Ethos Public Relations Manchester

CIPR North West issues rallying call to safeguard “pivotal” local radio

by Ethos public relations

John Walding, honorary secretary of the CIPR North West Group, is calling on people to make their voices heard to “help safeguard the potential threat” to BBC Local Radio, in a guest blog for Ethos public relations.

John argues, the “pivotal role” of local radio is vital, so that everyone can learn about the “people, issues and events that affect and shape our localities”.

In the blog, John questions whether the proposed changes, which are outlined in BBC Director-General Mark Thompson’s 'Delivering Quality First' consultation, are the right way forward.

John’s blog follows a number of other guest blogs for Ethos public relations, which aim to provide a public platform for a range of PR, marketing and social issues. BBC broadcaster Allan Beswick, NUJ Organiser Chris Morley and MP Hazel Blears are among those who have put their point across for the Manchester-based PR agency.

Speaking about the latest guest blog, Shaun Fisher, Director of Ethos public relations, said: “John raises some interesting issues in his blog. Cuts are being made across the board at the BBC, so it is important that as many people as possible have their say on the future shape of local radio, before the consultation ends on 21 December. We hope John’s blog provokes debate and encourages people to make their voice heard.”

To read John’s blog, visit www.ethos-pr.com/blog/local-radio-must-be-safeguarded or go to @EthosPR on Twitter.

To read other news from Ethos public relations click here.

Posted at 13^th December 2011

“Newspaper companies sabotaging their own titles”, says NUJ Organiser

by Ethos public relations

Chris Morley, the National Union of Journalists’ Northern and Midlands Organiser, has accused “remote and irresponsible owners” of local newspapers of killing local titles in a guest blog for Ethos public relations.

According to the former Industrial Correspondent at the Birmingham Mail, professionalism and quality are being bypassed in favour of profits. He has charged the newspaper companies with “sabotaging their own titles” and of being “divorced from the consumers they are trying to reach”.

He says declining newspaper readership has been blamed for the cuts at local newspapers but challenges this as a red herring. “The public has been conditioned to believe circulations are inevitably falling due to readers switching to on-line news and other fancy new distractions.”

Describing local newspapers as “part of our democratic fabric” Chris issues a rallying call to readers and media owners, saying that “the cutting has to stop and as a society we have to learn to cherish quality – and pay for it.”

Chris’s blog is the latest in a series of guest blogs for Ethos public relations, which aim to provide a public platform for a range of PR, marketing and social issues. Other guest bloggers have so far included BBC broadcaster Allan Beswick and MP Hazel Blears.

Speaking about the latest guest blog, Shaun Fisher, Director of Ethos public relations, said: “Chris raises some controversial issues but access to local news and paying for quality journalism is really important to our society and we hope Chris’ blog encourages debate.”

To read Chris’s blog, click here or go to @EthosPR on Twitter.

To read other news from Ethos public relations click here.

Posted at 7^th November 2011

Ethos public relations creates a buzz

by Ethos public relations

Staff and clients at Manchester-based Ethos public relations are set to benefit from a bumper harvest following the company’s sponsorship of a beehive as part of its support for Salford Bee Collective.

Jars of pure, local Salford honey from one of The Salford Bee Collective’s urban beehives will be presented as special gifts in time for Christmas.

Shaun Fisher, Director of Ethos public relations, says: “When we found out about The Salford Bee Collective and their plans for the future, we couldn’t wait to pledge our support.

“We have a real interest in promoting local, sustainable food and are keen that more people understand where their food comes from. Salford’s bees have been working really hard this year and we’re delighted to see such a good crop of local honey.”

Chris Guthrie of Salford Bee Collective says: “We have been looking to get local businesses involved in this initiative and are delighted that Ethos public relations has helped by sponsoring a hive. The money will go towards developing The Salford Bee Collective and helping us develop our plans for the future.

“Bee numbers are declining worldwide and we wanted to do our bit to halt this. We are continually looking for other sponsors, so if any other businesses want jars of honey for their office then please get in touch.”

The Salford Bee Collective is made up of individuals and organisations in Salford and it purchased its first hive in June 2010. It has as one of its partners, Salford City College, whose Woodwork and Joinery Department make the hives for use by community hive recipients.

Shaun Fisher adds: “Our support for The Salford Bee Collective is going way beyond pure sponsorship and we will be helping the Collective realise its business objectives which include ambitious plans for setting up a co-operative to collect, process and market Salford honey.”

