The Lifestyle Agency celebrates 50 years of The Who

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The Lifestyle Agency has been appointed to handle the PR for Roger Daltrey’s limited edition Champagne, which is being launched to celebrate 50 years of rock band The Who.

It has been briefed to raise the profile of Daltrey’s new offer, targeting a cross-section of media, the lifestyle agencyincluding news features desks, music and arts correspondents, and food and drink press.

The Who has been touring in the US since April 2015 and is due to headline at the Isle of Wight on 11 June. The Champagne is available for preorder through Eminent Life, a company which celebrates excellence in music and the Arts by creating limited edition products, and bottles will be distributed following the final tour date in June.

The Lifestyle Agency founder Charlie Mason Pearson will lead the account and report to Jerome Jacober, founder and CEO of Eminent Life. Also working on the account is senior account manager Alicia Legg and account executive Camilla Pelly.

The Lifestyle Agency has also been taken on to represent new mattress company Simba Sleep, which claims to offer customers a “100 night sleep guarantee.”

Alicia Legg will led the account and will report to James Cox, CEO and co-founder of Simba Sleep.

Eurovision Song Contest UK judge CeCe Sammy hires Tin Man

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TV vocal coach and chair of the UK’s judging panel for The 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, CeCe Sammy, has taken on Tin Man to help raise her profile as “one of the world’s top singing and musical educationalists”.

A former backing singer for Diana Ross, CeCe has previously worked to develop artists such as the Spice Tin ManGirls, Charlotte Church, Russell Watson, S Club 7, Beverly Knight, Michael Ball, Will Young and Leona Lewis.

She is also known for her TV appearances and behind-the-scenes contributions as vocal coach, judge and talent scout on various music and entertainment shows such as Pop Idol, America’s Got Talent, American Idol, X Factor and The Voice UK.

Tin Man has been briefed to develop CeCe Sammy’s profile as a leading music expert within the industry, with a focus on key TV and high profile projects she is working on over the next few months.

Starting with her position as chair for the UK judging panel, her role will involve heading up the five person jury, which includes singer/songwriter Bea Munro, DJ and record label owner Seamus Haji, singer/producer Sean McGhee and music producer Kiran Thakrar.

Mandy Sharp, Tin Man founder,  said: “CeCe is one of the most established vocal coaches out there and is hugely respected in the music industry.  She is totally committed and passionate about the power of music in improving all areas of our lives – from education to self-confidence to enhancing our general well-being and health. For us this is the deeper story that CeCe will share through the media.”

Members-only airline brings in Rooster PR

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FlyClubAir, a “members-only” airline which will run flights from London to Manchester and Edinburgh, has hired Rooster PR.

Rooster’s brief will be to raise brand awareness through PR and social media in order to build a membership base in the lead-up to the services’ launch this September.

FlyClubAir’s benefits are time-saving and the ability to avoid the crowds and trying processes of larger airports. Flights are bookable right up to the scheduled departure time through an app, and the time it will take to be seated on the aircraft after arrival is expected to be as brief as ten minutes.

Using executive aircraft, flight times will be approximately 50 minutes to Manchester and 85 minutes to Edinburgh.

Mark Tomlinson, director of FlyClubAir, said: “We’re excited to bring this concept to the UK market, satisfying a clear demand for fast, efficient and flexible travel between the UK’s major cities. We look forward to working with Rooster on our PR initiatives helping us reach the markets that we know will be drawn to this service, specifically the executive travellers who regularly move between the UK’s major business hubs.”

James Brooke, MD of Rooster PR, commented: “We have a strong client base in the airline and aviation industries so the opportunity to work with FlyClubAir to introduce this concept to the UK is exciting. There is clearly a market for such a model and we look forward to working with FlyClubAir as it establishes and grows the business.”

Founding memberships of FlyClubAir will offer special rates of just £1,495 per month for up to two reservations at a time, with the option to increase to £1,895 per month for up to four reservations per booking. A once-only £595 upfront payment is required to cover security checks and setup.

Future of the Press: Robert Jobson, royal editor of the London Evening Standard

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In the third part of our series looking at the future of the press with board members of the London Press Club (LPC), Gorkana’s Ronan George talks to Robert Jobson, director of the LPC, joint chairman of London Press Club Ball 2016 and royal editor at the London Evening Standard, about organising the LPC ball, the importance of socialising in journalism and why the fundamental skills of a journalist will never change.

