Author: NB Team

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Is Credit Card’s Challenge BNPL’s Opportunity?

Amazon’s latest decision is bound to take shoppers by surprise. The company recently announced that it will no longer accept UK-issued Visa credit cards from January. Why? According to Amazon, the main driver was the high fees charged by Visa for processing payments, which increased drastically this year. 

Since then, fresh claims have also emerged from other retailers, including Levi’s, Superdry, and AllSaints, who are taking legal action to seek compensation for previous credit card fees which breach UK and EU competition laws. 

Merchants are finding their voice and it feels like the dominance of cards is now under threat. The recent boom in the payments sector offers new ways to pay, which will come in handy as Amazon’s decision comes into effect in the new year. Alternative options, like buy-now-pay-later (BNPL), are arguably much better suited to the rapidly-evolving retail sector. But, given the current rep of BNPL companies, how can they take the crown from credit cards? 

The end of credit card domination

Online retailers that offer BNPL services are already giving their customers a new way to pay using credit, which removes the issue of high transaction fees for merchants. So the idea of ditching credit cards altogether feels much more feasible than it did five years ago. 

So is the switch inevitable? As it stands, not quite. It’s hard to bring up BNPL and ignore the scepticism such as concerns over debt and consumer protection. The lack of regulation can raise some red flags, particularly for lending amongst young or vulnerable people. However, with the peak of the Christmas shopping season incoming, BNPL is taking centre stage. Amazon’s decision coming into play will only keep this momentum going. 

BNPL is taking the wheel

So, how can BNPL lenders lead this shift in payment preference? While the unregulated, interest-free loaning can be seen as a slippery slope, its bad rep can be easily overturned given the great potential of this new way to pay. Now is the time to be seen as the hero, not the villain. 

The challenge is a problem of trust. BNPL is facing scrutiny in the media and merchants could  see  the adoption of these services as a risk to their customers and their brand. With much of the BNPL messaging encouraging customers to delay payment, it is only natural that merchants won’t want to get caught up in stories about debt spiral. The BNPL industry has to work towards promoting healthy spending habits to build trust. Only once it’s earned its reputation as a responsible lender – driven by effective comms – will BNPL truly take the payment crown.

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Meet Lydia and Ellie – our Winning Minds

Last month’s Winning Minds Award went to both Ellie Hattersley, an NBU stalwart, and the excellent Lydia Richmond who joined us just a few months ago. We sat down with them this week to find out more about their passions, motivations and why a career in PR.  

Why did you pick a career in PR and Communications? 

Lydia Richmond: For me, it comes down to being creative. Comms is incredibly broad and there are many opportunities to get your teeth stuck into – I can spend a day writing copy and the next devising a social media strategy. Very cliché but every day is different, which I love, and definitely keeps it interesting.  

Ellie Hattersley: I went travelling for two years after university and did lots of writing during that time. I tried my hand at everything from freelance travel journalism to copywriting about hardware components, to help subsidise my travel around Australia, SE Asia and Central America. The skills I learned weren’t all that different to what’s expected at a PR agency – communications, working to tight deadlines, balancing a varied workload – so when my friend told me about a job opening here, I decided to apply. And I’m glad I did! I’ve worked here over three years now and still learn so much every week – plus it’s super social, and there’s always a new challenge to sink your teeth into. I also know so much more about how the world works now thanks to the tech experience.   

What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you? 

LR: Remember to breathe. Take a step back and think about what value you can bring to the conversation before turning into a key board warrior! 

EH: It’s PR not ER! Back when I was an Account Assistant, I’d have a mini crisis basically on a weekly basis worrying about something that was very inconsequential – now I’ve got a lot more perspective… 

Tell us a bit more about your interests – how would you spend an ideal Saturday afternoon?  

LR: I’d go for a really long walk, hopefully find a pub with a wood fire, and stay there all afternoon. Surrounded by friends and family and good food. 

EH: Probably doing something outdoors, ideally ending with good food and a pub. Even better if it’s somewhere outside the UK, which is much more feasible now restrictions have lifted a bit! 

And what are your hobbies? 

