Tip of the fatberg

This is the 'fatberg': a 15 tonne mass of fat, sewage, wet wipes and toilet paper that threatened to back up toilets, spill into streets and release the stench of raw sewage into the streets of London during the hottest August in 9 years. The story could have been framed as one of inadequate sewage systems, lack of upkeep, and stinky summer disaster, yet Thames Water turned this potential crisis into a summer sewage opportunity.

Instead of waiting for the press to report how they were struggling to deal with the fatberg, Thames Water turned the fat tide and proactively reported on how their employees were working around the clock, in horrific conditions, to blast the berg away. They named the key sewage workers who worked all hours to remove the blockage, giving a human face to this disgusting story. And, coming as it did in the 'silly season' of August when there is little 'real' news, they took the opportunity to highlight the issue of the indisposable waste that people thoughtlessly flush away, and so use the horrific footage and pictures to try and discourage people from doing the same in future. Great example of turning a crisis into an opportunity.

P-estaurant review

Great example of PR by Rentokil here, creating a pop up restaurant in Cheapside, London - serving up 'pests'. Whether its  mealworms, ants or crickets, they've managed to serve them up in a burger - and there's even an option including London's most famous pests - pigeon burgers.

With coverage in the Independent, Daily Star, Daily Express, the Sun and Metro, a great example of how a gross human interest story can make the most of the news gap in August's annual 'silly season'.

PR Job Opportunities with Grayling

Two Job Opportunities with Grayling - please contact them direct at addresses below if you are interested

 

Client Executive (Bristol) - You will be part of a dynamic team, established as one of the most successful PR consultancies in the South West. You will be working for a diverse range of clients across the public sector, consumer and business to business environments. The role will suit a recent graduate preferably with some experience of working within an agency environment. The ideal candidate will be driven, enthusiastic and have a genuine interest in the industry and digital and social media. Experience of engaging proactively with media, effective time management and good organisational skills are a must. It’s a fast-moving and entrepreneurial environment in which the right candidate will thrive and develop. Click here to view the full job spec. If you are interested, please contact Nasima.hussain@grayling.com for more details.

 

Client Executive (London) - The technology team (within the Corporate & Financial practice) is seeking an Account Executive to work on a number of key technology clients. The ideal candidate will be driven, enthusiastic and have a genuine interest in technology; a self-starter with experience of working on technology clients, ideally gained within an agency environment. Experience of engaging proactively with media, reporting to clients and good organisational skills are a must. The candidate will also be expected to play an active role in the new business process, and have a passion and knowledge of integrated digital campaigns. If you are interested, please contact Hannah Williams, Director, Hannah.williams@grayling.com for more details.

Why I love marketing

I don't know whether much of what Rory Sutherland says here is scary or inspiring, but it's why I love marketing.

PESTer for better PR ideas

Great example of how keeping an eye on the what's going on in the wider world can spark creative PR ideas: Ogilvy, on behalf of Scrabble, spot that smartphones reduce literacy (yes, I'm looking at you people who send me emails without punctuation) - and offer free WiFi to those who can make 7-letter passwords on a Scrabble board on their phones. In 2 weeks, more than 6,000 words played, 110,000 minutes of WiFi given away and lots of coverage across blogs and tech sites.

Job Opportunity: Marketing Assistant in Bristol

This is a job opportunity for a good graduate in Bristol with Dycem, who manufacture non-slip materials and anti-contamination equipment across a variety of sectors. Please contact them direct for more information and to apply - I have no more info as this came through a contact.

Details:

Responsible to

Non-Slip Business Unit Manager & New Business Development Manager.

Purpose of Job

To use all forms of media and communication to build, maintain and manage Dycem’s reputation. To communicate key messages to defined target audiences in order to establish and maintain goodwill and understanding between Dycem and its customers.

Responsibilities

·       PR

o   Plan, develop and implement PR strategies.

o   Research and prepare press releases and articles.

o   Prepare content for newsletters and other external and internal communications.

o   Ensure news shared with targeted media, distributors and end users via direct mail, e-newsletters and the website.

o   Analyse and evaluate success of all communications.

o   Proof-read all communications.

o   Layout newsletters, bulletins & corporate documents using existing templates and guidelines.

o   Organise and attend exhibitions and events worldwide.

o   Arrange photo shoots as necessary.

o   Ensure distributors have the latest images for catalogues etc and provide them with PR support.

o   Assist with the content and set-up of brochures and adverts, instructing and liaising with external agencies such as graphic designers as required.

o   Develop media and end user leads through web sources such as LinkedIn.

o   Record PR activity, capture press cuts and leads gained. Circulate leads as appropriate.

·       Website & Social Media

o   Up-load articles and brochures to the Content Management section of the website.

o   Review copy and content of the Non-Slip section of the website.

o   Ensure that all communications via Social Media adhere to Dycem’s policy and are relevant, appropriate and timely.

·       Other

o   Attend weekly meetings and produce the minutes.

o   Promotional goods

o   Handle routine enquiries from media or refer to appropriate colleague.

o   Ad hoc tasks required for preparation of events/exhibitions.

o   Work with other departments and external suppliers as required to support departmental and organisational objectives.

o   Travel to exhibitions within Europe and possibly internationally.

o   Data base input and record management.

Assessment Criteria	Essential	Desirable
Qualifications/Training	Educated to degree level	Full UK driving licence
Experience	Work experience in a team environment. Databases, manipulating data. Working to deadlines.	Database mailings. Working in small teams. Work experience within a marketing/PR environment
Knowledge	Social media, web Word, Powerpoint, Excel	Design & desktop publishing software eg Quark, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator.
Skills	Excellent written communication skills, ability to write for specific “audiences”. Excellent communicator who immediately starts relationship building process with all stakeholders. Creative, eye for design Good organisational and planning skills. The persistence to see a project through to completion. Commitment, drive, enthusiasm, self starter. Willing to learn.	Language(s)

                                                      

Has the Easter bunny been to your street?

Nice PR idea from Tesco here - using Google maps to create an Easter Egg Hunt around your local area. Good example of using digital media advances to create interactive and two way comms - you can leave eggs for your friends too...

Thanks to @PRexamples on twitter - good ones to follow for, well, PR examples. Read their review of the Tesco Egg Hunt here.