Wyatt International Blog

Read all about it: 'Giant newspapers 'land' at regional landmarks for MNA Weekend newspaper campaign'

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Giant newspapers have been “landing” around the West Midlands and Shropshire as part of the promotional campaign we’ve put together for the new Weekend editions of the Express & Star and Shropshire Star.

Billboard posters have gone up in the Black Country and Staffordshire showing enormous new-look Weekend editions of the Express & Star – Britain’s biggest selling regional newspaper – hitting the ground in Queen Square, Wolverhampton, and Coronation Gardens, Dudley.

Similar outdoor advertisements, featuring the Wrekin, near Telford, and the Old Market Hall, in Shrewsbury, have been placed around Shropshire to promote the Shropshire Star, Britain’s fifth biggest local title.

The campaign promotes the new 80-page editions, which will go on sale for the first time this Saturday (April 20th).

It was launched by the brand and communications team at publisher Midland News Association, based on creative delivered by our creative team.

MNA brand and communications manager Chris Leggett said: “The MNA is proud of its heritage within the region and wanted a campaign which reflected its position at the heart of local communities.

“Wyatt’s creative emphasised the increased size of the new editions, which will be double the current number of pages. The campaign imaginatively reinforced the strong local links we have built over more than 130 years.”

Laura King, account manager here at Wyatt, said the concept was to position the publications as the definitive guides to the weekend for the local community.

Laura said: "We were excited to work with MNA Media on this project, and could see the creative potential from the very start.

“Given the importance and heritage of these publications within their local communities, we really wanted to show what a positive impact these more extensive editions will have on MNA readers."

The advertising campaign includes a mix of 48 sheet and six sheet boards, along with a giant electronic sign next to the M6 in Walsall. The MNA brand and communications team delivered print and digital advertising across the MNA portfolio, a direct marketing campaign targeting newspaper subscribers, sales promotion activity and point of purchase material, all carrying the giant newspaper artwork and messaging.

The campaign was developed after Press Ahead conducted market research on behalf of the MNA to shape development of the Weekend editions. Focus group sessions for the Shropshire Star and Express & Star showed strong support for the new-look editions among readers and people who considered buying a Saturday paper.

Managing director Russell Borthwick said: “We have rarely seen such overwhelming support for a new product as we saw with the MNA focus groups. We were delighted to be able to report back such positive findings, which bode well for the launch into the marketplace.” The billboard campaign was co-ordinated by Midlands media agency Russell Pike Media.

Instant account win!

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

We're delighted to announce that we recently landed the marketing account for CET SAFEHOUSE, after being hired on the spot in the pitch meeting.

Seeing off strong competition from several rival agencies, we were chosen to deliver a complete brand overhaul for the national company, which offers UKAS accredited materials testing, geoenvironmental investigations, home emergency services, drainage investigation and repair and site investigations to the insurance, construction and infrastructure sectors.

We'll be leading a full review of the CET SAFEHOUSE brand, and to conceive and implement a fresh new approach to the company’s branding. This campaign really plays to our strengths of delivering exciting and original ideas for our clients, and creating seamless concepts that support strong brand values.

CET SAFEHOUSE managing director, Bob Blunden, said: “Wyatt has the expertise and experience we were looking for to help us rebrand and grow our business; we were blown away with the way that they really got under the skin of what we did as a company, and put our people at the centre of their proposals. Wyatt will become our communications partner focused on helping us achieve our business objectives over the coming years to increase our brand awareness and expand our operations, particularly in the insurance sector.”

Wyatt continue to build upon UoB Business School partnership

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This month saw Kathryn Wright, one of our latest recruits (and previous winner of the Wyatt award for graduating top of her class from her MSc Marketing Communications course) return to the University of Birmingham as part of a panel of marketing professionals at a careers event attended by approximately 50 UoB students of varying disciplines. At the invitation of The Careers in Business at the Birmingham Business School, Kathryn delivered a short presentation that took in her own career journey and gave an honest appraisal of the ups and downs of agency life.

Alongside representatives from marketing teams at Unilever and the NHS, Kathryn also took part in a panel discussion, giving an agency perspective on topics ranging from social media and client/agency relationships to the role of marketing in the face of a range of business challenges.

Kathryn comments,

“I continue to be grateful for the support and guidance I received whilst studying both my BSc and MSc at the University of Birmingham. I remember how helpful it was to have access to people working within the industry during my studies. It was certainly a different (although no less enjoyable) experience, being on the other side of the grilling that took place as part of the Q&A at the end of the event!

It was great to be back. I know Wyatt will be partnering up with UoB Business School on a couple of exciting projects later this year – I’m looking forward to these already.”

Shhh! We're reading

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

While thousands of children up and down the country have gone to school dressed as their chosen characters, we at Wyatt have been thinking of our own favourite reads to mark World Book Day.

The annual event is aimed at encouraging kids to read more, but we think it’s equally important for grown-ups to stay in touch with literature – for a bit of escapism; a way to fire up the imagination; or to discover culture and history.

