Beth Riley

What's the secret to mastering a broadcast interview? 📽️ There have been many memorable mistakes made on camera - from mispronunciation mishaps to blank faces when answering killer questions. With a general election fast approaching, we've taken a look at past interview blunders from our politicians and the lessons that can be learnt in our latest blog👇 #PR #Broadcast #Interview #MediaTraining

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Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Outlines Key Priorities for the next West Midlands   As we approach the West Midlands Mayoral election on 2nd May 2024, FSB has put together a Mayoral Manifesto to help the candidates understand the challenges faced by our members across the West Midlands Combined Authority catchment area, namely; #Birmingham, #Solihull, #Coventry, #Wolverhampton, #Walsall, #Dudley and #Sandwell. This Manifesto outlines areas the Mayor could tackle to help aid small businesses and bolster inclusive growth. This year marks FSB’s 50th anniversary, having been established in 1974 to help our members succeed in business - we are a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by our members, for our members. In the #WestMidlands we are a trusted voice for small business with more than 10,000 members across the region. We aim to represent anyone and everyone running a business or with aspirations to start a business. With SMEs making up over 99.6% of the indigenous 254,640 enterprises in the West Midlands, 253,575 (99.6 per cent) are small and medium-sized enterprises and, of these, more than 84.2 per cent are sole traders and micro businesses (employing 0-9 employees), it’s easy to see that the West Midlands economy will not be able to boost productivity, tackle the climate emergency or have inclusive growth without small businesses. Small businesses are not only at the heart of the West Midlands economy, they are also at the heart of West Midlands communities. They create local jobs, grow and keep wealth within a local economy and provide vital local services. Our small businesses support communities in the good times and, as we have seen, stick around when the going is not so good. Our manifesto suggests ways that small businesses can help the Mayor create a thriving West Midlands, a successful economy and vibrant communities.   https://lnkd.in/e8ERHqh3 Linsey MIED Mike Goodall Lee Osborne Sue...Sue Tonks Hollie Whittles Rob Harrison Hemant Kalidas Ray Hickinbottom- Supporting Small Businesses Lianne Phillips FSB- Helping Small Businesses Grow Roger Poynton

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📰 The Post Office Horizon scandal: Lessons in Crisis Management 🕵️‍♂️ As the scandal continues to dominate headlines and ignite political discourse, it begs the question: What can we learn from this ongoing PR crisis? And how did it gain such rapid traction across diverse platforms? 🔍 Our in-depth analysis of media coverage, Parliamentary discussions, and online buzz surrounding the 'Post Office scandal' from December 2023 to March 2024 reveals a fascinating evolution. From a legal matter tucked away in the shadows to a headline-grabbing saga debated on prime time TV and social media, the journey of this story is a masterclass in crisis communication. 📈 Dive into our case study to uncover: 1️⃣ The alarming speed at which brand controversies escalate across various platforms 2️⃣ Strategies for containing and managing crises before they spiral out of control 3️⃣ The crucial role of horizon-scanning in anticipating and preparing for future challenges 4️⃣ Why staying attuned to both media and political landscapes is key to identifying and engaging with stakeholders effectively Ready to glean insights from one of the most talked-about crises of our time? 🚀 Download the report now by clicking the link below! 👇 #CrisisManagement #PostOfficeScandal #PRInsights https://lnkd.in/e4Q6BKbn

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It’s been great to take the time to catch up on the world of social and build connections in the age of the disconnect at this years SocialChain #SocialMindsLive event in London, exploring a forward-thinking approach to overcoming the discrepancy between how consumers use social and how we can show up in the space.   My key takeaways from the day… -> A strategy is always a work in progress -> Know the rules, then break the rules -> Timing is everything -> Own your mistakes Looking forward to putting it into practice!

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Catch up on the latest political headlines with Politcomms Podcast 🎙 In this episode, our PR and Comms experts analyse the implications of Rishi's D-Day debacle, explore the spending trends of the main political parties, and discuss the role manifestos play in shaping political campaigns and voter expectations. Tune in now on your favourite #podcast platform: https://lnkd.in/gG9PfPu3 #UKGeneralElection #ukpolitics #comms #prpodcast #Politicomms #campaignplanning

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ICYMI Marc Jacobs marketing team is winning at TikTok with their influencer-first strategy. Partnering with absolute icons of the platform - Sylvanian Drama, Teletubbies, queen of edits @jessechrisss - they've generated 3m average views per video and the community comments are the stuff of every social media managers dreams. My take on why it's just so good... 1. letting the creators do what they do best - no overly key-messaged creative, no product shoehorned in, just great content. 2. picking creators that are part of the cultural fabric of Tiktok itself - so when you see the video, it's like the best kind of in-joke. 3. doing it with frequency & conviction - they've built a community of people hanging on for the next video. When I bang on to clients about leaning into a creators' own style, this is why! Jessica Millner you need to see the Sylvanian Drama video! #influencermarketing #tikok #socialstrategy

