Strategic Advice and Support
We work in partnership with our clients to develop and deliver marketing and communications strategies for whole organisations through to individual projects and issues.
We specialise in producing thorough, carefully researched strategies and campaign plans that help deliver real business objectives.
Working with talented and creative design professionals, we have helped a wide range of organisations to develop and launch new corporate identities or refresh an existing brand.
We have also worked in a ‘critical friend’ consultancy role to help clients achieve cost savings and Best Value in appointing and working with external PR and marketing service suppliers.
Marketing Literature
Combining sharp, persuasive copywriting and eye catching design, we produce a wide range of promotional leaflets for clients.
Recent projects include leaflets and brochures promoting on-line learning services, bespoke IT training and a corporate redundancy support programme.
DVD Production
Organisations are increasingly using DVD as the most effective means of getting their message across or engaging with their customers.
We have project managed several successful DVDs for a range of clients from initial concept discussions through to scripting, directing and supervising the filming and editing process.
Recent projects include two complementary DVDs to promote an apprenticeship programme to young people and employers and a DVD to inform homeowners about a whole street external improvement project.
For one project we used tenants as presenters to help a housing association client advise customers about a major kitchen refurbishment programme.
Corporate Literature Production
Whether we’re producing a two-sided information leaflet for customers or a 40 page Annual Report for investors and professional partners, we work closely with our clients through every stage to ensure the right end result.
James Rae has been responsible for the production of a number of award-winning annual reports and brings extensive skills and experience to every aspect of the process; from project management through to researching, writing and editing text and overseeing design and print production.
Recent assignments including the production of an annual report themed around an organisation’s 40th anniversary to a suite of 15 information leaflets and a 50 page ring bound manual for customers.
We also produce newsletters and a range of other marketing materials.
Media Relations–Reactive
Over the last 20 years James Rae has been involved in managing organisational responses to a wide variety of ‘high risk’ news stories. These have ranged from disgruntled customers contacting the press through to contaminated land scares, resident protest campaigns, redundancy programmes, accidental deaths, murder and even terrorism.
James has also spoken at national and regional conferences on crisis management and delivered training at Board and senior executive level.
Protecting an organisation’s hard-won reputation in a crisis situation is a specialist service that we provide on both an ad hoc and 24/7 retained contract basis.
Our reputation is built on dealing calmly and professionally with the media, leaving operational staff free to get on with the job of dealing with the crisis. We quickly identify the issues, collate and present the facts and ensure that our clients stay on top of a breaking news story.
In numerous situations we have been successful in closing down a potentially hostile line of enquiry from the media.
Effective follow up is also an area where we add value. This can range from arranging a positive follow up story showing how an organisation has managed to turn a crisis around to redressing and responding to unfair treatment by the media.
Media Relations–Proactive
Finding the all-important ‘angle’ that makes a run-of-the-mill story newsworthy not only helps deliver positive media coverage for our clients but helps ensure good ongoing relationships with journalists and news editors.
Often it’s about finding the people affected by a client’s work and letting their personal stories bring a subject to life.
One example was when we managed to identify four elderly neighbours who were being re-housed in New East Manchester.
Our ‘Golden Girls’ press release focussed on their determination to keep their lifelong friendship alive by moving together from their old terraced homes. It helped generate major regional press and TV interest in the work of our clients Guinness Northern Counties.
We also work proactively with features editors, feeding into planned features or pitching ideas for interesting articles that could provide positive exposure for our clients.
