Can a smart TV take the place of a football stadium experience?
In the run-up to the delayed EURO 2020 football tournament, Toshiba wanted to promote the brand’s range of smart TVs to football fans with families.
We discovered family football fans over-index on watching sports together with friends and family in the pub or at live events (like fan parks) – it was one of their key passion points.
In 2021, with lockdown and restrictions in place, this wouldn’t be possible…
Approach:
We launched a nationwide competition across Toshiba’s social channels asking football fans to nominate their friends and family to find the country’s biggest supporters.
The prize? – the ultimate back garden fan park, complete with a purpose-built bar, food truck for on-demand pizza, stadium seating to replicate the match-day experience, inflatable football games for the family, confetti cannons to boost the celebrations, and, of course, a big screen Toshiba smart 4K HDR TV.
Successful hybrid working requires a lot of tech – how can we make Canon the go-to for all of it?
Our brief was to encourage potential customers to see value in Canon’s hybrid working ‘ecosystem’, rather than opting for individual product purchases.
Approach:
On the face of it, a campaign focusing on IT processes and procurement strategies can be pretty dull… Not the way we do things.
We created a story-led, creative-first campaign highlighting the struggles modern distributed teams face, and how Canon’s technologies solve them. All the content was delivered in just nine weeks.
This full-funnel campaign was activated across 14 EMEA regions and included:
a unique, hand-drawn Canon comic book strip
three SEO and keyword-optimised Q&A articles featuring Canon experts
a top-of-funnel infographic
a fully managed, multi-region paid and organic social campaign
internal and external-facing product presentations
The official theme for 2023 is “Strength in Solidarity” – inviting us all to celebrate not only the power and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community, but also the incredible positive change that can be made by uniting together.
In a world where platforms of hatred and violence are upheld and often even celebrated, Pride seeks to illuminate the good that can, and has been, accomplished by those uplifting and supporting one another.
With this in mind, our DEI committee asked our colleagues to name and celebrate the voices of LGBTQIA+ people who have inspired them, highlighting the ‘queeroes’ who have impacted our lives…
My ‘queero’ is probably novelist Sarah Waters, whose works often feature lesbian protagonists/storylines (Tipping the Velvet, Fingersmith, etc.). She’s an amazing writer who brings queer love stories to the masses.
Marsha P. Johnson was one of the most influential figures in the Stonewall uprising[HM1] that transformed the queer liberation movement in the twentieth century. That ‘riot’ is also sometimes cited as ‘the first pride’, since the marches take place every year in June to mark the anniversary. In short, without Marsha, there would be no pride! She is definitely a queero.
Poet & activist Audre Lorde (1934-1992) dedicated her life to challenging racism, sexism, and homophobia – describing herself as a “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet.” I remember reading “Sister Outsider” when I was in university, and it had a dramatic impact on me – particularly her radical self-acceptance (which felt totally alien), and her commitment to intersectional activism. Throughout her life, she inspired generations to fight against all forms of oppression, reminding us that, “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.” She is one of the 50 pioneers inducted on the National LGBTQ+ Wall of Honour within the Stonewall National Monument.
Samo is an artist from Southsea. I met Samo years ago when he ran PlayDead studio, a gallery space used to raise the profile of local and emerging artists. Playdead sadly closed during the pandemic, so Samo now uses art and activism to educate and celebrate trans lives. He also uses his Instagram to tell his personal, frank and moving experience of gender transition.
Tom Daley has been a leading light for the LGBTQ+ community in the sports sector. Recently, Tom released a documentary called ‘Illegal To Be Me’, in which Tom took a journey to some of the Commonwealth’s most homophobic countries to ask what the sporting world can do to help. The film culminates with Tom taking a very public stand at this year’s opening ceremony, in a powerful statement against homophobia. Tom has provided a manifesto to the Commonwealth Games Federation, written with contributions from LGBT+ people across the Commonwealth, to create meaningful, long-lasting change that ensures major sporting competitions are open to, and safe for, everyone.