To find out more about Ethos public relations, visit www.ethos-pr.com. To find out about Salford Bee Collective, email salfordbeecollective@gmail.com.

To read other news from Ethos public relations click here.

Posted at 24^th October 2011

Ethos public relations expands to the United States

by Ethos public relations

Ethos public relations has reached an agreement with a PR company in the United States that extends its presence to the North American continent.

The Manchester based company has teamed up with Public Relations for Business, Inc. in suburban Philadelphia to promote its clients’ business on a global basis.

Both organisations recently worked together on a major PR project for an American multi-national Fortune 500 Company with outstanding results.

Shaun Fisher, Director of Ethos public relations, says: “After working with Public Relations for Business, Inc. it became clear we had similar goals and that forming a strategic partnership would enhance our ability to offer marketing communications worldwide.”

In addition to UK businesses, Ethos public relations supports clients across Europe and has German and French-speaking communications professionals on its team.

Public Relations for Business, Inc. was founded in 1986 and specialises in business-to-business marketing communications.

Bob Giuliano, Founder of Public Relations for Business, Inc., says: “Linking up with Ethos public relations expands our resources into Europe, so we can better support clients there. Similarly, Ethos public relations’ clients that need support in America now have the benefit of a local presence.

“Together, we form a highly experienced and skilled team, with extensive media relationships on two continents and a commitment to promoting our clients’ products and services with highly effective and broadly distributed promotional messaging.”

To find out more about Ethos public relations, visit www.ethos-pr.com. To find out about Public Relations for Business, Inc., visit www.prplace.biz.

To read other news from Ethos public relations click here.

Posted at 26^th May 2011

Ethos public relations’ Second Music Award

by Ethos public relations

Almost two years after relaunching Band on the Wall - Manchester’s legendary music venue - Ethos public relations has been reappointed to drive forward the venue’s strategy for the future.

“We had a great time relaunching Band on the Wall,” said Shaun Fisher of Ethos public relations, “and we’re thrilled to be working with the team again. Our brief this time around is to promote their vision for the future of live music, based on the venue’s global reputation as an outstanding performance, learning and development centre for music.”

Since its relaunch in September 2009, Band on the Wall, a registered charity promoting live entertainment, has welcomed thousands of concert goers, not only to its Swan Street premises but increasingly to venues across the UK. It has developed innovative programming for the likes of the Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh, The Wardrobe in Leeds and the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal.

Gavin Sharp, Chief Executive Officer at Band on the Wall said: “Ethos public relations did a fabulous job two years ago and we are confident it will provide the same high standards and creativity as we move forward with our strategy.”

To read other news from Ethos public relations click here.

Posted at 10^th May 2011

Ethos public relations charity donations hit £5,000

by Ethos public relations

Donations to worthy causes nominated by employees at Ethos public relations have topped £5,000.

Annually employees decide which charities should receive the 1% of pre-tax profits we donate each year. This is just one of the ways we believe our business can contribute to enhancing society.

We believe that our work should not only help our clients but also society as a whole and this is why we have a number of social objectives that guide the business. We also produce an annual social report to show how we have done.

Charities which have benefitted from our contributions cover a wide range of sectors including disability, health, equality issues and homelessness.

Over the past four years we have supported the following charities with cash donations:

• Action For Kids
• Albert Kennedy Trust
• Alzheimer's Society
• Muscular Dystrophy Campaign
• Neuro Muscular Centre
• Oakmere Community College
• Orchid
• Parkinson’s UK
• RNLI
• Rudyard Sailability
• St Ann's Hospice

Additionally, we have also donated more than 70 days worth of free PR for charities and have recently re-invigorated our community day scheme where employees can take days off work to volunteer for a charity.

On top of all that we use a RED American Express card for business purchases which makes regular contributions to help children in Africa living with HIV/Aids.

At Ethos public relations we believe that everyone can do something to help society – and we pledge to keep on doing our bit.

Posted at 4^th May 2011

Beswick blogs for Ethos public relations

by Ethos public relations

BBC Radio Manchester presenter Allan Beswick has become the latest guest blogger for Manchester based Ethos public relations.

Warrington born Allan, who presents the station’s weekday morning show Beswick at Breakfast, reveals in his blog that he can’t wait to move to MediaCityUK later this year - but with tongue firmly in cheek Allan admits he is worried about having to ‘mollycoddle all those Southerners’.

However, he believes those BBC colleagues who do make the move up north will love it.

