Did someone say the C word?

According to BBC Radio 1, November 1 is the time when Christmas really kicks off. With the merry tones of Mariah blasting out across the office on said day, we decided it was time to join in the spirit and begin planning for silly season.

So, with our merry drummers drumming, here is a little list of our 5 GOLD RINGS THINGS to do in the lead up to Christmas. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, our little list includes a small selection of all that is on offer just a stone's throw from our Calvermont HQ, in the centre of the lovely Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Local clients, we hope we’ll see you there. And those further afield, perhaps we can tempt you over here? After all, if you can’t say it at Christmas, when can you?

1. Hurling into our top spot at high speed is Bavarian Curling. Where better to get in the winter spirit than on the local ice rink surrounded by festive stalls aplenty. Returning to Tunbridge Wells for its twelfth consecutive year, the Twelfth Night connection isn’t lost on us either…!

2. Get your skates on quick, as our next choice is already underway. One Warwick Park has been hosting a series of artisan gift markets which are a treasure trove of crafty products. With just one market still to go on November 20th , make sure you don’t miss out.

3. To further fill that stocking (kids we’re talking about Santa here), then head to the wonderful Wealden Times Midwinter Fair at the Hop Farm anytime between November 17th-19th. The South-East’s largest shopping event, this year there are an incredible 260 businesses taking part so an amazing opportunity to support them.

4. Talking of the kids, Trinity Theatre has a brilliant programme of productions for all of the family. Laugh your Christmas stockings off (sorry) at The Aliens who Saved Christmas, or enjoy a classic Christmas movie brought to life at Miracle on 34th Street.

5. To create your very own classic Christmas space at home too, then head to a festive wreath and candle making workshop with The Outdoor Candle Company. Bring home a fabulous wreath for your door and discover ways to add atmosphere with seasonal candle scents too.

Are you a local business with something fun planned for Christmas? If so, get in touch and we'll give you a Christmas discount if you're local, for any piece of media coverage we place for you, and for no charge at all, send us your stories and we’ll share them across our @calvermontsocial Instagram feed.

Merry Christmas one and all.

Word of mouth can be brilliant, but it can also sometimes bite

At Calvermont we spend a great deal of our time advising our clients on how best to engage with audiences. Whether it be community, media, partners or stakeholders - every. single. word. is. important. 

Our conversations and the way we talk about something shape our relationships, our understanding and our emotive response. The more someone knows, the less they are likely to get wrong. The less someone knows, the more they are likely to fill the void with misinformation. ‘Chinese whispers’ are real and sometimes they can bite.

Whilst a misinformed group or individual can become your biggest challenger, those informed can become your most powerful supporters. And this is where we at Calvermont have our sweet spot. 

We help our clients devise and place messaging across media and groups to boost recognition, reputation and support. We can do this even when there is a need for anonymity, as there was on a project recently…

…Due to the sensitivity of a protected site our client opted to remain private, but still wanted to reassure interested and invested parties. We stepped in on their behalf to ensure all information heard was accurate, placing ourselves as interim point of contact and achieving positive feature coverage and community support for the important site news.

That said, usually our clients are happy to front activity - which in most situations is our recommendation - to build personality and trust. In this scenario we regularly provide media training and lead community engagement activities to ensure our clients put their best foot forward in any interview situation, as well as everyday conversations too.

Get in touch for any messaging, crisis or PR management support at studio@calvermont.com

A barking mad April Fools - Calvermont recruits first canine client

As many of you may have seen on April 1st, Calvermont added a new client to our books…Pip the Golden Retriever, as he made his much-anticipated debut onto West Kent Radio.

However, it was in fact an extravagant April Fools thought up by the Calvermont team, along with Nigel at West Kent Radio and Pip’s owner Brian. But that didn’t stop many getting involved and sending in music requests for Pip’s Golden Hour on the radio.

The announcement post, which was shared on Instagram and Twitter, received praise both locally as well as internationally, with song requests being sent in from across the globe, including Twitter users from Australia and the Americas.

In total across all social platforms involved, the posts received close to 1000 likes, as well over 70 retweets and shares, and over 35 requests for songs during the hour Pip was on air.   

It’s safe to say, Pip’s radio show was a great success, and it was a fun and imaginative way to celebrate April Fools with the locals of Tunbridge Wells – now to start planning for next year!

Why NOW is the time to invest in your brand

It's been a tough year for pretty much every business going. Healthcare and construction aside, the majority of us have had to learn to work remotely, rely on technology, adapt to contracts being put on hold and accept that workers/contractors/suppliers and clients are not available like they used to be.

But out of that challenge has come opportunity and there has never been a better time to adapt, reimagine and reposition your business. And that means your brand.

A brand is not a logo, nor a strap line. It is the feeling and perception that all stakeholders have in association with your company. It requires cultivation and care, research and analysis, understanding of all stakeholders and drivers, precise strategies and careful implementation. 

As many of us wait eagerly for the various dates in April, May, June to start the roadmap to normality post-pandemic, the window is closing to make a real impact to your brand, your business and its goals with this 'new world' in mind.

What have we learned?

• Brand loyalty has increased for those that have communicated transparently, provided insight and intelligence for customers, and thought creatively about what their customers want - even if they cannot be physically present. This needs harnessing in the long-term.

• Flexibility is key. The value proposition of a brand or service needs to retain the power to adapt.

• Covid has accelerated changes, rather than necessarily created new ones. Those that have already invested in digital, wellbeing and connectivity will win, and those that haven't, should do and fast.

• Local engagement, communication and support has never been more important.

• Clear communication of messages and services are key. 

• Tone of voice is especially important. Now is not the time to be tone deaf to the major issues and concerns of businesses and the wider public.

What should businesses look to take forward?

• Now is the perfect time to take stock and implement change if you haven't done so already.

• Brands need to be clear, consistent and speak directly to heir target audience.

• Investment in brand in the short-term will pay off in the long-term.

• Take advice on tone of voice and the issues to be seen to stand for.

• Don't do anything half-heartedly - commit to an agenda and ensure it runs through all messaging, internal communications and activities.

• Engage with your audience proactively and responsibly - if you cannot interact physically with employees and customers, devise and implement a plan that will reach them and maintain their interest and engagement.

We work with businesses to gain a thorough understanding of ambition, targets and hurdles. We analyse perceptions and consider audience drivers, challenging and re-defining USPs to drive opportunity and results.

We deliver innovative brands that engage, inspire and last well into the future. We work fast and smart to ensure business change is effective and timing is optimised.

Think we can help you? Get in touch.