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Would adopting a pitch 'code of conduct' make a difference in our industry? I shared my thoughts with PRWeek UK (thanks Siobhan Holt for the opportunity): https://lnkd.in/gNDfvR_r From experience, there are many foundations for winning and here are just a few...  1. Ensure briefs and Q&A responses are clear and insightful. 2. Include a realistic budget, clarifying what's in and out of scope to prevent second-guessing. 3. Sufficient time and interaction with key stakeholders throughout the process is vital. ("This was the first time we met the client, pitched, and won the business" - said no one ever) 4. Adopt a partnership mentality from the start. 5. Ensure there is a chance to act on feedback during the process. We’re a relationship-led business, but we won’t unearth everything about a client’s culture and working practices through one brief. After all, it’s our process too. #pitching #businessdevelopment

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Flexible working, hybrid working, part-time hours, job shares... this is increasingly the new normal for office-based roles. Sharing this fab marketing role with my Oxfordshire networks... but also wanted to shine a light on the great recruitment agencies out there, like 923 Jobs, that are helping normalise this approach to our working lives. [Check out their other roles too.] And kudos to all the employers who are advertising their jobs with flexibility at the core of their offer. 🎉 Knowing that you are entering a workplace that will support your work-life balance from the get-go is fast become a basic requirement for those in the job market. Hopefully the days of having to cross your fingers and hope you can negotiate some flexibility around your hours once you've got the job are very much numbered... #flexibleworking #marketingexec #recruitment

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Are you up to date with this week’s commercial news? A lobby group has advised that the next UK government should build stronger trade relations with the EU and junior doctors have announced a strike before the general election. Meanwhile, consumer groups have warned that supermarket challenges could lead to overspending, Dr Martens has halved its dividend and a new study has revealed more about the public’s opinion on AI. Read this week’s commercial news round-up to find out more. Swipe for a snippet and read the full round-up via the link in the comments. #lawyers #trainingcontract #commercialawareness

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Why not pop along to Mitie's 'Demystifying carbon reporting' webinar? Learn how CO2 reporting legislation will impact your organisation - and why the challenge presents an opportunity. Register below. #CarbonReporting | #SustainabilityWebinar | #CarbonManagement

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In the realm of marketing and brand management, few endorsements carry as much prestige and historical significance as the royal warrant. A royal warrant is more than a mere accolade; it is a mark of recognition granted to companies or individuals who supply goods or services to the royal family. This esteemed endorsement signifies the highest standards of quality and excellence, often associated with a long-standing relationship with the monarchy. The origins of royal warrants date back to the medieval period, evolving over centuries into a coveted symbol of distinction. Today, a royal warrant is a testament to a brand's unwavering commitment to quality and service. Companies awarded this honor join a distinguished league of suppliers who have met the rigorous standards expected by the royal household. For brands, a royal warrant acts as a powerful stamp of approval. It is a clear signal to consumers that the brand’s offerings are of exceptional quality, reliability, and distinction. This endorsement can significantly enhance a brand's value, serving as a key differentiator in a competitive marketplace. The association with the royal family not only enhances brand perception but also builds trust and loyalty among consumers. The impact of a royal warrant on a brand's reputation cannot be overstated. It elevates the brand’s status, positioning it as a purveyor of excellence. This prestigious mark often leads to increased visibility and credibility, making the brand more attractive to discerning consumers who value quality and heritage. The association with the royal household implies a level of scrutiny and excellence that few other endorsements can match. In today’s market, where consumers are increasingly discerning and brand loyalty is hard-won, a royal warrant can be a game-changer. It reassures consumers of the brand's commitment to maintaining exceptional standards. This trust translates into loyalty, with consumers more likely to return to and recommend a brand that carries the royal endorsement. The warrant thus serves as a long-term asset, fostering enduring relationships with customers. Beyond enhancing reputation and trust, a royal warrant can open doors to new opportunities. It can attract partnerships, facilitate market expansion, and even justify premium pricing strategies. The warrant acts as a badge of honor that can be leveraged in marketing campaigns, product packaging, and corporate communications, reinforcing the brand’s elite status. Earning and maintaining a royal warrant requires a continuous commitment to excellence. Brands must not only meet but consistently exceed the high standards set by the royal household. This ongoing dedication ensures that the brand remains synonymous with quality and reliability, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