Magnus Hirschfield was a German sexologist and an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights during the Nazi era. He is best known for his subsequent theory of sexual intermediaries, which held that there were many types of naturally occurring sexual variations found across the human population, such as hermaphroditism, homosexuality, and transvestism. In 1897 Hirschfeld established the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee with Max Spohr, Franz Josef von Bülow, and Eduard Oberg; it was the world’s first gay rights organisation. Its main goal was to fight for the abolishment of Paragraph 175 of the German Imperial Penal Code, which punished sexual contact between men. In 1919 Hirschfeld opened the first sexology institute in the world, the Institute for Sexual Science, in Berlin; the institute and the considerable holdings of its library and archives were destroyed by Nazi demonstrators in 1933. In 1934 he fled to Switzerland with the remains of his archive and the queer family he formed at his Institute.
Today, the LGBTQ+ victims of the Nazi regime are remembered by the Pink Triangle symbol. The pink triangle was originally sewn onto the shirts of LGBTQ+ people to identify and further dehumanise them. However, in the 1970s, activists reclaimed the symbol as one of liberation.
Jessica is a YouTuber and online influencer who (in her own words): adds “vintage lesbian fabulousness to a life with disabilities and chronic illnesses.” Her content is educational and uplifting, with some regular series (like ‘Queer History 101’) delving deeper into certain terms, historical moments, and notable figures.
Ocean is a poet & novelist who won the T. S. Eliot prize in 2017. He writes about his experience of life as a gay refugee in America – but also about relationships, and what it’s like to lose your mother, or survive a war. Reading his work is like listening to a friend who really gets you – I recommend everyone going through a tough time reads ‘Someday I’ll Love Ocean Vuong’!
Meet Ibby the latest to scoop the prestigious Winning Minds Award (alongside Katy) Ibby only joined us in August last year but has made a huge impression so far and we can’t wait to see what else she brings.
Why did you pick a career in PR and Communications?
I had previous ambitions to be a journalist and stumbled into PR while on the hunt for journalist jobs. For me, PR allows me to work on my passions outside of writing, including event planning and in-depth research which I love. I also enjoy how social of a job it is.
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Learn from your mistakes and move right along.
Tell us a bit more about your interests – how would you spend an ideal Saturday afternoon?
My ideal Saturday afternoon involves rolling out of bed at noon, probably after a healthy five hours sleep from the night before, meeting up with friends for a lazy brunch and a wander round some museums or an art gallery with a massive black coffee. Maybe a hot yoga class if I’m feeling particularly energetic.
And what are your hobbies?
I enjoy standard grandma activities like crochet, painting ceramics and looking after my plants! But I also play a lot of video games and love going to festivals and raves on the weekends as I adore live-music. Working on Canon has made me very keen to try photography – watch this space!
What’s one thing that people should know about you?
I regularly consider breaking my decade of vegetarianism for tuna.
What’s one thing that would surprise people about you?
I survived abseiling down the ArcelorMittal Orbit at Stratford to raise money for the National Autistic Society – I’m terrified of heights and screamed pretty much the entire way (I owe an apology to everyone within a mile radius).
What makes you a Winning Mind?
Honestly, I was super surprised to win! But I persevere and try to be adaptable to rolling with the punches on everything from byline tweaks to client changes.
Any advice for future Winning Minds contenders?
Your unique perspectives are wonderful and sharing them with your teams during brainstorms is even more wonderful. Don’t be afraid to speak up, own actions and manage up.
Last month Katy scooped our monthly Winning Mind Award.
The Winning Mind Award celebrates when people are living and breathing our agency’s values; Ambitious, Open, Proud, Honest and Creative.
So we talk to our resident Texan on her career path, her perfect day and why she gifted someone a frog!
Why did you pick a career in communications / content?
I stumbled into tech start-ups and started my content marketing path from there. I see content marketing as storytelling with a purpose; finding out what makes people tick and acting accordingly.
At the cornerstone is solid communication. One of my first jobs ever was to socialise young racehorses and, as it were, communication is key to that, too. Communicating with horses teaches you a thing or two about communicating with people: be perceptive, be intentional and be consistent. I love the blend of creativity, organisation and analysis that comes along with that, in a job that is never the same and always challenges you.
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?