“Imagine going into a shop and not being snarled at but greeted with a smile, travelling to work on the surface of the Earth rather than scrabbling around in its bowels and the money,” he says.

Allan’s blog is part of a series of guest blogs for Ethos public relations which have so far included journalists and MP Hazel Blears.

Speaking about the latest contributor, Director of Ethos public relations - and a former colleague of Allan Beswick - Debbie Kelly, said: “Allan is renowned for his plain speaking and sense of humour which have both been brought to bear in this blog. I think everyone will appreciate this take on the north – south divide!”

Read Allan’s blog now at www.ethos-pr.com/blog/mediacityuk-healing-the-north-south-divide or go to @EthosPR on Twitter.

To read other news from Ethos public relations click here.

Posted at 13^th April 2011

Raising the profile of retirement income

by Ethos public relations

Manchester based Ethos public relations has been appointed to handle the public relations for a new consumer website - WhoPaysMost.com.

WhoPaysMost.com offers annuity guidance to consumers approaching retirement. The service is available to all - including those people with modest pension pots who may find it difficult to shop the annuity market.

Scott Lewis, Head of Annuities at WhoPaysMost.com said: “It was refreshing to meet a PR company that shared our enthusiasm for the new venture and who understands the importance of our service to consumers approaching retirement.”

The Ethos public relations team will be working closely with colleagues at independent media buying company Mediability which has been charged with planning the multi media campaign for the new service.

Debbie Kelly from Ethos public relations said: “The majority of people don’t realise that they may be able to boost their retirement income, quickly and easily. It’s one of those situations which until now has not had the exposure it deserves - and so we are looking forward to working with WhoPaysMost.com to raise the profile of this topic.”

To read other news from WhoPaysMost.com click here.

To read other news from Ethos public relations click here.

Posted at 1^st April 2011

“Big Society, Big Confusion”, says Hazel Blears MP

by Ethos public relations

Some of the “Big Society” agenda could win cross party support if it was “properly structured and supported”, says Salford and Eccles MP Hazel Blears.

In an exclusive guest blog, published today for Ethos public relations, Hazel Blears has hit out at the illogical decisions being made by Government, which seem to be in direct contrast to David Cameron’s “big society” idea.

Hazel describes the decision to cut funding for TimeBank as “a real kick in the teeth – not only for the big society idea, but for TimeBank staff and the 2,000 volunteers they help each week – and is typical of a Government that pursues short term headlines with little regard for long term commitment.

“In June last year I set the Government 3 tests on this agenda – whether their policies are fair to all communities, whether they create a proper framework for organisations to operate within, and whether the necessary funding is available. So far their report card reads ‘F’, ‘F’, ‘F.”

Read Hazel’s blog now clicking on this link: www.ethos-pr.com/blog/what-is-happening-to-the-big-society.

To read other news from Ethos public relations click here.

Posted at 16^th March 2011

Journalist becomes first Guest Blogger for Ethos public relations

by Ethos public relations

Tom Lloyd, Assistant Editor (Online) at specialist housing magazine Inside Housing has become the first guest blogger for Manchester based Ethos public relations.

Bringing a new dimension to blogging at Ethos public relations, Tom looks at the changing face of journalism and focuses on the growth of social media such as Facebook and Twitter. According to his exclusive blog, social media might be a new factor in the media and for public relations professionals but the principles of journalism are still the same.

“We still want to find out interesting stuff that few other people know about, and pass it on to our audience,” says Tom. “The more interesting and relevant a story is, the more likely it is to make it into the magazine or onto the website.”

Tom’s contribution is designed to give readers of the blog a different perspective on the world of PR – looking as it does from the point of view of a journalist. Ethos public relations has always had a commitment to being more than ‘just a PR agency’ and sees these guest blogs as a way of bringing new and unique information to visitors to its website.

Tom’s blog is the first in a series of guest blogs - which is also set to include an MP and radio presenter as well as key business men and women - on a variety of PR, marketing and social issues.

Commenting on his debut, Tom said: “As the web editor for Inside Housing, it only seems right that I have contributed a blog for Ethos public relations, an agency that has a number of housing clients. Readers of Inside Housing will know me through my blogs and comments, so it’s great to be given another platform.”

Read Tom’s blog now at www.ethos-pr.com/blog and sign up to Twitter to receive alerts about guest blogs as they are published.

To read other news from Ethos public relations click here.

