the company. She previously worked for Penrose Financial (now MHP), and has been a financial journalist for the Mail on Sunday, Investment Week and Bloomberg Money.

Burston added: “I’ve been given a great opportunity to take the media team forward at such a pivotal time in the company’s development.

“I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves to help shape positive media, stakeholder and customer perceptions externally, as well as helping drive colleague engagement and advocacy internally, working with other senior members of the communications team.”

Journalists reveal most irritating PR jargon

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Journalists across the UK and US have revealed the top ten most annoying pieces of jargon they find in emails and press releases from PRs, with “reach out” and “growthhacking” topping the list, according to a small poll conducted by Houston PR.

For three years, Houston PR has asked correspondents and editors in the UK and the US to identify words and phrases that annoy them the most once every quarter.

With some responses going into Houston’s How NOT To Guide to PR and some going into PRBuzzsaw.com, the agency’s automated ‘jargon removal tool’, Houston founder Hamish Thompson collated a list of the most frequent answers received over the past three years and sent it to UK and US journalists last week as he asked them to vote for the worst.

Here’s the Houston PR list of the ten most annoying pieces of jargon in order of irritation (from most irritating to slightly less so):

  1. Reach out
  2. Growthhacking
  3. Onboarding
  4. Curate
  5. Circle back
  6. Synergy
  7. Empower
  8. Solutions
  9. De-layer
  10. Ecosystem

Thompson said that just outside the top ten were ‘bandwidth’, ‘robust’ and ‘evangelist’.

He also has a top tip for PRs. “If you are writing to a correspondent or editor, announce that you are ‘reaching out’ at your peril,” Thompson warned.