Culture and comms matter now, more than ever

It’s hard to believe that I was with clients at Cheltenham Racecourse just over a week ago.

The government moved into the ‘delay’ phase of its response to the outbreak while I was there. It felt strange being at a major sporting event whilst following what was happening elsewhere. What’s followed since has been head-spinning. How we live, work, communicate and travel have all changed, suddenly and without warning.

New phrases – COVID-19, self-isolate, social distancing – have entered the lexicon. Words like ‘unprecedented’ and ‘lockdown’ are everywhere. No other story has been in the news for the last 10 days.

Continue reading “Culture and comms matter now, more than ever”

New venture off to a positive start

It was interesting, and not at all surprising, to see a new venture started by my former colleague John Quinton-Barber win headlines.

John QB has co-founded a new company, Social PR, and already looks to have a great team on board who are well-known in the North West. The new website looks impressive and the offer well polished.

I’m sure it won’t be difficult to follow their progress. I will do so with interest and wish them the best of luck.

Links I like 11.01.11

‘Social enterprise has found a new home in housing’ – Guardian Professional
The Guardian’s Social Enterprise Network 
ran a piece yesterday about how social landlords are finding different ways to deliver better homes and stronger communities. My HCA colleague and director Colin Molton is quoted, alongside a number of organisations who have at one time been clients of my former employers IPB Communications.

IPB appoints new director
Speaking of IPB, it would be rude of me not to mention their news, and a huge day for my former colleague John Quinton-Barber. The company has just announced that John (who was senior consultant for three years) has been promoted to the board. I see from his Facebook entries the announcement was made on the same day as his youngest daughter’s first birthday. He has never done things by halves. Congratulations and good luck, JQB!