Posted at 10^th January 2011

Ethos public relations has Energy4All

by Ethos public relations

Manchester based Ethos public relations has been appointed by Energy4All to raise the profile of community-owned wind projects.

Energy4All, the support organisation for renewable energy co-operatives in the UK, handed the five figure contract to Ethos public relations to build awareness and community support for new proposed wind co-operatives.

Speaking about the win, Sean Bish at Ethos public relations said: “Sustainable energy production is a major issue for the UK and we are looking forward to working with Energy4All to help deliver community-owned renewable energy schemes.”

Simon Williams, director at Energy4All, said: “Our projects are very much community co-operatives and we were keen to work with a PR agency that shares our values and can help communities understand our plans.”

For further information about Energy4All call 01229 821028 or visit www.energy4all.co.uk.

Posted at 11^th November 2010

E-learning for Ethos public relations

by Ethos public relations

Manchester based Ethos public relations has been appointed to handle the public relations for the Housing e-Academy, an online training company for individuals and organisations working within, or alongside, the social housing sector.

Account Director Debbie Kelly said: “Housing e-Academy fits nicely with our existing housing portfolio, which includes RSLs and ALMOs.

“The e-Academy enjoys an excellent reputation within the sector and our brief is to raise that profile even further.”

Housing e-Academy is part of the Virtual College, one of the UK’s e-learning pioneers, and Chloe Weatherhead, Housing e-Academy Manager, said: “The e Academy has ambitious growth plans and Ethos public relations was able to demonstrate that it had the contacts, knowledge and expertise to lead our PR and communication strategy during this exciting period.”

Posted at 6^th April 2010

Help us support Haiti as DEC launches appeal

by Ethos public relations

One cannot escape the sad news (and who would want to) about the tragic loss of life following the devastating earthquake that struck the Caribbean island of Haiti earlier this week.

Human displacement and diminished life is always harrowing news regardless of whether you yourself are directly involved, are hearing news from further afield through informative news reports, or if unfortunately you are part of a natural disaster such as this and have no means of escape.

As the world takes on board the fact up to 50,000 people have lost their lives in this natural disaster, aid agency Disaster Emergency Committee www.donate.bt.com/dec_form_haiti.html has set up a donation scheme for victims of the earthquake in their appeal for help, as thousands of local citizens slowly come to terms with an event that will forever change their lives.

Without this financial (and of course humanitarian) support Haitians will struggle to rebuild their lives and return to an altered state of normality as the immediacy of the event passes. We at Ethos public relations recognise this emergency and have donated to this fund and we hope we can encourage others to do the same, so please follow the link to find out how you can help in this crisis.

Posted at 21^st January 2010

Account Executives come back to PR fold

by Ethos public relations

Two more staff have joined expanding Manchester agency, Ethos public relations, as Account Executives.

Recent new business wins, and increased project based work from existing clients, has resulted in significant growth leading to an almost doubling of staff numbers over the last year, and as a result, Sarah Dawson and Valerie Essien have joined the business.

Sarah Dawson, started her career in public relations, working at a Cheshire-based business to business agency, before moving in-house to a marketing role at Clearview media. Now Sarah will work on accounts including, Contour Housing Group, Econoloft, Laserase, GH Frith and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.

Commenting on her appointment, Sarah said: "It's great to be back in a PR agency environment, working across such a diverse client base."

Valerie, who returned to Manchester after 18 months spent living abroad, was keen to re-enter the PR industry, and will now work on accounts and publications including ABCUL - the Association of British Credit Unions, Avery Dennison and Manchester Credit Union.

Commenting on her new appointment, Valerie said: "I hope working for Ethos public relations will allow me to build on my existing skills and experience in order to further my career, and with such a varied client base, I see this as a fantastic opportunity."

Debbie Kelly, Director at Ethos public relations said: "We are really pleased to be able to offer new jobs at this current time. Both Valerie and Sarah had been out of the PR industry for a while before we were able to offer them positions, so it's great to be able to bring them back into the industry."

Posted at 9^th December 2009

Ethos public relations appoints new Account Executive

by Ethos public relations

Manchester agency Ethos public relations has appointed Valerie Essien as an Account Executive to work on a range of clients including housing associations, co-operative business groups and publications.

An English Studies graduate of the University of Westminster, Valerie also has a postgraduate diploma in print journalism and brings a variety of experience gained through working in both public and private sectors.

More recently Valerie was part of the communications directorate for NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and was a volunteer with the Manchester International Festival press team.