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A thought-provoking afternoon yesterday at POLITICO Europe's Energy & Climate UK Summit to hear about the roadblocks to the country's path to net zero - with speakers from Equinor, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change & Green Alliance. Some scribbled takeaways: ⚡️ Delivering clean power will be central to the country's ability to meet its net zero targets - but the challenges ahead are vast. The UK needs to quadruple its renewable energy generation capacity and double the capacity of the grid, but we need to ramp up the pace of delivery urgently to provide the clean power the country needs. 🗓️ Debating the dates of targets and their respective merits is a massive distraction from our need to focus on the enablers that will get us to net zero. "Targets are secondary to conditions for investment." 👥 People are broadly on board with the need to decarbonise to reach net zero, which is why we have accepted targets in place to achieve this. However, there's been a lack of focus to date on the trade-offs for the general population. 💵 It's a hugely competitive landscape - and other countries have caught up with and overtaken the UK as an investment destination for clean energy. Investors aren't just considering the UK, and so policy and messaging from government needs to be consistent or capital will simply go elsewhere. #netzero #decarbonisation #cleanenergy

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To coincide with #MedComms Day (12th June) and the first session in Manchester of the HCA’s Annual Conference (13th June), the Healthcare Communications Association is launching our new measurement and evaluation campaign, Start SMART. Measurement and evaluation metrics should be included in all communications activities so we can demonstrate their impact and value. They need to be considered from the outset of our projects and is why we are encouraging organisations, teams, and individuals to always Start SMART. If we Start SMART, with a SMART objective, we are focused on what, how, and when we are going to measure and evaluate, from the very start of our activity. As professionals, and as a sector, we must continually learn and adapt, to ensure we consistently deliver our best work, and are able to demonstrate the value of communications. Effective measurement and evaluation are essential for these goals. Start SMART needs to become the healthcare communicator's mantra. So why don’t you take a pledge to always Start SMART. #MedComms #HCAConference #TogetherForBetter #StartSMART #Evaluation

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Thrilled and honoured for JDRF UK's work on #HybridClosedLoop to be recognised and shortlisted for the The Charity Awards Healthcare & Medical Research category. Hybrid Closed Loop, (HCL) is the most transformational treatment for type 1 diabetes since the discovery of insulin. It's a sophisticated algorithm that connects the readings from a continuous glucose monitor to an insulin pump to automatically dose insulin, preventing potentially fatal blood glucose highs and lows. By helping to stablise blood glucose levels over time, HCL will help to reduce the risk of kidney disease, sight loss, cardiovascular disease for people living with type 1 diabetes. JDRF UK has funded £115 million of world class research, fundraised by the UK and international Type 1 Diabetes community since 2006 to deliver the medical research evidence for regulatory approval. We JDRF UK have worked with NHS, industry, and people living with type 1 diabetes in order to secure NHS approval for HCL in England, Scotland and Wales with Nothern Ireland set to now consider. In England over the next five years, HCL will be offered as a first line of treatment on the NHS to around 75% of people living with type 1 diabetes. "Charity Awards judge Priya Singh, chair of NCVO, said JDRF UK not only contributed funding but worked tirelessly to “break down barriers and create the flight path to that innovation being able to be applied. They absolutely embodied the fact that research itself might be fabulous but makes absolutely no difference unless you can get it out to people.” https://lnkd.in/e8XgzkSQ

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🔍 Spotted on the commute this week: Sainsbury's PR-ing in a spot traditionally reserved for B2C advertising.   As consumers become increasingly aware of where their money is going and therefore more likely to buy from companies they perceive to have a strong 'Purpose' - it seems we'll probably be seeing more of these types of 'ads' and the merging of what is traditionally seen as the separate disciplines of Marketing, PR and Advertising.   As PR professionals, this shift is interesting: how far will the lines blur between how we advise companies on communicating to their stakeholders versus their customers? Sainsbury's clearly think it's worth the ad spend of a prime spot on the London Underground to communicate the good they are doing rather than their latest promotions.   If anything, it's a reminder that - as our Freuds Group founder Matthew Freud said in a recent episode of 'When It Hits The Fan' podcast - the reward for companies trying to be better should be a better reputation. Episode here: https://lnkd.in/d3dTAVam

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I attended the April Leadership Jersey talk yesterday, with the awe-inspiring Dr Eve Pool on 'Robotic Souls', and left feeling so much better informed about the ethics surrounding the development of AI. My biggest takeaway was that we need to delve deeper into what makes us human as there are some jobs, currently at least, that AI just cannot do. These are the jobs that apply empathy, understanding and require an individual approach, such as family law, or hospice care. We have the ability to be able look back at ourselves ten, even 20 years ago, and distinguish how we learned to be the person we are today - not the technical abilities of our jobs, but the intuition, the resilience, our decision-making processes based on morals and values. AI will inevitably replace jobs in the future, just as the industrial revolution did more than 250 years ago, and I'm excited to see what's to come. However, I can't help take some comfort that it's not ready to replace humanity, not yet anyway...

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