You have responsibility for the London Press Club’s prestigious annual ball – one of the organisation’s main events. Firstly, how are you coping with the pressure and where will this year’s event be held? Robert jobson

I am joint chairman of the London Press Club Ball along with my good friend and colleague Ray Massey. This will be our third year running the annual event, which is the social highlight of the press and media year.

What makes a great and memorable ball?

I think the people. A chance to meet up with new and old colleagues. There are no other awards that offers a chance for journalists, executives and PRs to let their hair down and have a great time. Our sponsors Jaguar Land Rover, Qatar Airways, EasyJet, Givergy, British Airways, The Money Shop to name but a few, and our media partners, make this event special.

Their support is invaluable as is the support of all those who donate prizes to the auction and the raffle. The entertainment is first class too and the champagne certainly flows.

Once again we are holding the event at the Victoria and Albert Museum on 13 October which is a truly special venue. Our event organisers, Relish, handle all sponsorship and ticket inquiries. Please speak to Jenna George on: 0845 450 4195, [email protected], Relish Events, 131-151 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 5BB.

What makes the press club’s ball so special and a highlight of the year?

Again I think it is the interaction of the people. This is not an awards event. We want it to be the best media networking event of the year – which it is – as well as a chance for the media and PRs to let their hair down and have a great time. Also, the important thing to remember about the London Press Club Ball is it raises money for the Journalists’ Charity – this past year we raised £30,000 on the night.

It is often said the traditional view of journalists and journalism doesn’t fit the reality of today. How important is it for journalists to socialise and attend these sorts of events?

I think it is crucial with so much emphasis on digital media that journalists get out and meet people. Those relationships forged over a glass of champagne when people are just being themselves are worth a thousand press releases.

You are also royal editor of the London Evening Standard and have been following the royal family for a number of years. What have has been your highlight – and lowlight – in your time in this role?

There have been many highlights for me in my 25 years as a royal correspondent. I have travelled the world on official tours – there are not many places I haven’t been. Climbing the Himalayas on a charity trek with Fergie was amazing, as was breaking the world exclusive that Prince Charles and Camilla were to wed. I’ve worked as an adviser and appeared in The Royals on E! TV show, as myself, for two series which has been fun. More recently, I broke the story that Harry was quitting the army which made headlines around the world.

The low point was obviously the death of Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales. Such a tragic waste of a truly inspirational person.

How has the relationship between the press and the royal family changed during your career and how do you foresee it developing in the future?

The media relationship with the royals has changed dramatically over the years. In the past it was the norm for the press to cover private holdings – skiing or beach breaks – as well as official visits. Privacy changes has meant that no longer happens. I think the death of Diana was a tragic and significant moment. The press had to change and did. Although in my opinion the phone hacking inquiry and other privacy beaches put the press on the back foot. I believe the relationship has improved in recent years.

Do you have anything special planned to mark HM The Queen’s 90th birthday?

I am writing a commemorative book for the Royal Commonwealth Society to mark the event and will be covering it for TV and the Standard.

Do you have much interaction with PRs in your role? Or is it just with the key royal press secretaries? How has the royal family’s approach to PR changed in the last few years?

Only in my role as joint chair of the London Press Club Ball. Mostly I deal with contacts I have known for years and the royal household.

What are the dos and don’ts for PRs wishing to get in touch with you?

There are no dos and don’ts. If anyone wants to reach me I am happy to help. My Twitter is @theroyaleditor . They can contact me directly.

There has been major upheaval in the journalism world over the last ten years. What skills should aspiring journalists be armed with to flourish in their careers? What skills does a great royal reporter, or editor, need in particular?

I don’t think the skills of a journalist have changed. The ability to nurture and protect contacts. The ability to spot and see through a story. They are at the core of what any journalist – royal correspondent of otherwise – need to succeed. It doesn’t matter now whether you break the story in the press, on TV or elsewhere. The key remains get it right and get it first.

Robert Jobson is royal editor at the London Evening Standard, joint chairman of London Press Club Ball 2016 and director of The London Press Club.

The Club provides opportunities for journalists and others interested in the media to meet and learn of new developments, debate the latest issues and explore our collective past as communicators. It runs a range of regular events from networking drinks, sponsored by Gorkana, to discussions on matters of importance not only to journalism, but to the furtherance and protection of free speech throughout the world.