LR: I do triathlons – running, swimming and cycling. I also love open water swimming. I’m actually part of the same triathlon club that Alex Yee (GB silver medallist) came from, and we train at the velodrome in Herne Hill. Being active is important to me – NBU’s netball club was a big attraction!  

EH: Looooads of things – reading, cooking, playing football or netball (fellow Bostock Baller here), climbing, cycling, going to gigs. And going to the pub. Is that a hobby? 

 What’s one thing that people should know about you? 

LR: I’ve watched way too many episodes of the US Office. My lockdown binge watching basically just carried on into this year.    

EH: I’m a big nerd — I find so many things interesting. 

What’s one thing that would surprise people about you? 

LR: I’m a dedicated plant mum. 

EH: I have Grade 8 in piano… don’t often tell people because they always then want me to play something for them and I’ve forgotten it all! 

What makes you a Winning Mind? 

LR: I’m relatively new to NB so it’s incredible to see this culture of people always lifting each other up. I put my hand up a lot and people really notice and acknowledge you. People notice if you try. 

EH: Workaholism (just kidding). Probably commitment and always wanting to make sure what I’m delivering is right for that client. 

Any advice for future Winning Minds contenders? 

LR: Always remember that you’re part of a team, and lean into that!  

EH: There’s no set formula – every client’s needs are different. But I would say: don’t just do the same thing because it’s what we’ve done before. There’s always room to do something different or something better – change is a good thing! And Winning Minds doesn’t always have to be about what you do, it can be the attitude that you bring. Working in NB is all about not just working with brilliant people, it’s people you really enjoy being with. 

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Nelson Bostock – our story

Today we launched a new face for Nelson Bostock, bringing together the agency, team, clients and our work in a way that allows us proudly to tell you more about the impact we’re making in the world.

When Roger Nelson and Martin Bostock set up the agency back in 1987, they intended to generate pitch perfect PR work for clients, but also to build a business where employees felt valued and respected – and had fun. The duo first met in El Vino, the media haunt on Fleet Street. Martin was serving, Roger was drinking. Armed with a shared vision, Amstrad word processor and fax machine they set to work in an attic on the Portobello Road. Among their very first clients were Toshiba, American Express and Sega!

Martin Bostock and Roger Nelson, circa 1987

Nelson Bostock has grown through understanding and innovation to meet our clients’ needs, but the values they instilled remain true to this day. We are ambitious, honest, open, proud and creative. Their focus on the ‘work’ and on the well-being of all employees is still what makes Nelson Bostock thrive today.

For over 30 years we’ve brought life to our clients’ innovations. From printers to robots, desktops to wearables, SaaS to AI, we’ve built tech leaders. A few highlights:

  • 30+ years with Toshiba – one of Roger and Martin’s first ever clients, we supported the brand with their famous ad campaign in the 80s ‘hello Tosh, gotta Toshiba’. Today our work is integrated – spanning PR, social and content marketing
  • 20+ years with Canon – from running the celebrated ‘The Other Side of the Lens’ campaign in 2003 which launched an online gallery of exhibition pictures taken for charity by celebrities, including Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie and Kate Moss. Through to developing an industry-first in-housing model to deliver PR and content marketing across EMEA in a truly integrated way with the client team
  • 10+ years with EE – from launching the brand into the market to drone racing around Wembley and, of course, being the first to launch 5G in the UK
  • 5+ years with Twilio – establishing the cloud communications leader in the UK market and evolving its user base – from developers to CIOs
  • 5+ years with BT – fielding press office enquiries, communicating the rebrand and promoting their important digital skills support during the pandemic
  • 4+ years with Google Cloud – bringing technology stories to the market through product innovation and customer storytelling, such as their work with ZSL
  • 3+ years with GoCardless – announcing 2 rounds of funding and taking this brilliant business to “nearly Unicorn” status

Ben Smith at PR Moment recently described us as “the quiet man of tech PR”. And perhaps that is true. We are always inclined to shout about others before ourselves. But, at the same time, we’re very proud of our work and our incredible clients. So, please take a closer look. We are not so quiet any more.

The Nelson Bostock Team today
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5 minutes with Stefan Chilingirov

Stefan joined Nelson Bostock as an Account Assistant just one month ago and he’s already scooped a Winning Mind Award! Let’s find out more about the face behind the accolade.