My mom used to encourage me to “push past the awkward” when I dug my feet in about doing something that I found difficult or embarrassing. Although frustrating at the time, it’s something I still heavily lean on as I continue to embrace that on the other side of daunting, scary, uncomfortable experiences is progress.
How would you spend an ideal Saturday?
My ideal Saturday would kick off with a morning stroll through the farmer’s market (with a large Americano in-hand) followed by brunch with friends; somewhere with a bustling atmosphere and good vibes. We’d wander through a few thrift shops — hopefully taking home some surprise gems — before a long, winding walk home to settle on the sofa for movie night.
Perfection.
And what are your hobbies?
Aside from riding horses (which I don’t get to do as often these days), drinking coffee and long walks, I love live-music and sometimes dabble in digital photography.
What’s one thing that people should know about you?
That so many cliché things came to mind when I read this question (I’m from Texas, vegan, terrified of driving etc…)
Immediately after those, I had a very random intrusive thought to share the fact that I had a joint Sweet 16 birthday party with my best friend where I gifted her a live frog in front of all of our closest friends. She had a phobia of frogs.
I kept the frog, we’re still best friends — take from that tale what you will.
What would surprise people about you?
I spent a semester studying abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia polishing my now non-existent Russian language skills. It’s such a beautiful place, I feel fortunate to have gone before recent events put Russia where it is now.
What makes you a Winning Mind?
All of our minds are unique, and can work together to do amazing things. My nominator pegged ‘proactivity’ and ‘team spirit’ — half of which I have to credit to my Texas roots.
We are delighted to announce some significant promotions that will supercharge UNLIMITED’s Communications Division into 2023.
Led by Will Hart as Group MD, with Nelson Bostock and Fever alongside Health Unlimited led by MD Clare Peck, we are excited to share that:
Jo Chappel, Fever PR’s multi-award-winning creative has been promoted to Executive Creative Director for UNLIMITED Communications.
Caroline Coventry has been promoted to Deputy MD of Nelson Bostock, assuming responsibility for both tech sector growth and developing the combined Nelson Bostock and Fever offering.
Abbie Hughes has been promoted to Head of Consumer, managing the Fever brand and the consumer business.
Tim Lines moves up from his Director role in Nelson Bostock to focus on business development, new business and marketing across the Nelson Bostock and Fever brands.
To further drive integrated work, the three agencies will be supported by a new Integration Engine led by Nelson Bostock and Fever legend Lucy Watson. Lucy’s team of specialists sits at the heart of the division and will allow clients to tap into Human Understanding insights, planning and creative, social, media, content strategy and production, and design capabilities.
These appointments follow a raft of new business wins and build on our existing strengths in creative brand campaigns and reputation management.
Having joined us a little over a month ago, Liam has only gone and scooped Nelson Bostock’s Winning Mind award for October. What an impressive start? Liam tells us how he swapped journalism for Comms and how Flaming Hot Monster Munch are life 😋.
Why did you pick a career in PR and Communications?
Writing and storytelling is something I’ve always enjoyed as you can be involved with every touchpoint of the creative process. As for PR & comms, coming from a journalism background and after my time at a start-up that worked closely with their PR team, I wanted to understand the other side of the coin!
Why did you pick a career in PR and Communications?
Consistency beats everything. Turning up every day with the right mindset of doing the best that you can – nothing can beat it.
Tell us a bit more about your interests – how would you spend an ideal Saturday afternoon?
My ideal Saturday afternoon would probably consist of exploring different areas (and pubs) around London but right now it’s all about watching the World Cup!
And what are your hobbies?
My main interests are around music. Whether that’s attending live events or trawling through playlists and discovering new artists to share with whoever’s interested.
What’s one thing that people should know about you?
Big fan of Flaming Hot Monster Munch.
What’s one thing that would surprise people about you?
I once wanted to go into acting, the highlight being part of Derby Theatre’s production of Kes.
What makes you a Winning Mind?
It was a surprise to win if I’m honest! But having the willingness to get stuck into tasks and help wherever possible is important.
Any advice for future Winning Minds contenders?
Everyone does an incredible job to go above and beyond for both clients and teammates. Always keep an eye out on where you can contribute ideas as the company will always support creativity.
