PR Focus April - June 2008
We are committed to raising Beacon South West’s profile and have an active Public Relations programme aimed at doing just this. Through various news stories, we endeavour to communicate the value of Beacon South West, demonstrate the calibre of companies within Beacon and showcase the many good and innovative practices taking place across the region.
To achieve the above, Beacon South West works with an external PR agency that develops press releases and features and regularly speaks to the region’s media and various trade publications.
In order to bring the news issues and stories to life, we require Beacon case studies that embody the news theme we are writing about. For example, when we were raising the profile of the Beacon sustainability conference we profiled several Beacons with sustainability credentials which secured excellent media coverage across the region.
Getting involved with the Beacon PR programme is an easy way for you to raise your profile which will ultimately impact on your customers, stakeholders and competitors.
From April – June 2008, we are looking for Beacon companies that could act as case studies for the following features:
- From design to supermarket trolley– we want to find out about the journey Beacons have taken to get their products from the design stage to retail shelf. In particular, what are the pros and cons are working with large retailers? How do you negotiate with big retail players? What should you have in place to ensure your idea is marketable?
- Tendering – have you tendered for Government or public sector contracts? What are the opportunities and pitfalls that you have discovered when completing the procurement process? What are the financial challenges of securing and delivering such contracts? What advice would you share with other Beacon companies considering this type of business?
- Making a good sale great– have you recently sold your business? How did you make the business attractive and ready for sale? What were the key challenges of the journey? Do you still have a key role in the running of the company post sale?
Other news issues to be covered throughout the year include ‘Made in the South West’ and exporting; sustainable business practices; reverse offshoring – bringing business back to the South West; innovation and partnerships for growth.
Please let us know if your company could act as a case study for any of the above. All suggestions should be forwarded to Sue Baker sue.baker@beaconsw.org or David Stone david.stone@beaconsw.org and your information will be passed to our PR agency for consideration.
We look forward to hearing from you!