Why a career in PR and Communications?

It’s actually something that I fell into by chance after studying journalism. I’m very creative and I knew I wanted to write, but not as a journalist. I like the organisational side of PR and I’m very curious! Tech PR combines lots of what I like into one job.

Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to join Nelson Bostock

I grew up in Bulgaria and first heard about NB two years ago, when I moved to the UK. I had such a lovely experience interviewing – it was like relaxing and speaking to friends. I decided to take an offer elsewhere – and then detour for a year to do a Masters in Marketing – but NB always stayed with me. I graduated my Masters during the pandemic and had no idea how tough the job market would be. I love tech, so was excited to grab an internship at Voi Technology. When the contract was coming to an end I noticed a role was open at NB and it felt serendipitous. I even got the offer the day after my birthday. Totally meant to be!

What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?

Whilst in the States more than 10 years ago as an English language student at Juilliard, I was speaking to one of the teachers. Her advice was taken from a beautiful song by Bjork:

“You can find love and happiness all around you.”

So if you don’t like what you see, turn your perspective to another side and explore what’s there to find the positives.

Tell us a bit more about your interests – how do you spend a Saturday afternoon?

I’m so happy that lockdown is over – I love London and there is so much to explore. You’ll most likely find me at a show. I love musicals. Anything very art-related; cinema, theatre,…

What’s one thing that people should know about you?

People struggle to put me in a box. I love tech, science and space, but also love musical theatre.

What’s one thing that would surprise people about you?

I don’t like travelling that much! When I travel it’s usually for really big trips like my travels to China and Pakistan as a journalism student.

What makes you a Winning Mind?

While I won the award as an individual for my enthusiasm and proactivity, I don’t take it as a personal achievement. You can’t be a winning mind if you can’t collaborate. It’s the people around you that raise you up and inspire you to be the best you can be. Working with passionate people, those who are friendly and open is really what makes me a winning mind.

Any advice for future Winning Minds contenders?

The biggest rewards are the ones that come very naturally. Don’t set a goal to win an award – focus on the work you’re doing for other people.

The Winning Minds Award is given each month to the Bostocker who has most clearly embodied our values – open, honest, ambitious, proud and creative.

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Data Visualisation

In recent times, we’ve started to realise the potential of data visualisation.

Its appeal is obvious. Breaking down complex data and presenting it in an easy-to-understand way. Representing data visually can help spot trends and patterns. Not only that, but it can actually be quite artistic and inspiring.

The beauty of data visualisation is something we particularly like, and it’s a concept that is often channelled by our fantastic in-house design team.

One example in particular has caught our eye this week, in the form of designs by Rick Hincks. He looked at famous goals from Manchester derbies through the years and mapped the unforgettable moments onto minimalist posters.

Football is a sport that’s packed full of tension and action, and that’s heightened when local rivals clash. Hincks’ work reduces all of that to the bare components, but still captures movement and drama with simple elegance.

 

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Photo: Rick Hincks

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Mobile is eating the world

Today’s essential reading is Ben Evans’ presentation, Mobile is eating the world.

As you’d expect, it’s packed full of interesting statistics and insights into changing behaviour.

For example, did you know that 7.5 trillion SMS are sent every year, and 7.2 trillion WhatsApp messages are sent every year.

Or how about the fact that the smartphone industry now dwarfs the PC market, with 4 billion people buying smartphones every two years, instead of 1.6 billion every five years (for the PC industry).

Or that over 800 billion photos were shared on social networks this year.

It’s fascinating stuff, and well worth your time.

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Indistinguishable from Magic

Marc Weiser is a name that is synonymous with technology, so it makes perfect sense that a prediction he made in 1991 is now materialising and being realised. We love this Wired article on ‘nagging’ tech, which explains in-depth how Weiser’s thought that “the most profound technologies are those that disappear” is coming to life.

It’s an essential read for anyone who has noticed the recent bombardment of wearables, smart tech etc. Not just for its level of detail but also the idea that in the age of hyper-connectivity, the demands of consumers are transgressing back to technology that allows a quiet life.

