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Marketing a SPAC: getting the communications strategy right

As the UK market prepares for changes heralding a more attractive environment for SPACs, understanding the nuanced differences in communications approach versus a traditional IPO is critical.

Adapting to the new normal in retail: why a considered communications strategy is key to avoiding the pitfalls

Non-essential retail is now firmly open. As we (hopefully) approach a full relaxation of lockdown restrictions later this month, many are taking a deeper look at the trends which emerged as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic in an effort to define the long-term shape of the sector.

The 2021 AGM: facilitating engagement

In the current AGM season, with shareholders becoming increasingly vocal around issues such as sustainability and executive remuneration, investor engagement at AGMs is arguably more critical than ever.

Virgin Money appoints consumer and financial agency alliance

Virgin Money has appointed the Huntsworth agency pairing of Red Consultancy and Citigate Dewe Rogerson to lead all aspects of its external PR work.

Public perception of systemic racism in the UK inconsistent with race report findings

LONDON 22 April 2021 – reboot. New research has found that a significant proportion of the UK population believes that systemic racism remains an issue within the country

You are a national champion, used to making headlines in your own country and now you want to feature in the UK business media… For a major international company that shouldn’t be too difficult, surely? However, UK business journalists remain among the most respected and widely read in the world. As such, many global players are vying for their attention, encountering in the process a fiercely competitive environment rarely experienced at home. So, the answer is: it is harder than you might expect to capture their attention. British journalists enjoy a type of courtship few media around the world experience. Not only are they a key target for large domestic companies, but the international perspective of major UK-based publications and newswires, the calibre of their business columnists and the expertise of their trade journalists mean they have dedicated readers both at home and abroad. The London media has therefore become a global conduit through which to access both British and international audiences, whether they are investors, clients, employees, or other stakeholders. You can talk to a journalist in London and be heard in New York, Paris and Hong-Kong. Good. Now, how to best address that audience? 1) Build goodwill: just as consumers are unlikely to buy a product they aren’t familiar with, journalists will be reluctant to write about a company they have never heard of or know little about. You need to meet them on background, introduce the company and its management and ensure they understand the strategy and what sets you apart. Following this initial meeting, update them regularly to cement the relationship and reap the benefits in the long term. 2) Reassess your expectations: Even if your latest announcement made the front page at home, you are now in a much larger and significantly more competitive arena. The question you need to consider is why should they write about you specifically, and what differentiates you from your peers? 3) Be ready for scrutiny and tough questions: expect UK-based journalists to ask you the questions you’d rather avoid. Facing this type of interview is a sign that you are in front of a seasoned and probably well-respected journalist, whose endorsement – if secured - will be even more valuable. Preparation is key and transparency a must. 4) Ask yourself what’s the UK angle? A question I often ask my clients. Help the journalist make your story relevant to their audience – and their editors. Then think about giving them an exclusive if you have something special to say. 5) Can you compete with FTSE 100 companies? To secure your share of voice, promote yourself as an international benchmark for financial performance, innovation or ESG achievements - or whatever it might be - and establish your management as a thought leader in your sector. 6) Be proud of cultural differences: What is “the norm” at home can be a novelty and a source of inspiration abroad. 7) And above all, be present at the finishing line: This can mean your CEO or CFO occasionally being available for interview or asked to provide comments at very short notice, sometimes a thorny point for executives under intense time pressure but one which will most likely generate positive results and strengthen relationships.

How international groups can capture the attention of the UK media

CDR Director, Agnès Riousse, explains how international companies can capture the attention of the UK media

Jonathan Flint, Citigate Dewe Rogerson’s Chairman, discusses the challenge cryptocurrencies present to the financial planning industry Some private savers and investors might be feeling a growing sense of Financial FOMO when the word ‘Bitcoin’ is mentioned.

Jump on or get flattened by the Bitcoin bandwagon?

by Jonathan Flint, Citigate Dewe Rogerson’s Chairman, discusses the challenge cryptocurrencies present to the financial planning industry – Some private savers and investors might be feeling a growing sense of Financial FOMO when the word ‘Bitcoin’ is mentioned.

Rebuilding social capital will be one of the biggest challenges

by Patrick Evans, Managing Director at Citigate Dewe Rogerson – The past year has seen a cultural revolution that is having a profound effect on the way we live, work and interact.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

by Samantha Stewart We all hoped that 2020 would be the only year of cancelled plans, postponed events and rescheduled holidays – and 2021 would be the year we could celebrate. Unfortunately, it hasn’t started that way.

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