Our favourite books range from the nostalgic…

The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Kathryn Wright)

Spot the Dog (Amy Snelling)

Guess How Much I Love You (Rachel Lines)

Mary Poppins (Lynne Strawford)

…to the classics:

The Great Gatsby (James Montgomery)

Pride and Prejudice (Nicola Pledger)

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (Shane Austin)

…to the ultra-modern:

Neuromancer (Mark Fones)

…to cult classics:

The Virgin Suicides (Nuala Dudley)

Fifty Shades of Grey (Karen Bernie)

…and everything in between:

Perfume (George Mulpeter)

Ugly (Lavinia Batchelor)

The Other Boleyn Girl (Louise Stanley)

Memoirs of a Geisha (Vicky Creighton)

What’s your favourite book?

Senior PR Account Manager Nicola Pledger celebrates 10 years at Wyatt

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

We are delighted to share with you the news that this week marks Senior PR Account Manager Nicola Pledger’s 10th year at Wyatt.

Since joining Wyatt as a Junior PR Account Executive in 2002, Nicola has applied her strengths as a creative thinker and a talented wordsmith to the development and delivery of PR campaigns for a vast array of products, ranging from nail polish and pens to toilets and radiators. Over the years Nicola has worked on numerous award-winning campaigns, including the memorable launch of the famous Thompson Directories cat.

During her time at Wyatt Nicola has observed considerable change both within the agency and also the PR industry at large. In recent years, in response to an evolving marketplace and the growth of online media, Wyatt has strengthened its social, integrated and digital offerings.

There have also been significant changes in Nicola’s personal life over the last decade. She comments:

“Since joining the ‘Wyatt family’ I’ve got married and now have a family of my own. I’ve had two children in a relatively short space of time, during which the company has been extremely supportive enabling me to grow and progress in my role while achieving a true ‘work – life balance’."

During Nicola’s time at Wyatt, the company have made a significant investment in employee development, recently launching a ‘True To You’ personal development programme.

“We’re given the space and help we need to flourish and we’re encouraged to undertake training to improve our skills and personal development. I’ve attended training courses including pitching and presentations, crisis management and social media. Our in-house training programmes are also excellent and junior staff are actively mentored by the senior members of the team.”

Karen Bernie, MD of Wyatt International comments:

“In an industry known for high staff turnover, our record in employee retention is a real testament to the working environment and culture we cultivate at Wyatt. I’d like to thank Nicola for all her hard work and commitment over the last decade. I hope that she will choose to continue to share her talent and expertise with the Wyatt team for many more years to come.”

Win-win partnership for UoB and Wyatt

Fri, 19 May 3200 13:55:44 +0000

Wyatt has recruited the two most recent winners of a prestigious marketing award it sponsors in the Business School at the University of Birmingham, marking a new development in its long-standing partnership with the academic institution.

This year’s winner of the Wyatt International award is Kathryn Wright, who joins the company as an account executive in its marketing department, while Laura King, who won the 2011 award, was hired as an account manager in July this year. As well as supporting the retention of the very best marketing talent in the West Midlands region, the move further strengthens the ongoing partnership between Wyatt International and the University of Birmingham to share expertise and best practice in marketing delivery.

The leading agency has sponsored the Wyatt International award in the Business School at the University of Birmingham for the past five years, which seeks to recognise outstanding achievements in the MSc Marketing Communications programme. The university also has access to Wyatt’s live project experience, industry support and local expertise, providing valuable input into how the MSc programme develops. Through this partnership, Wyatt is also able to identify, recruit and develop the region’s best talent.

Mark Fones, client strategy and creative director, explained: “The calibre of graduates from the University of Birmingham is very encouraging, particularly to an agency like ourselves which is always on the look-out for new talent. Furthermore, we want Birmingham to retain the exceptionally bright and gifted individuals who are graduating from one of the UK’s leading universities, enhancing the city’s reputation as a centre for excellence. For this reason, we are delighted to welcome Kathryn and Laura to the agency, and I have no doubt they are set for very promising careers with us.”

Both Kathryn and Laura graduated top in their respective years, achieving the highest overall marks from the University of Birmingham on their course. Kathryn commented: “It is a great honour to receive the Wyatt International award. I worked hard throughout my studies, and it just goes to show that effort and determination really does pay off. Having my work recognised by a leading marketing and communications agency such as Wyatt International is a huge thrill, and since beginning at the agency I’ve had the opportunity to help implement marketing activity for clients as diverse as Norgren, AKW, MNA Media and 3M.”

Laura added: “Wyatt International is an agency that is keen to promote the best local talent, so it is great to know the company recognises the achievements of students taking the MSc Marketing Communications course at Birmingham Business School. During my time at the agency so far, I have learned not only does Wyatt International reward excellence but generates it through its work culture too, embracing creativity and originality across all marketing strategies and campaigns.”

