Brainstorming is so useful. You can use it to develop highly creative solutions to most problems. It is particularly helpful if you need to break out of stale, same old same old thinking. It can help you develop new ways of looking at things, not to mention that killer idea to get you noticed.

Case studies are a great way to add credibility to your claims. They’re referrals: word of mouth promotion from satisfied clients. Wherever possible I produce and distribute testimonial-led stories to highlight customer service and benefits, diversity, financial impact and the regional nature of a client’s business.

Media relations is at the heart of most of my work. I cover trade, business, national and regional print and broadcast media. If you have something to say, have a strong opinion, a solid business proposition or lots of passion then you have the basic ingredients to create interesting media coverage.

It is not just about churning out press releases. Using the full range of media relations tools - case studies, editorials, features, opinion and viewpoint pieces and press briefings - I make sure your story hits the media at the right time for maximum exposure by keeping my eye on upcoming features.

Your good image is one of your most valuable assets so it needs protecting and enhancing. I can help you take care of your reputation. At some stage, most businesses will face, or at least plan for, difficult issues. This could mean managing change, serious incidents or communicating proposals. Whatever the reason it’s never too early to plan for worst case scenarios. And it’s never too late to implement measures to counter a potentially damaging situation.

My team of specialists has been at the sharp end of reputation management. Between us we’ve dealt with a range of difficult situations from rail incidents to communicable disease incidents, from pressure group campaigns to product and service issues.

Our combined experience of crisis planning and management means we can identify potential problems. We can put plans in place to handle the situation and support you in a calm and comprehensive manor.

Journalists want to talk to company spokespeople. They give credibility and interest to their stories. Don’t worry if you’ve never spoken to the press before. I’ll make sure you have something to say and can communicate it well in an interview. I’ll also help you get known by journalists as good source of information.

I’ll give you coaching on how to develop a relationship with the press. I’ll help you become a source of quotes, which will raise your and your company’s profile.

Once you know how the media works, understand how to handle journalists and construct effective messages, you will get the most out of each opportunity, confidently, clearly and concisely.

I have access to experts who deliver training in all aspects of media interviewing: trade, local or national print journalism, local or national radio and television: live or recorded. They’ll introduce you to the different types of interviewer and the ploys they might use to get their story. They’ll show you how to avoid getting caught out. You’ll learn how to calmly and professionally face the press in any situation.

I’ve organised hotel launches, street events and political dinners. I have also arranged celebratory receptions, race days and demonstrations for a variety of clients to help them promote a new product, initiative, the organisation or simply to make a point.

Having organised every type of event from fun product launches to more serious press conferences and major announcements, I can help you devise corporate hospitality programmes to build closer relationships with key customers and prospects.

Whatever your event I’ll make sure you get maximum return on investment by creating an event that builds your brand, attracts interest and gives your clients a truly memorable experience.

Sponsorship is a good way of reaching an audience in an increasingly crowded market. It adds a feel good factor about your brand and creates a positive association. However, it’s not just a case of handing over your money and hanging a few nice banners. You need to make sure you get the most out of your investment but first you need to choose the right opportunity. I can evaluate opportunities for you to make sure there’s a good fit. Then I’ll help you maximise your involvement through effective branding, positive press coverage, marketing communications and corporate hospitality programmes.

Government decisions, at local as well as national level, can have a major impact on business operations. So too can campaigns by pressure groups. They can inhibit business operations and profitability, and open up competition or access to funding.

There may be times when you need to influence decision makers. When you do, I can help you devise your public affairs strategy. Instead of waiting for things to happen, I can help you adopt a proactive approach: one that seeks to influence decision makers at policy development stages. I can:

• Advise on the process of government reviews and political issues
• Monitor relevant parliamentary questions and answers
• Produce profiles on key politicians, advisors and civil servants
• Develop opportunities to input on policy development
• Arrange meetings with influencers on decisions

Consistency of message is essential for strong brands and coherent campaigns. I can bring all your marketing tools together to make sure your sales literature, newsletters, websites and customer communications are consistent, co-ordinated and on message.