Podcasts about uk ceo

Welcome to the latest PRmoment podcast. On the show today we're talking to Heather Blundell, the UK CEO of Grayling. Heather joined Grayling in late 2023 after a brief spell at Ketchum as deputy UK CEO. Before that she'd headed up Weber's Manchester office and been part of the leadership team at Weber in London.On the show today we're going to talk through Heather's career story, from her time as a trainee at Edelman, which she describes as “like SAS training” through to her MD role at Grayling today.Grayling has global revenues of £40m with about half of those in the UK. It has 30 offices globally.Clients include Visa, Birmingham Football Club and Grindr.Before we start, two pieces of good news at PRmoment this week. The first is that the programme for PR Masterclass: AI in PR is now complete. The PR Masterclass series are hybrid events so you can attend either in person or virtually. The event is on July 3rd and themes include:How to Integrate AI into your PR WorkflowThe impact of AI on JournalismAI as a content production toolIs LLM optimisation PR's biggest opportunity of our lifetimes?How will AI impact the agency business model?How to build and scaling AI-powered PR toolsThe legal implications of AI in your communicationsThe intersection of PR and AI for in-house communicatorsHow to move from AI experimentation to implementationCheck out the microsite PRMasterclasses.com for all the details including the speaker line-up.The other vital bit of information is that The Creative Moment Awards are now open for entries. You can see all the categories for 2025 at the microsite creativemomentawards.co.The early bird entry deadline is Friday 16th May.Here's a summary of what Heather and PRmoment founder discussed:3 mins Heather on the current health of UK PR would you say?“The agency model and way of working is continuing to evolve.”“We're seeing clients be cautious.”“Pitching is more aggressive than ever.”8.30 mins Heather started her PR career at Edelman. Looking back, is that where she learnt how to be good at PR?“There was a high level of expected excellence. I've tried to emulate that throughout my career. It was a high challenge, high support culture.”15 mins How did Heather make the move from Edelman in London to Weber Shandwick in Manchester?16 mins Heather talks about the role Colin Byrne and Jon McLeod played in her becoming MD of Weber Shandwick Manchester aged 29.“Agencies must be a meritocracy, not a test of longevity.” Ben Smith19 mins How Heather and her team turned around the fortunes of Weber Shandwick in Manchester to have a fee income of about £5m and 40 odd employees in 2014.24 mins Heather and Ben reminisce about the PR legends that were Colin Byrne and Robert Phillips.Here is the link to the PRmoment Podcast with Colin Byrne, referenced in the show.28 mins Why did you leave Weber to go to Ketchum?29 mins What did Heather learn from her time at Ketchum?31 mins Heather on why she moved to Grayling.“Grayling is the first PR firm I've worked at where the UK business is bigger than the US. That makes a difference.”Here is the link to the PRmoment Podcast episode with Sarah Schofield reference on the show.35 mins In some ways, the defining trend of the l

Global technology leaders Coinbase, Fabric Ventures, Animoca Brands and Founders Factory have announced the launch of a multi-million pound accelerator in the UK, set to transform the UK's blockchain and AI ecosystem. This partnership aims to unlock product market fit and growth for the next generation of disruptors and to drive investment in technology startups as a key engine of the UK economy. As institutions and jurisdictions around the world accelerate their adoption of AI, blockchain technology and digital assets, the UK stands uniquely positioned to compete in the global race for innovation. As Keith Grose, UK CEO, Coinbase asserts: "With deep reservoirs of talent, capital, sophisticated regulators and leading academic institutions, the UK is well positioned to benefit from these opportunities. However, ensuring that these products and services are born out of the UK is vital. For too long, access to capital, mentorship and resources has held back this ambition. This significant investment changes that." Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: "This announcement is a strong vote of confidence in the UK's tech sector - underlining our position as a global leader in innovation. Not only will it ensure that the UK remains a key leader in blockchain technology but will also unlock growth as we deliver on the Plan for Change. Our modern Industrial Strategy has highlighted financial and professional services as key growth sectors for the UK to thrive in, showing that we are listening and responding to the needs of Fintech businesses - whether that's on access to talent, finance, or the wider regulatory environment." Founders Factory, one of the leading start-up accelerators globally, will deliver world class business and growth training, with hands-on support across business strategy, go to market, product development and fundraising. Alongside them, Fabric Ventures, Animoca Brands and Coinbase will deliver support on tokenomics, community go-to-market strategies, and best practices for scaling businesses in the blockchain & AI space. Robby Yung, the CEO of Investments at Animoca Brands stated: "It is critical that the UK takes advantage of the opportunity of the fast-growing Web3 industry, not just as a hub for investment but as a place where innovation is built, owned, and scaled. The UK must be a creator, not just a consumer, of this innovation. The real opportunity lies in developing it here, building intellectual property that leverages the world-class talent base and ecosystem in the UK." The Labour Government's vision for growth is deeply tied to the success of one of the UK's fastest-growing sectors: technology. This initiative is a step change in making that vision a reality - supporting a diverse group of founders across blockchain-based payments, entertainment, AI, and other cutting-edge industries. Commenting on this, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Fabric Ventures, Richard Muirhead said: "This Government's AI Action Plan has been met with widespread optimism. However, this is only one piece of the puzzle. The convergence of AI, blockchain and Web3 plays to the UKs strengths in these disciplines - and fostering collaboration amongst our strong industries like financial services, advertising and pharmaceuticals is essential for the UK to maintain its leadership in the global digital race. This accelerator will play a key role in driving that progress." Damian Routley, COO at Founders Factory, said: "This is about leveling up the UK's ability to build and scale frontier technology. Founders in blockchain and AI need more than capital - they need hands-on, specialised support to unlock product-market fit and go global. That's what this accelerator delivers. By combining deeptech expertise with the power of a world-class network, we're creating a launchpad for the next generation of breakthrough UK startups." See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Onlin...

Baz Richards and Michelle Ford talk with Mark Guymer the CEO of Cancer Support UK about the work of the charity.

