Ongoing communications advice and implementation.
Our success in maximising the impact of three major transactions for private equity firm Graphite Capital – the sales of Maplin Electronics and Paperchase, and the refinancing of Wagamama – led to our retention for the development of a long-term communications plan.
We helped establish and implement a strategy that included formulating corporate messages, training spokespeople to become industry commentators, running PR workshops for executives, setting up a media contact programme and acting as Graphite’s outsourced PR department and press office.
We also provide tactical PR advice for Graphite portfolio companies when required. We have put in place a social media “listening” strategy for these companies, as well as for Graphite and its listed investment vehicle, Graphite Enterprise Trust.
Graphite has achieved excellent coverage, strengthened relationships with journalists, won several awards for which we prepared the entries and twice been voted “Private Equity Firm of the Year” by readers of one of its target publications.
Ongoing communications advice and implementation.
We succeeded in raising the wealth management company’s profile, consistently achieving high quality coverage that reflected its key messages.
In the absence of significant “hard” news, we worked creatively, proactively and persistently to develop stories for the media, partly by capitalising on trends and developments within the private banking industry. However we also worked “outside the box” to make wealth management relevant to a wider audience, creating themes such as “How to invest like a millionaire”.
We trained the spokespeople and established a strong and complementary working relationship with the in-house communications team.
In the face of initial scepticism on the client’s part, we achieved coverage in all relevant media sectors, including broadsheet personal finance pages, personal finance magazines, offshore press, intermediary press, professional press, and broadcast and online media. We built a loyal contingent of well-informed media contacts positively disposed towards SG Hambros. Datamonitor’s annual tracking survey showed increasing awareness of the firm’s key messages among its target audiences.
Ongoing campaign to support business objectives and reinforce brand.
Private equity firm, Bowmark, wanted to raise its profile because its transactions are often below the radar of its target national and specialist media. We devised, wrote, produced and promoted the Bowmark Entrepreneurs’ Index, with the aim of interesting all its target audiences and positioning the company as an informed expert in its crowded market.
The launch was accompanied by articles in the national, regional and sector media read by Bowmark’s target audiences, with Sky and Daily Telegraph journalist Jeff Randall addressing the inauguration dinner.
Three editions later, the Entrepreneurs’ Index provides quality trend data about Bowmark’s target market and has become a valued communication tool and source of stories that journalists and commentators look out for. Coverage has increased with each edition and, for the latest issue, the 100 or so cuttings included a prominent in-depth feature in the Financial Times with an “advertising value equivalent” well into six figures.
The Index represents a great example of a “campaign with legs”.
“Thank you again for all your work on this one. The whole project has been a real success, in large part due to you.” managing partner, Bowmark Capital
Find out how we have helped other private equity firms.
Wide-ranging communications advice.
We were initially asked to handle communications surrounding the early retirement of the construction law firm’s respected senior partner. Having devised and co-ordinated a programme to reassure clients, staff and the media during the transition period, we then recommended and worked with the client on a complete overhaul of the firm’s image. This included a new corporate identity, brochure and website.
The distinctive look was created to complement the client’s commitment to excellence in architectural design.
Our role included helping develop a range of print and electronic materials – annual review, newsletters, sector leaflets, invitations, advertisements, flyers, Christmas cards and signage. Templates and guidelines were provided to facilitate in-house updating. Our comprehensive understanding of the client’s complex business enabled us to write material which was easy for them to approve, allowing better use of partners’ time and ensuring that projects that might otherwise have been neglected were given maximum attention.
We also advised on marketing, new business proposals and public relations, wrote directory entries and promoted awards. Our aim was to keep the bigger picture in mind so ensure that every communication reinforced the firm’s brand.
The website was rated very highly by respected industry research in a very crowded market.