Robert Jobson was talking to Gorkana’s Ronan George.

Luther Pendragon handles Directa Plus IPO

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Directa Plus, an Italian manufacturer of graphene-based products, is using Luther Pendragon to handle PR as it pursues an initial public offering on AIM.

Graphene is an ultra-thin, but strong material, derived from graphite and Directa Plus has developed a proprietary, scalable manufacturing process to produce engineered graphene materials, which have found end-use applications such as a ski suit (made by Colmar and worn by French skier Alexis Pinturault, pictured).

Luther Pendragon was appointed, after a competitive pitch, to a general financial PR brief including profile-building.

Director Harry Chathli leads the team with associate directors Claire Norbury and Alexis Gore.

Directa Plus is understood to be planning to raise approximately £14m with a listing before the end of the third quarter of this year.

It intends to use the proceeds to support the ongoing development of graphene applications with existing and potential customers, to increase its manufacturing capability and production volumes, to repay convertible loans and for general working capital purposes.

Giulio Cesareo, CEO of Directa Plus, said: “Graphene’s properties are increasingly being recognised and consequently, the number of potential market applications is growing. Having overcome an important barrier to commercialisation – the ability to produce consistent high quality graphene-based products on a large scale, cost effectively – our focus is on satisfying the growing demand from potential customers in our core sectors and to partner with them to create new products that are significantly enhanced.”

Ziran Land brings in Gough Bailey Wright

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Property developer Ziran Land has appointed Gough Bailey Wright to carry out public consultations for a range of schemes.

The appointment follows a redesign of Ziran’s corporate website, which GBW undertook, and adds another developer to its portfolio.

Gough Bailey Wright’s specialist property PR team, which works closely with the agency’s creative, digital and production departments, will assist Ziran Land with retail developments in Bridgnorth in Shropshire and Northfield in Birmingham. More developments are in the pipeline.

The Midlands agency will provide the development firm with strategy guidance, public exhibitions, community engagement and public affairs services, assuring a comprehensive consultation process which will result in planning permissions across the region and beyond.

John Liggins, MD of Ziran Land, said: “Gough Bailey Wright is highly regarded for its property related PR and communications services and we’re delighted to have them on board to help us consult with communities up and down the country. The specialist team brings a wealth of expertise and successful consultation experience, whilst the agency itself is full service, so we get everything we need from one dedicated team.”

Gough Bailey Wright’s team for Ziran Land includes (pictured, left to right) adminstrator Nienke Boekraad, creative designer Stuart Matthew, PR account director Tess Randles and senior account manager Richard Harris.

Chloe Staniforth becomes youngest-ever CIPR accredited member

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A 20 year-old public relations professional from South Yorkshire has become the youngest ever accredited member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), the UK’s professional body for PR practitioners.

Chloe Staniforth (pictured), from Rotherham, started work at Barnsley-based PR agency Cream when she was just 17. Since then, she has been promoted twice and currently holds the position of account executive.

Earlier this year, she was named as a finalist in the prestigious Suzy Ferguson Spirit Award 2016; a national awards programme set up in memory of one of PR’s brightest stars. The award acknowledges individuals of exceptional character, integrity and determination.

To gain CIPR accreditation, an individual must be a member of the CIPR and complete two consecutive cycles of Continuous Professional Development, proving their commitment to professional development and continuous learning.

Staniforth said: “Becoming an accredited member of the CIPR has given me confidence in my skills and knowledge. I started my career straight from college so didn’t have the degree to fall back on to prove my capabilities. Following the CIPR’s CPD programme allows me to develop my credentials in a practical way that I can apply to my work. It’s also a great quality standard to reassure clients of my commitment to professionalism.”

Koray Camgoz, CIPR public relations manager, explained: “Chloe’s recent accreditation is an outstanding achievement and serves as an excellent reminder of the role CPD can play at every stage of a practitioner’s career. To achieve Accredited Practitioner status at such a young age is a tremendous accomplishment.”

Jane Whitham, director at Cream, added: “Chloe is a fantastic role model for any young person wanting to get into PR. Her enthusiasm and drive, combined with her aptitude for PR, mark her out as someone with huge potential within the profession. The fact that she joined us straight from college should challenge the often widespread view that a degree is necessary for a successful career in PR.”