Dr Sheena Leek, Programme Director for the MSc Marketing Suite, added: “We are grateful to Wyatt International for sponsoring the prize for the past five years, recognising outstanding results and exceptional potential in students undertaking the MSc Marketing Communications programme. Kathryn and Laura have a real passion and enthusiasm for marketing, which will doubtless serve them well in years to come. We wish them both all the very best in their future at Wyatt International.”

New client services director to lead continued international growth

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Gareth Williams, a highly experienced client relationship manager, has been appointed to the new role of client services director at Wyatt.

During his 13 years in the communications and marketing industry, Gareth has worked with clients across a wide range of sectors including finance, engineering, biotech, telecoms, sports marketing and government. His experience spans branding, advertising and internal communications across both traditional and digital media. Having delivered projects in Europe, Asia and North America, and after spending the last four years managing the client service function of a creative, branding and digital agency in Dubai, Gareth adds additional international experience to the Wyatt leadership team.

Karen Bernie, managing director, commented: “Gareth’s experience working on global accounts and managing a diverse range of clients and colleagues will be invaluable as we continue to expand our international offering. His role will cover both new business and the development of existing accounts, promoting integration between all our client service teams.”

Gareth added: “My main focus will be to develop client relationships by providing strategic direction to the Wyatt team to ensure that we deliver the highest quality service. Working with a varied portfolio of clients and projects has always been a major motivator for me. Wyatt's great client list and expertise in multiple disciplines was a natural attraction.”

Outside of office hours, Gareth enjoys spending time with his family, is a keen cyclist and musician and has a passion for renovating property.

Inspired by futuristic science fiction classic Tron, Legrand utilise CGI technology to launch the next generation in power supply

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Earlier this month we were privileged to be invited by our client Legrand, a specialist in wiring devices, cable management and power distribution, to co-ordinate an exclusive product launch event at the RSA Vaults in London for over 100 of their key customers.

The revolutionary product in the spotlight was IntersocR, the next generation in power supply. IntersocR products will become available in January 2013. Whilst Legrand took the opportunity to celebrate this being the 30th year of the Electak range’s history, emphasis was placed firmly on the future. Taking inspiration from the futuristic science fiction movie Tron, the venue was bathed in UV light with waiting staff arriving attired in glowing streamlined catsuits and heel-less shoes. This set the scene for the event’s climax: the unveiling of the animated CGI Electrak film, created to showcase Legrand’s latest product by shining a light on the unseen world of power distribution.

The evening saw a presentation made by Legrand CEO Tony Greig followed by an entertaining film that took the audience through the 30 years of Electrak’s history, drawing reference to key moments within popular culture along the way.

Our Client Strategy and Creative Director Mark Fones explains why the RSA Vaults was chosen as the event location:

“The RSA Vaults is a stunning venue that has recently benefitted from a £3m refurbishment. Not only did the underground and out of sight nature of the vaults align well with the theme of the unseen world, the venue’s location also had significance: the RSA Vaults is situated just across the road from London’s Adelphi Building, the site of Legrand’s first large-scale electrical project.”

Both films and the presentation were very well received. As were the Berry Blasts and Tequila Con Verdita cocktails served, uplit, from trays of dry ice afterwards! There was a great buzz as attendees networked and glasses were raised to the continued strength of the Electrak range. The party continued into the small hours at a post-launch event at Players Bar.

Wyatt International wins Outstanding Public Relations Consultancy at PRide

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The office is abuzz with excitement after the PR team scooped the top title at this year’s Midland Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide Awards, taking home the Outstanding Public Relations Consultancy of the Year accolade.

As Birmingham’s longest established independent agency, we held off strong competition from four other regional agencies to claim gold, after the judges credited our Outstanding Public Relations Consultancy entry as the standout:

“This consultancy demonstrated it had a clear strategy to develop the business, which was well executed. The plan achieved solid growth and a host of new business wins. As a result, the company has expanded its team, enabling it to offer new services which have encouraged clients to increase their spend.”

The CIPR PRide Awards is the only UK wide awards scheme that recognises excellence in public relations and communications work, and it goes without saying that everyone in the team is more than thrilled with this achievement. It’s testament to blood, sweat and ideas that is poured into consistently delivering truly original work.

Here’s to the Outstanding Public Relations Consultancy in the Midlands!

Karen Bernie, Managing Director, Wyatt International

Real Awards recognise MNA achievements

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

In spring this year we were appointed by MNA (Midlands News Association), publisher of the Express & Star and other regional newspapers, to develop their brand and comms strategy.

It's been a rewarding partnership so naturally we jumped at the chance to sponsor a category at the first Real Awards, an internal scheme aimed at recognised the excellent staff within the organisation.

MD Karen Bernie and Mark Fones, our Client Strategy and Creative Director attended the glamorous event at Telford International Centre with Mark making the presentation to Todd Nash, digital person of the year.

Here are some images taken on the night - congratulations to Todd and the other award winners!

Top: Our name in lights as we're announced as category sponsor

Bottom: Our own Mark Fones presents the digital person of the year award to Todd Nash.