That’s right! We are delighted to announce that our social media work for Panda Liquorice has beaten stiff competition, with the Giving Nasties the Blues project taking first prize for Best Low Budget Campaign.
A further seven public relations teams from across the UK were shortlisted for the coveted title, but as we found out last Wednesday, October 12th, at the Some Comms Awards our efforts outmatched them all. The work in question, for our long-standing client Panda, saw us research key customer behaviour online to create a compelling strategy, and build a lively, enthusiastic community that in turn became active brand advocates.
The ensuing campaign saw us create a series of on and offline activity to help the brand punch well above its weight, leading to a six fold sales uplift during one key trading period. Through innovative ideas and great storytelling we achieved great results for our more than happy client, which is great, as we also had a lot of fun in the process, and it has been a pleasure working the campaign.
So, by way of celebrating this noteworthy honour, and paying tribute to the planet’s finest all natural chewy snack, here are a few office highlights from the Land of Liquorice. Take a look, and if you like what you see email rick@smokinggunpr.co.uk to see how we can make even the most modest marcomms budget work hard for you.
Despite summer vanishing there’s a buzz around Smoking Gun HQ this month. So here’s the latest on our new staff, clients and free industry information.
First up, while still settling in to our new address, we have welcomed another highly experienced PR face to the team. Carolanne Bamford joins us after a spell in London with international communications consultancy Hill & Knowlton, bringing even more big industry experience to our ever-burgeoning enterprise. Along with expertise in digital strategy Carolanne boasts razor sharp observational skills- just take a look at her evaluation of Jordan’s new publication, Katy- My Magazine.
And now every Wednesday there’s another reason to head for the Smoking Gun blog, as we’ll be posting our weekly infographic. Bringing you a fascinating overview of today’s talking points via easy to digest imagery, so far everything from the first statistics on Google+ and a guide on how to build the perfect LinkedIn profile, to advice on job hunting via social media has been covered.
On to new business, and we’re proud to announce our team will now be representing technology firm Martin Dawes. With a fully integrated campaign designed to push the specialist audio-visual communications arm of the business the latest brand to join our retail PR client list presents a fresh set of challenges. As such we can’t wait to start providing proof of how our digitally-minded PR expertise can help bolster the company’s reputation.
And that’s not all, as we’re currently dotting the is and crossing the ts on contracts with two international brands, so more news to follow regarding those next month. It’s also nice to know all this hard work isn’t going unnoticed, as we’ve been shortlisted for another two illustrious accolades. This time it’s the CIPR PRide awards, so we’ll be attending our North West regional dinner, hoping to pick up the title of Outstanding Small Consultancy, and Best Use of Social Media for Panda Liquorice.
We are, of course, delighted to be working with Panda, and this is the second nomination we’ve received recently as a result of our efforts. By way of celebrating the success of this ongoing relationship we’d like to share the love a little, so make a comment on our Facebook Page explaining why we should pick you for a chance of receiving a healthy supply of delicious liquorice, delivered directly to your office. Witty one liners at the ready then.
Aside from all this we have, as per usual, been at some of the most noteworthy dates in Manchester’s recent diary. So that’s the exclusive opening of the new pop up bowling alley outside our Spinningfields office, the Social Media Cafe, Arcade Fire at the MEN, and more live music inside Pretty Green. But don’t worry if you didn’t make it to any of these, October’s looking equally busy so hopefully we’ll see you about town over the next few weeks.
It’s another case of fast times here at SGPR’s HQ in Manchester. With details to dish about new clients, and an even newer address, read on for a full update.
First up let’s get the most disruptive news out of the way. We’ve loved our office space high above Mount Street overlooking the Town Hall, and enjoyed working closely (and sharing the kitchen) with Madhouse Associates. But things will always change, and so with a nostalgic tear in one eye, and the glint of a bright future in the other, we’re relocating to larger accommodation down the road.
You’ll now be able to find us at Quay House in Spinningfields, which is no stranger to creativity and daring work. This is the building used by Adam Curtis for Punch Drunk’s critically acclaimed 2009 Manchester International Festival audience favourite ‘It Felt Like A Kiss’, and has previously hosted the Manchester Contemporary and Buy Art fares. As such, we’ll be looking to add some more innovative stories to the impressive interior.
Away from addresses, another organisation has been added to our burgeoning client list. After success with Manchester United, Burrda, Blackburn Rovers, and mi:football to name but four, we know a thing or two about sport PR, which is why the Football Safety Officer’s Association has called on our services. So we’ll be offering our expertise to the professional body with a fully integrated public relations campaign comprising social media, online, and traditional press outlets.
Elsewhere IPS Law is now benefitting from a complete website overhaul that we managed. By contracting SEO specialists for backend improvements, creating unique content, and drafting in cutting edge designers to ensure the North West firm stands out from the crowd, its online presence and visibility has been increased, as has the number of eyes falling on the company’s homepage.