Hugh Taggart talks about his first year as FleishmanHillard's UK chief executive, plus the latest on the Omnicom-IPG deal, new business opportunities in 2025 and more, in the latest PRWeek podcast.FleishmanHillard's UK CEO Hugh Taggart, previously Edelman's co-CEO for the UK and Ireland is the focus of the latest episode of Beyond the Noise.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.In the episode, Taggart discusses his first year at FleishmanHillard with PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt and senior reporter Evie Barrett. He speaks about the challenges, including what changes he has made at the agency. He also discusses his time at Edelman and his views on the differences between the two PR firms. In December, it was announced that FleishmanHillard's parent company Omnicom is set to acquire Interpublic, the holding company that owns Weber Shandwick and Golin. Taggart gives an update on the Omnicom-IPG deal and shares his thoughts on the merger. New business is also examined, and the UK chief executive discusses agency/client relationships and the market in 2025. In addition, Taggart gives his advice to corporate communications professionals on how to handle the current geopolitical situations and roll-backs on DEI. He also shares his views on AI and the opportunities, and industry predictions for 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of V-FM Pensions, hosts Darren and Nico chat to CEO of Smart UK, Jamie Fiveash. Jamie is a DC and master trust expert, is on the PLSA Board, and has had the pleasure of being Darren's boss, not once, but twice....  As it's our 101st episode (finally we've got a new numbering system...) we play a little game of Room 101... what will our guest and hosts consign to history (hint: first Brexit rant of the year from Darren)? Given the timing of the episode we had to talk about Trump.... but we spend most of our time chatting DC, productive finance, scale and consolidation, pensions reform and IHT. We find out how Jamie got into pensions and, of course, ask what value for money means to him.  

Sam Ward, UK CEO of The Message Trust, shares from John's gospel and 2 Corinthians on our Eden Sunday.

Patrick 'Paddy' Affleck aims to 'walk the walk when it comes to inclusion and courage in particular, his personal story is quite different from your average media agency CEO. That why he known as someone who likes to challenge conventional ways of thinking about this business.Affleck speaks to Omar Oakes about his personal journey from growing up on a commune in Devon and how it has shaped his attitude to leadership and mental-health challenges at work. His philosophy emphasies progressiveness, adaptability, and ethical practices and he highlights Havas' initiatives like "Havas Minds" and "Havas More" to support mental health and work-life balance.He also addresses the industry's evolving role, stressing the importance of combining human creativity with AI for effective client solutions. Affleck also touches on Havas' strategic investments in data, technology, and talent to enhance client relationships and sustainability efforts, such as their work with Shell which has attracted criticism.Affleck joined Havas Media Group as its UK CEO in July 2020 from Dentsu, where he spent 12 years, and has over 20 years' experience in the industry spanning integrated planning, digital strategy and innovation and activation. He was a Grand-Prix winner (agency leader of the year) in The Media Leader Awards 2024.Highlights:3:08: How Paddy's background shaped his leadership qualities.19:59: The importance of adaptability for agencies.23:45: How can the industry improve mental health practices?31:09: What makes Havas Media distinct from its competitors?34:53: The future of media agencies — staying relevant in an era of AI developmentRelated articles:Vivendi confirms plans to list Canal+ and HavasHavas Media expands Boost initiative to support north westPodcast: Yannick Bolloré on why Vivendi wants to create 4 ‘cousin companies'---Thanks to our production partners Trisonic for editing this episode.--> Discover how Trisonic can elevate your brand and expand your business by connecting with your ideal audienceVisit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader

Check out the latest careers at easyJet: https://bit.ly/3yCRlNS Episode Guest Meet Will Stratton Morris, UK CEO at Caffè Nero. Will Stratton-Morris has a 30-year career in branded, customer-focused service industries, specializing in transformational leadership in multi-site businesses. Currently, he is the UK CEO of Caffè Nero UK, previously serving as divisional CEO at SSE and holding leadership roles at InterContinental Hotels, Disney, and British Airways. His early career included roles in branding, marketing, and franchise management, starting with Marks & Spencer. Will also serves as Non-Executive Chair at BeEV and Advisor to Splendid Hospitality Group, actively engages in leadership development, coaching, and lecturing, and is passionate about sports, family, and mentoring. Episode Timestamps 00:00 The Importance of Love and Discipline in Leadership 03:12 Navigating Career Paths and Work Experience 06:02 Leadership Techniques: Intellect, Energy, and Empathy 08:52 The Value of Ground-Level Experience 11:48 Lessons from the Navy: Leadership Training 15:09 Building Community and Culture in Organizations 18:02 The Role of Leaders in Shaping Workplace Dynamics 21:10 The 10 Fs: A Framework for Leadership 23:55 Personal Insights: Faith, Fun, and Authenticity 26:45 Invisible Success: The Unseen Contributions of Leadership 30:08 Conclusion: The Energy of Leadership Episode Partner easyJet streamlines affordable travel for all, with every role crucial in connecting millions via Europe's top airline network. With an innovative culture, easyJet empowers you to shape travel's future.

Graft Polymer (UK) PLC (LSE:GPL) CEO Anthony Tennyson talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about a research agreement with the University of Nottingham and Dr Madeleine King, focusing on assessing how the company's compounds could promote empathy, an essential factor in healing from trauma. This research aims to advance Graft Polymer's novel chemical entity (NCE) program, helping Graft Polymer accelerate toward clinical trials. Tennyson explained that PTSD affects over 13 million Americans and a combined total of 20 million people across the UK and key EU economies. He highlighted the company's innovative approach, which targets the serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline receptors crucial to trauma processing. On the University of Nottingham collaboration, Tennyson noted, “This will enable us to take that research forward because it will help us select a lead series.” He emphasised the importance of bringing more effective treatments to PTSD patients as quickly as possible. To stay updated on Graft Polymer's progress, visit Proactive's YouTube channel, and don't forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and enable notifications for future content. #PTSDResearch #BiotechInnovations #GraftPolymer #MentalHealth #PostTraumaticStressDisorder #Therapeutics #Serotonin #Dopamine #Neuroscience #Eurofins #UniversityOfNottingham #ProactiveInvestors #invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews

