Monday 27 September 2010

Ed Milliband and the charity clothing bag

Returning from another couple of days away on business, we are greeted by more junk mail on the doorstep and the news that Ed Milliband is leader of the Labour Party. You're right, there is not a natural link between the two subject matters or an obvious introduction for a post on corporate reputation management.
May I explain.
Having filled several charity bags recently with empty clothes, this charity bag, like the others, was hiding among the leaflets for pizza delivery, cleaning services and the numerous local, free newspapers. Despite my lack of suitable clothes to fill it with, there was one thing which made me retrieve this bag from the recyling pile, it was the words 'the Christie'.
Late last year, I was privileged enough to be given a tour of Europe's leading cancer care centre which pledges 'to care, to discover and to teach'. Seeing the values of the Christie in action, its dedication towards innovation in the area of cancer care and the courage of its leadership in delivering its goals, I could not throw the bag away. The Christie has a fine corporate reputation, it is authentic and consistent in its actions, it has a very clear vision which is delivered on and communicated by its management and it is among the finest of examples in the UK of how an organisation can be a good citizen. It has built amazing local,national and international support and respect. Its dedication to being authentic and transparent in its reputation paid for itself, just a couple of years ago, when Christie supporters successfully mobilised themselves to help reclaim precious funds that had been lost in the collapse of the Icelandic banks.
It seems to me that Ed Milliband could learn a lot from the example of the Christie as he takes over in his new post as leader of the Labour Party. Having been successful enough to extract himself from the recycling pile of leadership contenders, he must now consider how to mobilise the support he needs to take the party forward? To get the support that will deliver results. Will he be brave enough to build a reputation for the party by behaving and delivering in a manner that is distincive, authentic and transparent? I, like many, will be watching with interest to see how much importance Ed Milliband places on reputation to gain the support of those who can best help the party to move forward.
And the clothing bag? I took it to a friend who I knew would fill it and the bag was collected this morning.

Tuesday 8 June 2010

Count down to Co-operatives Fortnight 2010

Co-operation is in the air. Co-operatives Fortnight 2010 (19 June to 3 July)

Placed firmly into the spotlight by the country's new leadership, the principles of co-operation are receiving new attention throughout the UK from those who are seeking an alternative way to achieve results.

But co-operation is not new. Working together towards a shared goal are tried and tested principles which were developed in this country by the Rochdale pioneers some 166 years ago. Today, these same principles are responsible for a co-operative sector that supports over a quarter of the global economy and ones which, here in the UK, 1 in 5 of us select to be members of. Around 4800 business in this country are co-operative, they are owned by their members and not shareholders.

Co-operatives Fortnight 2010 is the first national campaign to celebrate the co-operative model and the values of co-operation. From 19 June until 3 July 2010, co-operative businesses across the country will be celebrating their co-operative status with the theme ' There Is An Alternative.'
It is indeed true that the co-operative model is a very real alternative. An alternative for business, an alternative for public services, an alternative for financial services, an alternative for the consumer. This established model has a very real role to play in modern society.
the R consultancy is proud to be working with Co-operatives UK to deliver Co-operatives Fortnight 2010 and wishes all those taking part every success with the campaign.

Saturday 27 February 2010

Reputation Management Conference In The North West

Our thanks must go to the leading lights in corporate reputation management who kindly gave their time to speak at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester at the CIPR NW Reputation Management Conference. Dr Kevin Money of Henley Business School, Gideon Benaim of Schillings, Russ Brady and Dave Smith from the Co-operative Group, Cheryl Sloane of the Fairtrade Foundation, Alex Aiken of Westminster City Council and of course Stephen Pain were just a few who gave their time to address public relations practioners from the leading organisations in the North West. The conference allowed precious time for all to reflect on the issues, theory and practices facing modern corporate organisations as they learn to enhance the asset that is their reputation. Being dedicated to corporate reputation management and to the North West, the r consultancy was proud to open the conference and to set the context for the day. There remains immense value in bringing events of such national quality to Manchester and to the vibrant North West. It certainly left us feeling inspired once again by those who share our passion and who hold such knowledge in this area. We remain humbled at their generosity and kindness in sharing their time in order to spread the word.

Monday 18 January 2010

Starting Your PR Career? Help is on hand

Here at the R consultancy, we know how hard it is being a PR graduate and not knowing where or how to enter the profession. Sometimes, as well as the formal channels of the CIPR, you really just want to talk to someone. What is the job really like? What is the best way to get into the profession?
That's why we're offering graduates the opportunity to call us and speak to us to get a taste of what it's really like. You see, we think it is a great profession so we like to do our bit to help people join it. Call Rachel on 0161 929 7850.

Sunday 10 January 2010

Corporate Reputation Management Conference

the R consultancy will be in fine company next month. We'll be speaking alongside some of the UK's leading practitioners and academics of corporate reputation management on February 18 in the first one day conference dedicated to the subject to be held in the North West. Taking place at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester and hosted by the CIPR North West, this really is a fantastic opportunity to hear from some of the best. When we're not in the audience listening, we'll be speaking about what reputation is, its value as an asset and the impact it has on the bottom line of an organisation. Oh and the changing role of the PR practitioner to 'reputation guardian.' We are passionate about that small point.

The line up is truly one not to be missed. Just take a look.

Kevin Money, Director, John Radjedski Centre For Reputation, Henley Business School
Russ Brady, Head of Group Public Relations, The Cooperative Group
Gideon Benaim, Schillings Lawyers
Cheryl Sloan, The Fairtrade Foundation
Karl Milner, Director of Communications, NHS Yorkshire and Humber
Graham Mallinson, d2 Digital 'Changing Behaviour In The Public Sector'
and of course our very own Rachel Griffiths

More details can be found here

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