What a few weeks it has been. Autumn always signifies huge changes, but 2015’s edition has set a new standard. Before this month kicked off we had no idea about David Cameron’s potential love of animals and VW’s sketchy practices, were unsure as to how the Rugby World Cup would begin, and had been left guessing on the future Labour Party leader. Here at Smoking Gun PR, though, there was far more certainty.
We knew, for example, that September would be defined by industry appearances from members of the team. We were always going to be involved in the PRCA PR 2020 conference in Manchester, whilst MD, Rick Guttridge, was in London, at PR Moments’ Future Toolkit measurement seminar. Not to mention him speaking at last night’s CIPR measurement event, at which he offered yet more worldly-wise input alongside the dynamic duo of Libby Howard of Intelligent Conversation and measurement guru Steph Bridgeman.
Aside from all that, our new Account Manager, Sarah Roberts, has arrived, bringing with her impressive industry experience, further adding to the team’s ingenious credentials. And then there’s the small matter of six weeks of in-house coaching, designed to further raise the bar of staff excellence here on Bridge Street, that has now kicked off.
Campaign-wise things have been busy too. On behalf of Discover Dogs and The Kennel Club our experts ran a puppy speed dating event. Meanwhile, another national media blitz for Cats Protection has placed the leading UK charity in the limelight of broadcast and print media alike, helping the organisation spread its message to millions across the UK.
Reactions to puppies from SmokingGunPR on Vimeo.
Elsewhere, British OIympiad and World Championship gold medallist, Jo Pavey, MBE no less, put her long distance running on hold to share how important good rest is for her at the National Bed Show as part of Silentnight’s ongoing Achievements campaign. So now we know the secret to her glory.
What a few weeks indeed, then, and this is really only scratching the surface. We could also mention the number of new business pitches we have been involved in, or the impending additions to our client roster; but, unfortunately, until the is are dotted and ts crossed there can be no big reveal. Nevertheless, watch this space for details next month, and until then you can find us in the same place as ever, toiling tirelessly for the brands we love.