July: what a month. The rise of the far right in the EU elections and the subsequent snap election in France, the UK Labour landslide and a carousel of political news from America, plus the continuing devastation and turmoil in the Middle East – it's been a busy and sometimes emotional month.
We've invested time and energy to understand what all these events mean and the potential impact on the wider world, using these insights to identify and respond to new opportunities and challenges. Strategies have been adapted, messages reframed and new relationships formed on behalf of clients in the EU and UK.
Election coverage
For the past year, we’ve been supporting the Society of Radiographers to demonstrate how decent pay is key to recruiting and retaining more radiographers and fixing the NHS. So it was good to hear Chancellor Rachel Reeves cite this as a reason why the new government is implementing a 5.5% pay increase for NHS staff. Thanks to our PR work, BBC News chose to interview a radiographer as part of a pre-election focus on NHS staff.
New clients
We’re delighted to be starting work with two more unions. Vic Barlow and Martin Reid are helping train drivers’ union, ASLEF, with its member engagement while Duncan Robertson has rolled up his sleeves on airline pilots’ union, BALPA’s #CRM procurement project.
Reframing race and gender equality
Race and gender equality are always front and centre of our work. Becky spoke at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s National Convention on “Dismantling Patriarchal Structures in Fundraising” on behalf of Rogare’s Gender Issues in Fundraising project. Becky addressed how charities often fail to recognise donor-perpetrated sexual harassment, reframing gender equality so it encourages men to join the movement.
Becky also shared her thoughts on the impact racism and sexism will impact the comms for Kamala Harris’s new presidential campaign
Parties and launches
Vic Barlow and Matt Ball enjoyed an evening in the sun with Unions 21 members at their summer party before Vic joined Unions21 executive director, Becky Wright, at the launch of UCL Policy Lab and More in Common’s report into how the 2024 UK general election was fought and won.
Supporting fundraising and comms
Our work with Gesher continues with Jo Lamb, our newest associate, helping with the school’s fundraising proposals, Sarah Younger’s social media content increasing followers and engagement, and Duncan Robertson improving content on the Gesher assessment centre’s website.
PR coverage
Grannies on bikes, rugby superstars, midsummer balls and a car raceall secured fundraising coverage for @TreeofHope thanks to our PR pro @CatherineCooper. She also bagged interviews on BBC Local Radio for fundraisers.
Great result
And finally... we were thrilled to hear that our ace associate Paulina Lainez passed her Master’s in International Relations from the IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs in Madrid. We can't wait to watch her fly. Congratulations to Paulina.