Check out Lorna's LinkedIn here: https://bit.ly/3YkbToR Episode Guest Meet Lorna Cobbett, Founder at Blue John. Lorna founded Blue John, a reputation management consultancy, in 2024 following a 12-year career in strategic communications. A former investment banker, she started her career in 2001 in London and spent eight years working for Citi and Goldman Sachs. Lorna's career in strategic communications included being a Partner at Bell Pottinger, Managing Director at Hawthorn Advisors, and UK CEO at Citigate Dewe Rogerson. Lorna is a senior, trusted advisor for companies and leaders across a range of sectors and works with public companies, private companies, and start-ups. She has extensive experience in reputation management, transactions, crisis and change management. Outside of work, Lorna is married with 8-year-old triplets (Roman, Essie and Eva). Essie was life limited and will be forever 18 months old. Lorna and her family support Chestnut Tree House, the children's hospice that Essie went to, and she also is a parent ambassador for Together for Short Lives. She is a passionate social mobility champion and a founder member of The 93% Professionals. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Personal Philosophy 03:01 Career Journey: From McDonald's to Tesco 05:54 The Importance of Learning and Adaptability 09:12 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Corporate Challenges 12:04 Navigating New Work Environments 15:08 The Impact of Labels and Societal Expectations 17:55 Transitioning from Investment Banking to Entrepreneurship 21:01 The Birth of Blue John and Its Mission 23:51 Personal Loss and Its Influence on Life Perspective 26:46 Empathy and Support for Others 30:10 Life Lessons and Career Reflections 33:11 Essie's Legacy and Motivation 35:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Episode Partner Blue John is a reputation management consultancy for companies and leaders facing growth or change. They advise brands to ‘start with your truth' and deliver reputation management consultancy through advisory, strategic communications, transaction support or change management. Often it is a combination of all these areas, as Blue John recognise that each company (or leader) is on their own journey, and it is rarely linear. Blue John is there to stand alongside brands, however and whenever they need them. Everything for reputation, for reputation is everything. www.wearebluejohn.com Support Links: https://www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk/

It must be one of the most-maligned professions out there - on a par, perhaps, with traffic wardens - but debt collectors perform a vital service to businesses and the wider economy. So why do we love to despise them? Evan Davis and guests discuss the industry's inner workings, from the public image of aggressive, burly bailiffs, to the reality of repayment plans prompted by artificial intelligence. We ask how most try to ensure they collect debts fairly, and also hear the other side of the debt story - how damaging and stressful it can be for businesses who desperately need the money.Plus, why do we find it so hard to talk about debt in the UK? We hear about the industry's efforts to tackle the stigma.Evan is joined by:John Pears, UK CEO, Lowell; Amon Ghaiumy, co-founder and CEO, Ophelos; Dana Denis-Smith, CEO and founder, Obelisk Support.Production team:Producer: Simon Tulett Researcher: Farhana Haider Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Dafydd Evans and Sarah Hockley Production co-ordinators: Rosie Strawbridge and Katie Morrison

Tiina Lee became Citi's UK Chief Executive a year ago. The bank employing thousands of staff in London, as well as several thousand more across Britain.She been speaking to Bloomberg's Francine Lacqua on The Pulse about London's status as a key hub for financial services as the new Labour government comes up to 100 days in power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graft Polymer (UK) PLC (LSE:GPL) CEO Anthony Tennyson talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the company's promising preclinical program targeting mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Partnering with Eurofins Discovery, Graft Polymer is testing its co-lead aminoindane series, a class of compounds that interact with serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine receptors. These compounds aim to reduce the human response to trauma, addressing the significant unmet need in PTSD treatment. "Unfortunately, PTSD affects millions, with 13 million sufferers in the U.S. alone," Tennyson explained, adding that current treatments are limited, leaving a large addressable market. With Eurofins Discovery's expertise in research services, Graft Polymer is moving forward quickly and expects preclinical results by the end of November. Watch the full interview for insights into this groundbreaking PTSD research and stay updated on Graft Polymer's progress. For more interviews like this, visit Proactive's YouTube channel. Don't forget to give this video a like, subscribe to the channel, and enable notifications for future updates. #GraftPolymer #AnthonyTennyson #EurofinsDiscovery #PTSDTreatment #PharmacologyTesting #MentalHea#ProactiveInvestors #invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews

In the 41st episode of our Unicorn Leaders series, Russell Goldsmith and Debbie West were joined online by Emma Hagan, the newly appointed UK CEO of ClearBank. Founded in 2015, ClearBank provides both clearing bank services and an embedded banking API to financial institutions. We actually featured ClearBank on this series back in October 2020 and so Emma gives us an update on what's changed in those four years, what her new role means for her and the business, the funding the company has had to date, international expansion, internal comms and culture, AI, and finally, why she thinks there is a lack of female leaders in this space. To find out more about ClearBank, visit https://clear.bank/

At Stripping the Dipping, we pride ourselves on sharing a broad range of perspectives from across the motorsport community. Mike Yau was part of the UK's sim racing vanguard, Managing Director of the UK's premier motorsport simulator venue, Simply Race, which he founded long before it was a commonly understood leisure activity. In this episode, we find out about his journey, starting his motorsport journey in the catering division of a go-karting venue, quickly rising to become one of the youngest general managers of Daytona Motorsport, before taking a leap of faith. This is a story of hard work, an insatiable desire to learn and an agile business brain, which has also led Mike to become the UK CEO of AK Esports, and work alongside motorsport champions such as ('friend of the show'TM) Mario Andretti, Jenson Button and Colin Turkington. Let us know what you think of this episode in the comments, come and find us on X or Instagram @StripTheDip!