The article points out that rather than disappearing, technology is actually becoming more visible, not for the reasons we’d usually assume, but because of the screens. Connectivity is largely determined by a device having a screen – screens make users look at them, digest the information and above all, pay attention.

The article suggests that the shift toward discreet, efficient products that operate in the background of a busy life poses an incredible opportunity for brands to rethink products. The idea is that brands should embed tech into “devices, vehicles, and environments [rather than] sticking another screen into our environment”.

While this is only the surface of the argument, it’s important, and it says a lot about the way technology is heading. There has been a flurry of connected devices released in the past few years, some of which have been met with relative success, some of which have quietly been discarded.

As consumers, our needs are changing – we want automation, personalisation and devices that can predict our next move and our needs, but aren’t as noticeable in our everyday lives. As Wired explains, this is a different approach to customer engagement, a more organic integration, as opposed to “tireless push notifications, alerts, or promotional emails”.

The idea that “the best way to predict the future is to create it” (Alan Kay) is more applicable to tech companies today than ever before.

Photo: Gary Waters/Getty Images

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Looking to the future with the PRCA

By Lee Nugent

This week saw my re-election to the PRCA Council (huge thanks to all who voted for me!) and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to remain involved. This will be my second year as a councillor, having been elected first time round just after our founder, Martin Bostock, stepped down from chairing the Council.

But, you might well ask, what is the PRCA Council; what does it do?

In the PRCA’s own words, the Council “provides a formal mechanism to consult with the industry’s most senior practitioners on the issues PR faces; acts as a think-tank for the industry; informs the PRCA’s strategic priorities; and produces helpful commentary, advice and best-practice guidance for PR professionals.”

But it’s not just words.

Some of the great work achieved in recent weeks has seen vice-chair, Tony Langham of Lansons, work with his team to pull together the #ReputationMatters programme. It outlines the importance and value of reputation to UK business, and is accompanied by the extremely handy Economics of Reputation Toolkit, and an explanatory infographic that summarises the research (beautifully designed by the team at Nelson Bostock).

The ‘Agency of the Future’ drive is another great initiative, which provides valuable insights into how agencies can and should innovate, restructure and change, in order to face the new world of communications and marketing.

Here at Nelson Bostock Group, we were delighted to be selected (along with our Things With Wings team) as one of the five future agencies that characterise how the industry is evolving. There’s some fantastic video content which takes a look at how each agency and group is structuring their business to address evolving client needs and challenges, so well worth checking out.

As you’ve seen, the work of the PRCA Council is not only forward-thinking, it’s also tremendously valuable and informative. And I’m really pleased to continue to have the opportunity to work with the wider team at the PRCA and help drive the industry’s continuous improvement.

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How would you know the difference between the dream world and the real world

It’s a genre that often attracts controversy, and is very much a story of extremes. Some are sceptical, others are die hard fanatics. Truth be told, sci-fi films are sometimes classified as far-fetched and ludicrous. The imagination featured in such films is often extravagant, but who’s to say that such ideas are a product of a madman or a visionary?

The truth is blurred. The game changer? Technology. It’s the one thing that is advancing at such velocity that laughing off the likes of flying cars, hoverboards, invisibility and cyborg implants would be nonsensical – they have all, in some form, become reality.

The advances in technology mean that we’re catching up with what was once thought to be impossible. A genre that has mastered incredible and eccentric ideas into successful narratives is starting to look a lot like real life. Some of the best predictions from sci-fi classics have now been imitated in the real world, as explored in this piece by Dazed Digital. So take some time out of your day, and enjoy the fevered dreams of visionary sci-fi legends.

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Stop talking nonsense

We all fall into the jargon trap at times. It might be because we’re surrounded by it, or because there genuinely are esoteric terms which need to be used from a technical or legal stance.

But as Maija Palmer at the FT, and Houston PR point out, it makes things a bit meaningless.

It’s especially frustrating to see jargon in the technology industry. You might think they go hand-in-hand, but keep in mind Arthur C. Clarke’s immortal words, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

With a rich lexicon to draw from it’s a huge shame to see jargon weighing down the ambition and original intention of technology, which often improves lives. All it takes is a moment’s more thought to play about with words and concepts, and create something different. And it’s also way more fun.