It was great to meet with the D&I Book Club and discuss ‘The Vanishing Half’ by Brit Bennet.
With Black History Month being a big focus for D&I Group in October, the NBU and Fever D&I Book Club 📚 got together last week to have some big brain chats about our recent read.
This book is incredibly thought-provoking, and we shared our thoughts over themes of race, heritage, privilege and identity raised in the book over some snacks and a bit of vino 🍷
Book Club has rated this 4 out of 5 ⭐– definitely would recommend!
As part of our Ways of Working, everyone in NBU has the opportunity to join working groups aligned with their values and interests!
Georgia is our latest winner of the Winning Mind Award! Our monthly award of who goes above and beyond.
Newly promoted, dramatic, non- coffee drinking, Georgia has some wise words for us all…
Why did you pick a career in PR and Communications?
Having spent four years studying English at university I always knew I wanted to go into something communications based. Following a short stint in journalism, I was itching to spend less time opposite a word document! PR gives me the freedom to write content, work on events and go out and meet people, all of which I love to do.
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?
It’s PR, not ER.
Tell us a bit more about your interests – how would you spend an ideal Saturday afternoon?
I’ve just moved to London, so I’m currently spending a lot of Saturday afternoon’s exploring my borough… Constantly on the hunt for new lunch spots and cosy pubs.
And what are your hobbies?
Beyond socialising (if that counts as a hobby), I absolutely love to read. I’m that person on the tube getting in everyone’s way with my head in a book. I’m a keen member of our NB book club which is organised by the D&I committee and have discovered loads of great reads through it!
What’s one thing that people should know about you?
I used to be intensely involved in amateur dramatics from around the ages of 8 to 18. Possibly explains some things about my personality…
What’s one thing that would surprise people about you?
I’ve managed to reach the age of 25 without ever trying coffee. Proud of it.
What makes you a Winning Mind?
You’d have to ask my nominator, but apparently my content drafting! I love getting my teeth into a new piece of writing, and am really lucky to get to learn about all kinds of new tech in the process.
Any advice for future Winning Minds contenders?
Keep on keeping on. There are always new opportunities to shine at NB, and our diverse skill set is what makes us such a dynamic agency. Whatever your strengths, if you don’t like to shout about your great work someone else will always do it for you.
This October, NB took a break from driving PR and social for the hottest tech brands to step outside and give back to the local community.
The team travelled to Wormwood Scrubs to support the charity organisation Groundworks and improve the habitats of the many animals living in the open space while being able to reconnect with colleagues and boost our mental well-being in the open air. This day out was part of NB’s wider ‘Lifetime Programme’, focusing on improving physical and mental well-being for all our staff as a priority through a range of benefits and activities across the year.
Wormwood Scrubs is home to birds, squirrels and our newly beloved choice of animal (which we’ve learned a lot about recently) – the common lizard.
Sadly, the lizards were in hiding for both days as we scythed, chopped and raked a significant amount of scrub from the grassy area – enabling the meadow to thrive!
In one day alone NB’s first team cut and collected around 3500 sq metres! Both teams smashed the day, but we heard group two led the way – not that we’re competitive or anything!
Senior Content Manager Katy Ryder said: “It was great to spend the day volunteering in west London’s Wormwood Scrubs with Groundwork and an expert ecologist. Wormwood Scrubs’ tagline is ‘more wild than tame’ and I feel fortunate to have played a tiny part in protecting London’s wild side with this brilliant bunch!”
All our work was done to encourage more wildflower cover that provides food and habitat for pollinators including butterflies and safeguard the habitats of smaller animals. Wormwood Scrubs is one of the few lizard breeding populations this close to central London!
Beth Anderson, Account Manager at Nelson Bostock, added: ”I have found that Nelson Bostock understands the importance of looking at different ways to boost team togetherness and mental health within the workplace, and volunteering with Groundworks was a perfect example of this. Being put into a completely different environment in the outdoors, with all your teammates and working together to contribute towards a positive impact on a local community was an amazingly rewarding feeling and really helped to boost my mental wellbeing!”
Massive thanks and kudos to the team at Groundwork for arranging such a rewarding experience, we’ll be back soon.