Heather Blundell talks about her first year as Grayling's UK chief executive in the latest PRWeek podcast.Heather Blundell, who has over 15 years of experience working for global agencies including Edelman, Weber Shandwick and Ketchum, and who joined Grayling in October last year - speaks to PRWeek UK news editor Siobhan Holt in the latest episode of Beyond the Noise.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen on your favourite platform.In the episode, Blundell discusses her first year at the agency and her experiences during the first 12 months. She speaks about the challenges, including what changes she has made at the agency ranging from launching a media relations unit called Grayling Media to a new 'integrated' healthcare division.Blundell gives an update on what specialisms are faring the strongest for the agency and where Grayling UK has seen strong growth this year. New business is also examined, and the UK chief executive discusses agency/ client relationships and offers advice on how to avoid ghosting and poor pitching.In addition, Blundell gives her take on the current recruitment market in PR, and explains why she believes its important for agencies to take part in the annual Pay Gap Report. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is episode 18 in the second season of The Directors Take Podcast. In this week's episode your hosts Marcus Anthony Thomas and Oz Arshad are joined by Andy Harrower who is the CEO of DIRECTORS UK, who help amplify the collective voice of working directors in the UK in tackling the multitude of issues that they might face. The TV & Film industry has undergone massive amounts of change over the last decade and beyond, so we wanted to get Directors UK's perspective on the challenges faced by its 8,000 strong membership of Directors and by the wider industry too.  In this chat we cover:-   -What is Directors UK and what do you represent?  -So are you or are you not a union? -Why was it founded in the first place?  -How are residuals collected?  -How disruptive has streaming been for working Directors and the industry over the last ten years and what other issues have come to light outside of residuals? -The issue of late scripts and the subsequent mental health impacts.  -How sustainable is the UK industry for Directors at the moment? -The lack of joined up thinking around Talent Development in the UK. -Talent Development within Directors UK. -What other issues are in the crosshairs for Directors UK to attack?   Our wonderful sponsor for this episode is THE NATIONAL FILM and TELEVISION SCHOOL. We've also partnered with SCRIPTATION to offer our listeners an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on their software, which you can find on the link below…  http://scriptation.com/thedirectorstake    Nuggets of the week   Oz: Murder on the Orient Express - Tour Marcus: Selling Sunset - Season 8    Credits Music by Oliver Wegmüller   Socials Directors UK: Twitter (X), Facebook & Instagram The Directors' Take: Twitter (X) & Instagram Marcus: Twitter (X) & Instagram Oz: Twitter (X) & Instagram   If you have any questions relating to the episode or have topics you would like covering in future releases, reach out to us at TheDirectorsTake@Outlook.com

In the world of financial services, a banking license is like the Holy Grail – key to unlocking powerful capabilities like holding deposits, lending, managing mortgage books, and more.But, there are numerous trials and hurdles standing in the way of obtaining it. And once you do, what about the criminals ready to exploit your shiny new licence?Our expert host, Marit Rødevand is joined by Emma Hagan, soon-to-be UK CEO of Clearbank. The pair discuss: the hurdles for compliance teams of the application process, what happens once you get a UK banking licence, and what new financial crime risks do you open yourself up to. Producer: Matthew Dunne-MilesEngineers: Dominic Delargy and Nicholas Thon. ____________________________________The Laundry podcast: Dive deep into the intricacies of financial crime, AML (anti-money laundering), compliance, sanctions, and the ever-evolving landscape of financial regulation.Hosted by Marit Rødevand and Fredrik Riiser – this podcast features renowned experts from banking, fintech, compliance, and investigative journalism.Together, they shed light on the industry's trending topics, analyse mainstream news through a compliance-focused lens, and connect the fight against financial crime to its real-world consequences and ramifications.The Laundry is proudly produced by Strise, the AML Automation Cloud.Get in touch at: laundry@strise.aiWatch our recent product launch, The Q, here.Subscribe to our newsletter, Fresh Laundry, here. The views, opinions, and statements expressed by guests of this podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the podcast hosts, The Laundry team, or Strise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graft Polymer (UK) PLC CEO Anthony Tennyson takes Proactive's Stephen Gunnion through the progress the company has made in its commercial collaboration with Awakn Life Sciences. Tennyson explained the collaboration is aimed at developing new therapeutics for trauma-related mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He noted that Awakn has successfully identified two aminoindane chemical series as lead candidates, marking a crucial step forward in drug development. These compounds show promise in improving treatment options for conditions like PTSD, which affects millions globally. Additionally, synthesis pathways for these compounds have been defined, ensuring scalable production as the project advances towards more rigorous pharmacological testing. To further bolster the collaboration, Charnwood Discovery, a UK-based leader in drug discovery services, has been selected as the synthesis partner. Also, a new provisional patent was filed on August 27 with the US Patent and Trademark Office. For more insights into Graft Polymer's growth strategy and technological innovations, be sure to watch the full interview. Don't forget to give the video a like, subscribe to the channel, and enable notifications for future content. #GraftPolymer #PolymerTechnology #Innovation #AnthonyTennyson #MaterialsScience #TechAdvancements #R&D #Sustainability #FutureOfMaterials #ProactiveInvestors #invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews

Gary Turner, the former UK CEO and co-founder of software giant Xero, has been appointed to the board of directors at Mazuma. The company's co-founder and CEO Lucy Cohen joined us – alongside Gary – for a chat on how the appointment came to be, what accounting and tech firms can learn from each other, and whether there's life left in the traditional partner-led model. Alongside the Budget being confirmed for 30 October, Chancellor Rachel Reeves also announced a £22bn black hole in the public finances, as well as promising that tax rises are coming. Richard Hattersley looks at where the money might come from, and revisits VAT on private school fees and the abolition of non-doms. Finally, Matthew Ord looks at the worrying report into local authority audits from The Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors. Concerns have been raised that a high proportion of functions might be unable to complete their internal audit plans for 2023/24, with the under-resourcing of such a critical area also causing some nervousness.