Valerie said: "I'm glad to have this opportunity to secure valuable experience with an agency that has ethics at its core. I also look forward to offering quality PR for each of our clients."

Posted at 23^rd November 2009

Ethos public relations appoints new Account Executive

by Ethos public relations

Ethos public relations has recently appointed Sarah Dawson as an Account Executive to work on a wide range of clients across the company?s diverse client range.

Sarah graduated with a degree in English and Politics from Liverpool University and most recently worked at Clearview Media, she has experience of working on a wide variety of business to business accounts and will be bringing this experience to Ethos public relations.

Debbie Kelly, Director at Ethos public relations, said: "On the back of another successful year in which our business continued to enjoy year on year growth, we are delighted to welcome Sarah to the team."

Speaking about her new role, Sarah said: "I'm really pleased to be joining a successful PR company which offers clients such a comprehensive range of services. I am also looking forward to gaining more experience in different business sectors."

Posted at 18^th November 2009

New recycled logo available for all

by Ethos public relations

We have launched a new logo designed to clearly make the point that paper used is both recyclable and recycled. Nearly everyone knows that they can recycle paper but it is important that they also get used to using recycled paper.

As a business we try to do our bit for the environment and we believe we should help others 'get the message'. As a result, we are making the new logo freely available to anyone who thinks it will help encourage more thoughtful use of the World's resources.

So if you think the logo will help get your message across, feel free to get in touch and we can send it you in an appropriate format. Email info@ethos-pr.com or call Sean on 0161 830 7640.

Also available in Black.

Posted at 18^th August 2009

New Account Manager

by Ethos public relations

Christina Stocks has been appointed as Account Manager to work across a range of clients, including Co-operatives UK, The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) and Manchester Credit Union.

Christina, with a degree in Journalism and over six years marketing and PR experience, joins Ethos public relations from a Cheshire-based PR consultancy specialising in professional services and food and drink.

Having relocated back to the north west after a stint at a consumer heavyweight agency in London, Christina brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Ethos public relations, having worked on accounts including Warburtons, Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, University Partnerships Programme (UPP), Hotel Chocolat, Fairclough Homes and Tesco.

Shaun Fisher, Director at Ethos public relations, said: "Our business continues to enjoy year on year growth, and we are delighted to welcome Christina to the team."

Commenting on her appointment, Christina said: "This is a fantastic opportunity. Ethos public relations is a leading independent PR company in Manchester with a lot to shout about and I am really looking forward to joining the team and helping to continue to drive the business forward."

Posted at 22^nd July 2009

Ethos public relations hits the roof

by Ethos public relations

A new business win for Ethos public relations will see the home and property account team working with national loft conversion specialist Econoloft to promote loft conversion as a cost-effective method of increasing living space in the home and increasing property value.

"Econoloft is the only loft conversion company with the capacity and expertise to work across the UK," said Debbie Kelly from Ethos public relations. "We will be working with the Econoloft team to promote loft extensions but also to clarify the new regulations that now apply to loft conversions."

Ethos public relations is also working with the company on the re-design of its website and will be copywriting all of its new promotional material.

This new business win is the third in a month for Ethos public relations and is the latest addition to its increasing home and property portfolio.

Posted at 14^th May 2009

Ethos on the go with transport co-operative

by Ethos public relations

Ethos public relations has been chosen in a three-way pitch to launch an innovative transport enterprise to improve national rail services.

The agency has won the contract to launch Go! Co-operative and will now work to publicise its share issue with investors and help the co-operative secure a train operators' licence.

"Rail transport plays an important role in cutting carbon emissions," said Sean Bish, Director of Ethos public relations. "I can't think of a better way to deliver this essential public service and maximise the environmental benefits than through a democratically owned, people friendly co operative enterprise."

Current train franchises provide a limited service to travellers who wish to reach destinations that are not on one of the main lines. Go! Co-operative will run an open access rail service serving small to medium sized towns that are often neglected by commercial train routes.

Initially Go! Co-operative is looking at routes across the South West, South Wales and other southern regions of the UK, but the principle of using existing track to create 'short cuts' that crisscross the main franchises is applicable in many parts of the country.

Alex Lawrie from Go! Co-operative, said: "We were keen to work with a PR agency that is run on the same co-operative principles as us and which has strong experience in the co-operative sector. Ethos public relations fits the bill perfectly."

Posted at 7^th May 2009