We’ve also been shortlisted for two campaign focused industry awards. Our work for Panda Liquorice has been picked up by Some Comms for consideration in the Best Low Budget Social Media Campaign category, so we’re keeping fingers crossed for a win there. And in other news the Jaguar project we collaborated with Journey 9 on is once again up for recognition, this time thanks to a nomination for Excellence In Marketing at the National Business Awards, making for exciting times all round.
Outside of the office we’ve been up to the usual activities. So that’s attending Gorkana’s Editor’s Breakfast in London, and whistle-stop tours of BBC Media City. Of course, the coming weeks will see us making it to plenty more noteworthy diary dates, so hopefully we’ll see you around if there’s no time to say hello@smokinggunpr.co.uk right now.
That’s right, we have some fantastic news as more of our work has been recognised for its quality, with no less than two campaigns we have worked on getting shortlisted for a couple of coveted titles. So then, here are the details.
First up our efforts in the world of social media have been picked up by the panel at the Some Comms Awards. Now in its second year, the ceremony will be held on October 19th in our own fair city of Manchester, while the nominations take in the best in the communications business from across the UK, celebrating maverick, groundbreaking and forward thinking social media agencies, including ourselves with Panda Liquorice’s ‘Giving Nasties the Blues’ project being put forward for the Best Low Budget Campaign.
And, secondly, we assisted Journey 9 on a campaign for Jaguar last year that turned quite a few heads at the time, and now it’s back to grab a little more attention with a nomination at the National Business Awards in the Excellence in Marketing category, which is great. As How Do reported earlier this month, there are a number of North West firms shortlisted in the nationwide competition, so we wish them all the best (while keeping fingers crossed for ourselves, and the aforementioned partner). It’s all Smoking Gun proof then, if it were needed, that whether it’s a luxury car manufacturer or a food client with a smaller requirement we’re capable of pulling out all the stops to deliver real public relations expertise that works, whatever the concept.
In another fantastic result for everyone here on Mount Street a major force in a truly growing sector has chosen our communications expertise to help raise awareness amongst the British public, and added itself to our ever increasing homes and interior PR client list.
Verdo Renewables was impressed with the specialist experience of our team here at Smoking Gun, and sees our close friends at Madhouse Associates as the best choice for marketing and strategic planning, meaning together our two companies have just about all the angles covered. So we’ll be embarking on a joint campaign to educate and encourage trials of their briquettes for open fires, log burners, and multi-fuel stoves.
With two UK production plants already in existence, at Andover, Hampshire, and Grangemouth, Scotland, the company already occupies a major position in the market and we aim to make sure this grows. And as the benefits of switching to Verdo’s products include minimum ash, better value for money, longer burning compared to standard logs, low water content (and therefore a higher level of heat output), and home delivery we’re confident people will embrace the brand as this exciting campaign gets underway.
You may have already seen the national ad campaign, and been told it’s the UK’s fastest growing men’s shampoo. But for those as yet unfamiliar with the product, let’s get the formalities out of the way.
German cosmetic manufacturer Dr Kurt Wolff produces Alpecin Caffeine shampoo, and the industry giant has decided Smoking Gun PR has the right team to help spread the word. With 50% of men in this country at risk of hair loss there should be plenty of 20 and 30 somethings interested in our campaign, which will see major national radio and press outlets dish the details on the benefits of this product, and any telling signs of the onset of baldness.
To celebrate the arrival of our latest Fast Moving Consumer Goods client we decided to put ourselves in the shoes of those that could find themselves a little thinner on top as the years go by. So, if you have ever wondered what the Big Gun Rick Guttridge, Account Executive Ben Ormsby, or Associate Martin Hewitt would look like bald, here’s an artist’s impression, as it were, courtesy of Alpecin’s very own Baldness Calculator. Oh, and when you’re done smirking at those check out the latest advert embedded below.
We were fed up of vague PR reports, results mostly based on AVE (advertising value equivalents) and a reluctance to make PR accountable.
When we launched Smoking Gun we wanted to create campaigns that offered our clients tangible results and as no two campaigns are the same, neither are our reporting metrics. PR is so much more than a book of cuttings and we aim to show that with every piece of work.
In brief, here are five headline results we’ve achieved with recent work.
1) Luxury goods / leisure: Outdoor Chic secured a six figure sales contract on the back of a partnership programme we instigated and managed.
2) Food / FMCG: Panda Liquorice launched a new SKU and achieved a six fold month on month sales increase on the back of PR alone.
3) Travel / leisure: New gastropub & boutique hotel The Lion was launched and smashed its sales target by 35% on the back of an integrated marcomms campaign we masterminded.
4) FMCG / health: Supporting a new TV advertising burst for men’s caffeine based shampoo Alpecin, the UK’s fastest growing men’s shampoo, we have used digital PR techniques to secure close to 10,000 views of its online advert in a couple of weeks – see for yourself here.
5) Consumer tech: achieving blanket national media and blog coverage in our target media for a major new product launch, with over 50% including video reviews and achieving sales results ‘far higher than anticipated’.
To find out the full story on these and many more case studies, or simply to discuss how effective your PR is and how you’re currently measuring it, contact Rick today.