Graft Polymer (UK) PLC (LSE:GPL) CEO Anthony Tennyson talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about a commercial collaboration with Awakn Life Sciences following the company's strategic operational review. Tennyson outlined Graft Polymer's decision to exit the industrial plastics sector to focus on its innovative biopolymer drug delivery systems. This pivot, driven by macroeconomic challenges, aims to stabilise and grow the business by targeting high-potential sectors such as substance use disorder and mental health treatments. The company recently completed a £1.8 million recapitalization to support this new focus. Tennyson explained the rationale behind selecting Awakn Life Sciences for its first commercial collaboration, highlighting the quality of Awakn's scientific team, particularly Professor David Nutt, the robustness of its scientific programs, and the promising pipeline of treatments for trauma-related disorders like PTSD. Graft Polymer secured a 40% stake in the future net income of Awakn's high-potential pre-clinical asset, emphasising the significant market opportunities in North America and Europe. “We believe the potential benefit for Graft shareholders is interesting and material,” Tennyson added. For more videos, visit Proactive's YouTube channel, and don't forget to give the video a like, subscribe to the channel, and enable notifications for future content. #GraftPolymer #AwaknLifeSciences #Biopolymer #DrugDelivery #MentalHealth #PTSDTreatment #Pharmaceuticals #Biotech #Investment #healthcareinnovation #ProactiveInvestors #invest #investing #investment #investor #stockmarket #stocks #stock #stockmarketnews

All eyes have been on the new prime minister as he, and his team of ministers, settle into their jobs running the country.In this episode we consider the management challenge of taking over and starting a new role, maybe changing the direction of an organisation. Three leaders from the world of business and the charity sector share their experience of coming in as a new broom, reflecting on the mistakes they made and advice they'd offer to the new Prime Minister.Evan Davis is joined by: Stuart Hill, UK CEO, DHL Rachel Roxburgh, former CEO, Dallaglio RugbyWorks Alan French, CEO, Thomas Cook PRODUCTION TEAM: Producers: Alex Lewis, Drew Hyndman, Miriam Quayyum and Diane Richardson Editor: Matt Willis Sound: James Beard and Hal Haines Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison and Rosie Strawbridge

With the integration of the two WPP agencies now complete, Whitehead joins PRWeek UK editor John Harrington in the latest episode of Beyond the Noise.Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or on your favourite platform.This week, Whitehead discusses the background to the merger - which has created the global agency behemoth Burson - and how the move was communicated internally.He speaks about the challenges of bringing together two huge agencies, including the impact on the workforce, logistical and cultural issues, and how clients have reacted.Whitehead discusses his priorities for the future and gives an update on Burson's AI capabilities and offers.Current trading trends and lessons from Cannes Lions are also examined, and the UK CEO discusses why the launch happened a couple of weeks earlier than initially announced.In addition, Whitehead, whose first role in comms was working for the Conservative Party in the 1990s, gives his take on the UK general election campaigns - and what the Starmer government could mean for the PR industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first of four episodes recorded at Money20/20 Europe, that we produced in partnership with Remote, the global HR platform. The event took place at the RAI in Amsterdam, and we recorded our interviews on 4-5 June. Our guests for this episode, which covers some of the key announcements from this year's event plus the latest news in cross border payments, embedded finance and lots more, were: 1/ Scarlett Sieber, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Money20/20 2/ Alexandra Johnson, Chief Payments Officer, Nium 3/ Jakob Pethick, Chief Commercial Officer, YouLend 4/ Hana Rolles, UK CEO, Paynetics 5/ Andy Davies, Global Head of Payments, Endava 6/ Justin Poiroux, Co-Founder and CTO, Yellow Card App

 About Aziz MusaAziz Musa, CEO of Cush.Digital, is a digital marketing trailblazer known for resilience and innovation. As the UK's youngest public company CEO, he's led Cush.Digital to the forefront of North Africa's digital landscape. With a passion for digital empowerment, Aziz has trained over 4,000 individuals in digital marketing, fueling a startup boom in East Africa. His expertise spans overcoming business challenges, sparking digital revolutions, innovating in product management, exploring AI's role in marketing, and bridging cross-cultural leadership. With a vast online following and proven engagement, Aziz promises to elevate any podcast discussion.About this EpisodeJoin us for an incredible journey with Aziz Musa, from a Lancashire village to digital pioneer. Aziz's entrepreneurial spark ignited at just 11, setting the stage for groundbreaking success. Delve into his transition from UK CEO to launching a Sudanese social enterprise, empowering youth with digital skills. Hear about his early dreams, family influence, and digital marketing odyssey. Experience the hurdles Aziz faced in Sudan, from infrastructure challenges to war, and how he conquered them. Gain insights into digital marketing's evolution, resilience, AI adaptation, and Cush Digital's strategic resilience. Don't miss Aziz's captivating anecdotes and lessons for thriving in today's digital realm. Tune in now and be inspired!Quotes4:03 - I'm a person of religion. I believe in God. I believe in the afterlife5:38 - Always do the right thing, and good things will happen to you in return. We're all part of the same journey. 7:32 - I don't think there are any challenges in life that you can't overcome. As long as you have an open mind – everything's possible. 8:03 - Resilience is a fundamental requirement of any entrepreneur, regardless of industry10:12 - For as long as you can, stay calm. Just keep going and you will be able to get through any challenge18:30 - As digital marketers, we are great at overusing technologyUseful LinksWebsite: https://cush.digital/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/azizmusa/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095443986493Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azizmusa/The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/Please review us: https://g.page/r/CS8IW35GvlraEAI/review

This week, Liz Lumley and Anita Hawser sit down with Emma Hagan, chief risk and compliance officer at ClearBank (and soon to be UK CEO), and former chief risk officer for Emea at SVB to talk about why she feels it is inevitable that another bank collapse of the kind that brought down SVB will happen again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embark on a journey through the labyrinth of customer service innovation with Patrick Elliot, the astute UK CEO of Global BPO Business HGS. As we unravel Patrick's storied career—spanning consumer electronics, the pioneering days at Orange, and the strategic chessboard of management consulting—you'll gain a front-row seat to the philosophy that propelled his rise to the top: keeping the customer at the very heart of every decision. Patrick candidly unpacks the trials and triumphs of the Contact Centre and CX BPO landscape, where the symbiosis of AI automation with the inimitable human touch in service is not just a trend, but the future. His foresight into the industry's trajectory is not to be missed by anyone looking to stay ahead in this dynamic domain.Prepare to be captivated as we dissect the complexities of delivering multi-faceted customer service, especially within the public sector, through Patrick's expert lens. We contrast the nuances between public and private service delivery, diving into channel integration, and the critical importance of meeting the diverse needs of different customer demographics. The conversation shifts to explore the transformative influence of hybrid work models on BPO evolution, shedding light on how internal communication, employee engagement, career development, and unshakable business ethics meld to construct a sustainable enterprise. Patrick's revelations offer a masterclass in navigating the ever-changing tides of the customer experience industry with agility and insight.