 

TCS retained to promote Regent Street

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The Communications Store has been appointed by The Crown Estate as the retained comms agency for London’s Regent Street.

Regent Street

 

Since 2002, The Crown Estate’s £1 billion investment programme in Regent Street has involved the redevelopment of historic blocks to create retail and office space behind the street’s facades.

“The world’s first shopping street” is known for its flagship retail offer, including major stores for Burberry, Apple, Watches of Switzerland, J Crew, Kate Spade and Hugo Boss.

TCS has been briefed to create an integrated comms campaign, which will include targeting digital, lifestyle, property, fashion and beauty specialists.

Activity will include strategic brand direction and planning, media relations, ambassador alignments, events, retailer coordination, digital consultancy and social channel management.

Fiona Hemming, lifestyle divisional director at The Communcations Store, will lead the account.

David Shaw, head of Regent Street Portfolio, said: “The Communications Store has established a market leading reputation for its experience and expertise across the retail and lifestyle sectors and will make a valuable contribution to ensuring that Regent Street remains ahead of the curve and continues to lead the way as a world class shopping and lifestyle destination.”

Julietta Dexter, founder and CEO of The Communications Store, added: “The Crown Estate has given us the most wonderful opportunity to work together to ensure that Regent Street develops even further into the unmissable shopping and entertainment experience that it should be. Our teams at TCS span a breadth of brands, skills and retailers and are, I believe, well placed to deliver innovation and impact to this campaign.”

Rule 5 wins Cycle Show brief

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Rule 5 has won a competitive pitch to promote the Cycle Show, the UK’s “premier event for the cycling industry”, which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from 22 to 25 September.

Rule 5

The Cycle Show showcases the latest bikes and accessories from leading bike brands, alongside a dedicated area for cycling holidays and a large retail village.

It also features two “action arenas”, more than four km of outdoor test tracks, children’s features and a line-up of professional and Olympic riders.

Rule 5 has been briefed to provide an integrated comms campaign to target core cycling, national and regional media. The agency will also manage all in-event media activity.

Chris Holman, event director of the Cycle Show, said: “Last year saw a record year for the Cycle Show with 283 companies taking part and over 28,000 visitors in attendance.

“This year, as we celebrate our 15th edition, we’re looking forward to unveiling a number of new features and have enlisted the support of Rule 5 to help us raise maximum awareness of these and the 2016 event programme.  The team are well respected in the cycling and events industries and we’re very happy to appoint them as event partners.”

Julie Wilson, Rule 5 founding director,  added: “The Cycle Show is aimed at anyone who enjoys cycling and represents all genres from high-end Italian road bikes to the very latest in eBike technology. It’s the perfect brief for the agency and plays to our strengths in cycling, product and event PR.”

Tourism Fiji hires Stature PR and 4mediarelations

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4media Group agencies Stature PR and 4mediarelations have been selected by Tourism Fiji to handle its UK press office and promote the launch of a new exhibition showcasing Fijian art and culture.

Fiji11

Stature PR will be Tourism Fiji’s retained agency, with a brief to engage with journalists and bloggers, and encourage visitors to the islands.

In October, Stature PR and 4mediarelations will launch the “most comprehensive exhibition” about Fiji and Fijian art.

The Fiji: Art and Life in the Pacific exhibition will run from 15 October to 12 February at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts in Norwich.

Kat Adams, Stature PR account director, will lead the account. It will be managed by account manager Lucy Toms.  The agency’s client services director, Daniel Tredler, will manage all broadcast and video content organised by 4mediarelations.

Jane West, regional director, UK and Europe, at Tourism Fiji, said: “Having worked with Stature PR and 4mediarelations in the past on campaigns around the Rugby World Cup and previous events promoting the islands, we know the impact their work can have.

“Fiji has a very busy year ahead – with their teams taking part in the Rugby Sevens and the Olympics – and the fantastic exhibition launching in Norwich so Stature PR and 4mediarelations’ involvement will be key to building on this momentum and raising awareness of Fiji as a wonderful holiday destination.”

Duncan Purves, MD at Stature PR, added: “We are thrilled to be selected as Tourism Fiji’s retained PR agency for 2016. Fiji is a quintessential tropical paradise, synonymous with the happiest people on earth who are famous for giving the warmest welcome.  We look forward to continue the good work we’ve so far done in promoting the islands to a new audience of intrepid travellers looking for the perfect holiday destination.”