We know blowing our own trumpet doesn’t constitute a good regular read. But there’s big news afoot this month at Smoking Gun HQ.
As with almost every aspect of central Manchester, constant change and improvement is one way to describe things here. And, with new clients walking through the door, a forthcoming move to a fresh (as yet under tight wraps) address, and a brand new, wholly re-Tweetable weekly roundup from our media masterminds it’s certainly something to be embraced.
First up we’re delighted to announce a new campaign for Dr Kurt Wolff, the German cosmetic giant behind the UK’s fastest growing men’s shampoo, Alpecin. Our FMCG PR specialists will be introducing the anti-hair loss product to men in their 20s and 30s who are concerned about hereditary baldness, it’s just a shame Wayne Rooney didn’t know this was coming before he spent £10,000 on his new locks. To view the latest advert, click here.
Elsewhere it gives us great pleasure to welcome Verdo Renewables to the fold. This latest addition to our burgeoning home and interior PR client list is a major force in the international market, and has invested significantly in the UK operation. As such we’re eager to start our work, and begin educating the nation on the benefits of burning responsibly sourced and refined fuels.
As always we’ll be keeping the adventurous epicure’s hat on, with another business looking for travel and food PR support. The Lion is a brand new gastro-pub and hotel based in Staffordshire, offering delectable dishes to be enjoyed while indulging in a weekend getaway or overnight stay. Obviously then we’re delighted to represent the company, and ready to watch it grow.
We also recently launched ‘The Blagger’s Blog’ to help avoid awkward professional silences, and reduce the number of digests you need to consume. Log onto our blog, Facebook or Twitter from 8.45am each Friday morning to find our roundup of what the papers have been saying and Twitter’s top tags by location, along with the week’s best and worst media moments. So search for #blaggersblog and you won’t miss out on another conversation starter again.
And finally it’s not all been hard work, as Smoking Gun staff have managed to attend some of the biggest events in town recently. So you might have seen us catching up with old friends at The Lady Boys of Bangkok, watching Bjork open 2011’s Manchester International Festival (and partying for a few hours afterwards), celebrating the work of children’s hospital charity Many Hands at trendy drinking hole The Alchemist, or debating social media ROI with John Robb and the other attendees at The Feed. Of course, there will be plenty more in the next few weeks, so we’ll see you there if there’s no time to say hello@smokinggunpr.co.uk right now.
…81 articles published on the newest Beckham, Harper Seven, but only 34 reported on the rush hour bomb that exploded in Mumbai, killing 17 and injuring 131…
…45 stories on Tom Pellereau winning the opportunity to become Lord Alan Sugar’s Apprentice, yet new European fishing regulations only made it into 22 pieces…
…and 49 articles looked at Mr and Mrs Weir, the couple that bagged £161million on the EuroMillions, while Charlie Gilmour, son of Pink Floyd’s guitarist, was jailed for 16 months following student protests and only appeared in 32 stories.
Weetabix fills you up, and gets you ready for anything, as the latest advert goes to show. We are given an insight into four ‘big days’ from the perspective of school age son, office bound dad, maternal mum, and, funniest of all, mischievous infant.
Battle of the Tweets: Manchester vs London vs Edinburgh
Top Manchester #tags (seven days to 21/7/2011)
#mufc #mcfc
#hackgate #apprentice
#theapprentice #1waytopissmeoff
#notw #murdoch
#win #apprenticefinal
This week sees two clear winners from Cottonopolis’ most popular keywords, with Rupert Murdoch’s ongoing nightmare only appearing to gather momentum, while the BBC’s hugely entertaining series, The Apprentice, finally reaches its climax.
One to watch: socialmedia247 (Social Media 24-7- social media commentary; 12,348 followers / 65,230 updates)
Top London #tags (seven days to 21/7/2011)
#hackgate #notw
#apprentice #murdoch
#hacking #1waytopissmeoff
#theapprentice #whendiditbecomecool
#lifewaseasybefore #yousayyougotswag
The south tells a similar story to the north, with phone hacking, police bribery and Mr Sugar’s new assistant the key subjects on everybody’s lips. Oh, and a few people seem to be suggesting that complications come with modernity.
One to watch: martyn_mentor (Martin Hall- online marketing and web expertise; 5,328 followers / 7,844 updates)
Top Edinburgh #tags (seven days to 21/7/2011)
#hackgate #apprentice
#notw #edinburgh
#murdoch #theapprentice
#apprenticefinal #bbcapprentice
#hacking #splat
So Scotland’s capital has more civic pride than the two biggest economical cities in England, though the populations of all three seem to have a similar agenda. That’s more media scandal, and more business based reality TV talk then.
One to watch: social_penguin (The Social Penguin – social media blog; 2,053 followers / 1,598 updates)
That was The Blagger’s Blog, a selection of statements, statistics and noteworthy newsies from across the media and social world, amalgamated, allowing the time-starved professional to start a conversation from thin air.
If there is a success story, blunder, or tweeting town you’d like to see included email hello@smokinggunpr.co.uk or tweet using #blaggersblog. Happy Friday!