Today's blockchain and cryptocurrency news Bitcoin is up .5% at $68,379 Eth is up .5% at $3,704 BNB is down .5% at $605 Those are your leaders by market cap, top gainers in the past 24 hours. Avalanche up 16% Aptos up 18% Starbucks will end NFT program: Odyssey Beta. Coinbase' UK CEO expresses excitement about the launch of UK ETNs. Ether ETF predictions slide DOJ wants 40-50 yr. sentence for SBF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lucinda and Andy are joined by Liz Tait, fundraising director at Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity, to discuss progress with the charity's biggest and most ambitious fundraising appeal to date.Liz describes the planning process, including the use of campaign peaks to structure and maintain momentum during the multi-year appeal. She provides insight into Gosh Charity's use of new fundraising methods, such as gaming and streaming channels, and shares learnings for other charities planning appeals during the cost-of-living crisis.Also in the episode, Andy shares some highlights from his recent interview with Sacha Deshmukh, chief executive of Amnesty International UK. These include fixed term contracts for charity bosses and a ban on AIUK running TV adverts.Do you have stories of people whose lives have been transformed for the better thanks to your charity? If so, we'd like to hear them! All it takes is a short voice message to be featured on this podcast. Email lucinda.rouse@haymarket.com for further information.Tell us what you think of the Third Sector Podcast! Please take five minutes to let us know how we can bring you the most relevant, useful content. To fill in the survey, click here.Read the transcript.The interview with Liz Tait was recorded prior to news coverage alleging improper practices by fundraising agencies contracted by Gosh Charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephanie Hyde is UK CEO and EMEA Markets CEO at JLL.She joined JLL in 2021 to lead the UK business following over 25 years in professional services. Stephanie's role recently expanded to incorporate the leadership of JLL's EMEA Markets Advisory business across EMEA as CEO.Stephanie is responsible for driving strategy and results for JLL's leasing advisory and property management businesses as well as delivering a connected, approach for clients across the UK and EMEA region.Under her leadership, the UK business renewed its commitment to its sustainability strategy and goals, with the expansion of its sustainability team and services alongside the introduction of a new sustainability framework. She is continuing this work across the EMEA region and passionately  believes that to achieve net zero carbon commitments, businesses must move beyond words, from strategy to implementation to deliver measurable actions.During her time at PwC, Stephanie delivered growth across multiple business lines, developed client programmes in the UK and globally, and ran PwC's industry programme with a key focus on technology, transformation and sustainability. She previously led the UK regional business for PwC and was a member of the firm's Global Leadership Team and UK Executive Board. Stephanie has worked with clients across a wide range of sectors from energy and pharmaceuticals to public sector and consumer products.

Why is authentic representation in media and advertising so important? In a special live recording of the IPA On... podcast, Yelena Gaufman, Strategy Partner at Fold7, Laura Pirkis, Head of Strategy at FCB London and Jessica Tamsedge, UK CEO at Dentsu Creative explore all.

In this episode, we hear from Maxime Carmignac, CEO and Director of Carmignac UK.  Maxime discusses the benefits of the fundamental discretionary investing style, how ESG can most powerfully be captured within this process, research around the benefits of family- and employee- owned businesses, and the rationale for providing financial products direct to the retail investor (both female and male).  Maxime is in discussion with Eloise Goulder, Head of the Data Assets & Alpha Group. To read more about Carmignac, see https://www.carmignac.com/en_US This episode was recorded September 18, 2023. The views expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect the views of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co and its affiliates (together “J.P. Morgan”), they are not the product of J.P. Morgan's Research Department and do not constitute a recommendation, advice, or an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or financial instrument.  This podcast is intended for institutional and professional investors only and is not intended for retail investor use, it is provided for information purposes only. Referenced products and services in this podcast may not be suitable for you and may not be available in all jurisdictions.  J.P. Morgan may make markets and trade as principal in securities and other asset classes and financial products that may have been discussed.  For additional disclaimers and regulatory disclosures, please visit: www.jpmorgan.com/disclosures/salesandtradingdisclaimer. For the avoidance of doubt, opinions expressed by any external speakers are the personal views of those speakers and do not represent the views of J.P. Morgan.

Today on the PRmoment Podcast we're talking about values. We're going part history lesson, part comms theory and part future gazing. To help talk us through that kaleidoscope we've Rebecca Grant, UK CEO and Global Chief Brand Officer of BCW on the show.We're going to talk about the importance of values in successful communication campaigns. The hope is that in 30 mins' time, you'll know about the basics of Schwartz's values theory, why it matters to communications and we'll give you an insight into the research BCW has done to take Schwartz's theory and apply it to communications best practice.So it's a serious show and to match such a serious topic I should mention that it's the very serious ESG Awards entry deadline in September! Take a look at all the categories on the ESG Awards website.And thanks so much to the PRmoment Podcast sponsors of the PRCA.Here is a summary of what Rebecca and I discussed on the show:2 mins Rebecca talk us through Schwartz's work on values and what it was all about.“Values are the motivational basis for what we think, feel and do…they are foundational and shape how we engage with the world. They are more constant than our attitudes, knowledge and opinions."“Values are formed in adolescence and then shape your view of the world and they remain constant.”“Your values might shift or evolve but on the whole, once your value set is formed in adolescence they remain constant.”“You will have different values, they are not mutually exclusive.”“Professor Schwartz defines the basic human values - of which there are eleven.”“Values are good predictors of future behaviours.”7.30 mins You can visit www.bcwmovatory.com to find out your own values.8 mins Rebecca talks us through Schwartz's 11 values: Self-direction, Stimulation, Hedonism, Achievement, Power, Security, Tradition, Conformity, Universalism Societial, Universalism Nature, Benevolence.14 mins How has BCW's research put a communications layer on top of Schartz's work to understand how to communicate with people with different values?“As people, we will fit into 1 of the 7 Archetypes based on a combination of our core values”19 mins Why this research has huge implications for communications and content planning.23 mins Rebecca talks us through the 7 Archetypes coming out of BCW's research.The Success Seeker, The Conformist, The Adventurer, The Visionary, The Protector, The Good Neighbour, The Traditionalist and The Conformist.25 mins Bens's core values: Benevolence, Universalism Societial, Self-direction.26 mins Rebecca's Core Values: Benevolence, Universalism Societial, Conformity.

In this episode, I speak with Jessica Tamsedge, UK CEO, Dentsu Creative.Join us as we discuss the courage it takes to bring your people with you, even when you don't know all of the answers and having faith and trust in yourself and your team that you will find the way together.She also touches on the importance of transparency when you are leading large teams with different cultures and backgrounds for increased success for the whole team.Key takeaways include:The reality behind keeping it together as a leaderThe challenges and tension in female leadershipStepping into the identity of a more senior roleJessica is CEO, Dentsu Creative UK, the bringing together of 9 creative companies that span advertising and production, entertainment, earned and experience, across offices in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Newcastle. Jessica has built her career developing brands that shape culture and change behaviour.Follow Joanna Howes and The Change Creators:website: https://www.thechangecreators.comlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/For Leadership and team coaching and training, you can message me at joanna.howes@thechangecreators.com and we can book a call. website: https://www.thechangecreators.com linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahowes/youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2kZ-x8fDHKEVb222qpQ_NQ

Our expert host, Kate Moody, is joined by some great guests to talk about the most notable fintech, financial services and banking news from the past week. We cover the following stories from the fintech and financial services space: Public launches in the United Kingdom - 4:09 Embedded finance platform Solaris closes €38 million funding round to ‘strengthen governance and compliance' - 14:50 Revolut's US payment flaws allowed thieves to steal $20mn - 27:55 Martin Lewis felt 'sick' seeing deepfake scam ad on Facebook - 40:10 Jeremy Hunt unveils pension fund reform plan to help UK startups - 49:30 The co-founder of investment app Nutmeg, Nick Hungerford, has died at the age of 43 - 51:30 This week's guests include: Leif Abraham, Co-Founder, Public Konstantin Kavvadias, Chief Investment Officer, Solaris Sean Forward, UK CEO, Payabl More details on Elizabeth's Smile, Nick Hungerford's charity, can be found here (https://www.elizabeth.org/) Fintech Insider by 11:FS is a podcast dedicated to all things fintech, banking, technology and financial services. It's hosted by a rotation of 11:FS experts including David M. Brear, Ross Gallagher, Benjamin Ensor, and Kate Moody - as well as a range of brilliant guests. We cover the latest global news, bring you interviews from industry experts or take a deep dive into subject matters such as APIs, AI or digital banking. Follow us on Twitter: @fintechinsiders where you can ask the hosts questions, or email podcasts@11fs.com! Special Guests: Konstantin Kavvadias, Leif Abraham, and Sean Forward.

In this episode, Arun Sudhaman talks beachside in Cannes with BCW's UK CEO and Global Chief Brand Officer, Rebecca Grant and BCW Movatory colleagues, Eleanor Wilcox and Lisa Story. Together, the group discusses how values can help companies to navigate a complex world along with insights from BCW's analysis of human values across 30 markets, from 36,000 respondents and 30+ million data points. 

This is a bonus episode taken from our business show, How to be a CEO.To hear the full episode click here.There are dream jobs, right? Everyone has their own: Astronaut, athlete, having your own ice cream parlour on a beach.All exciting. But running a beer company. That's got to be pretty high up on the list for a lot of people? Brian Perkins is the president of Budweiser Brewing Group in the UK and Ireland, a job he took over in December 2021, just as the world was recovering from the pandemic and about to enter the cost of living crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an environment where the decision-making process is 350 days long, it's more important than ever to get to grips with what your buyers actually care about. And that's precisely what we uncover on this episode with Merkle B2B's UK CEO, Rob Gold. He joins Deputy Editor, Lucy Gillman, for a deep dive into their research, The Superpowers Index – a survey of 3,622 B2B buyers to unearth the decision-drivers that are business critical. The pair discuss the significance of safety, why price isn't all that, and if you want to reach your audience of tomorrow you can't just meet expectations, but surpass them. Want to learn more from Merkle on how to win the c-suite of tomorrow? Join us at Ignite London on 29-30 June and get the practical knowledge you need to drive greater results across every element of your marketing strategy. You'll find actionable solutions to your biggest pain-points across two days of panel discussions, networking, interactive workshops, roundtables and training sessions. Book now with exclusive discount code PODCAST to get 20% off your one or two day pass: events.b2bmarketing.net/ignitelondon

Ahead of World Refugee Day on 20th June 2023, Emma Cherniavsky, UK CEO of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) joins us to discuss the refugee and displaced persons crisis. Emma explains that World Refugee Day is a time to celebrate what refugees have brought to our countries, societies and communities. It's a time to celebrate the courage,  resilience, and extraordinary contributions of refugees and displaced persons. This episode provides context of the refugee and displaced persons crisis across the globe and highlights the importance of changing the negative narratives often projected in the media. We shed light on the work of the UNHCR, both on the front lines and in host countries -- ranging from emergency, humanitarian aid to long-term initiatives focused on education, employability, and inclusion. Our conversation also explores the wide range of partnerships with NGOs, government and other sectors in support of UNHCR's work, and we pay specific attention to the increasing importance and relevance of the private sector in helping drive this work forward. We conclude on a positive note, shedding light on the immense levels of public generosity and provide a range of ways in which folks can get involved. Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 200+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.   

It's great to have Clive Washbourn back on the show. The Episode I recorded with him two years ago has been the most downloaded of any so far, so it's obviously going to be good for business to do a follow-up. But it's more than that. Clive is one of those people who is famous in the market. He is someone who people tell stories about, so you've heard about him even if you haven't met him. So when he founded his Navium MGA it was a no-brainer to ask him on the show. I had no idea what to expect. What happened was Clive being an absolute force of nature and one of the most revealing and fun interviews I have ever been a party to. We did that one under a lockdown over a video call. This time we are face-to-face in Navium's office on Lime Street in the heart of the London market. It makes a huge difference to be physically in the room with someone like Clive. He really comes alive. What follows is another tour de force which reveals what is driving this remarkable marine MGA and what has pushed it to produce an amazing $360mn in gross written premium. We talk about the market, Clive's business philosophy and where Navium is heading and how it fits in with Pine Walk and the wider, and now restructured, Fidelis operation. But because this is Clive, we get into something that we rarely talk about elsewhere: Listening back, we grapple with the true art of underwriting and how to play yourself into a strong market position. We learn how you can be a really technical underwriter without being the least bit boring and how you need to be ultra-selective and teach yourself to maximise opportunities whenever they arise. We also get an idea of how you can turn down large amounts of under-priced business but at the same time make the brokers keep coming back to see you. After two interviews I've got my own theory. I think people come to see Clive because they really enjoy his company. I think he is someone you could talk to about anything and he would make it an interesting conversation and an honest an unflinching exchange of views. I get the feeling Clive makes all the people he talks to feel understood and special. Here Clive even reveals a historical interest in the battle of Waterloo and burnishes his prog rock credentials by bursting straight into song! We both had a lot of fun – and I learned a huge amount - and so will you. NOTES Abbreviations: TLO is a Hull insurance abbreviation for Total Loss Only. ULR is the Ultimate (Net) Loss ratio. Rinku Patel is mentioned as being in the room with us. He is CEO of Navium's incubator Pine Walk and is also now COO of Fidelis MGU as well as being its UK CEO. The quote ‘No battle plan survives the first shots of war/first contact with the enemy' has been attributed to many, including Napoleon, but probably dates back to an 1871 paper by Prussian Field Marshal, Helmuth von Moltke. And finally, here's a link to the 1973 progressive rock classic Karn Evil 9 by Emerson, Lake & Palmer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLS0Med0s6E the original had to be split into 3 parts so that it could fit on a vinyl LP! Clive's part comes in at 8'40”… LINKS We thank our naming sponsor AdvantageGo: https://www.advantagego.com/

There are dream jobs, right? Everyone has their own: Astronaut, athlete, having your own ice cream parlour on a beach. All exciting. But running a beer company. That's gotta be pretty high up on the list for a lot of people? Brian Perkins is the president of the Budweiser Brewing Group in the UK and Ireland, a job he took over in December 2021, just as the world was recovering from the pandemic and about to enter the cost-of-living crisis.In this episode, we talk about:How people's tastes have changed dramatically in the last three years.The growth of non and low-alcoholic drinksWhy more women are drinking beerHow a beer company created one of the largest e-commerce systems in the worldThe role of big brewers in supporting pubs and barsThe opportunities, and responsibilities, big brewers have over smaller companiesFor more interviews, news and analysis, go to standard.co.uk/business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for episode #109 where we welcomed Alison UnstedAlison has over 25 years' experience gained in both operational and specialist global HR leadership roles across professional services, retail and STEM industries working for employers such as law firm Hogan Lovells, the John Lewis Partnership and BAE Systems plc. She is a subject matter expert in the field of diversity, inclusion, and workplace wellbeing.Alison is UK CEO & Global Strategy Director for the City Mental Health Alliance, a global network of large organisations, predominately in the financial and professional services sector, collaborating together to create mentally healthy workplaces.In her role, Alison works closely with the Board to set and deliver the CMHA strategy to ensure CMHA is well positioned to deliver to its future vision. Alison leads the Thriving at Work programme, working closely with member organisations, providing workplace assessments and consultancy support in helping them to identify priority areas in terms of mental wellbeing in the workplace, providing practical guidance, and working collaboratively across member organisations to deliver projects that support these priorities.Tune in to catch up on all of the above!

Jego pierwsza biznesowa przygoda związana była z… keramzytem, a przedsiębiorczość towarzyszyła mu od dziecka. Teraz stoi na czele jednego z najbardziej ambitnych funduszy VC, który mierzy wysoko, inwestując miliony w polskie start-upy, nie bojąc się przy tym ryzyka. Dariusz Żuk – CEO AIP Seed 2.0 uważa, że firmy, które powstaną dzisiaj, mają szansę na globalny sukces.

Over the last year we have heard so much about the need for more UK port capacity. In this Sponsored Podcast The Loadstar explores one project that will deliver just that. Managing editor, Gavin van Marle examines DP World’s decision to construct a fourth berth at its London Gateway complex in the UK.Gavin gets answers about why this is so important for UK plc and European shipping and logistics from his guest Ernst Schulze, UK CEO of DP World and the company’s ambitions to transform itself into an end-to-end supply chain operator. Episode in more detail: The investment rationale (1.45) Investment size and timeline (6.05) Customer benefits (9.09) Rail outlook (10.19) Innovations and decarbonisation (13.30) The logistics of ports (17.03) UK Free Ports (20.29) E-commerce demand driver (22.18) Job creation (24.27) Digitalisation and supply chains (26.39) DP World’s vertical integration (28.58) Post-Covid supply chains (32.38) Website: www.theloadstar.com

Welcome to the PRmoment Podcast.This week we're chatting to Rebecca Grant, UK CEO,  BCW Global. Rebecca has one of the biggest jobs in UK PR. She heads up a team of over 200 people at BCW's London office and she led the Cohn & Wolfe London operation through the merger with Burson Masteller to a period of significant growth for what was already a big PR and comms operation.Rebecca joined BCW in 2011, previously she worked for Weber Shandwick and The Red Consultancy. She was appointed UK CEO on 2016.And do check out the home page of PRmoment for our latest webinars, including PR Analytics, LinkedIn as a B2B Marketing Channel and The intersection of Data, Insight and PR Planning.Finally, thanks to our PRmoment Podcast sponsors, The PRCA.Here is a summary of what Rebecca and PRmoment founder Ben Smith discussed:3 mins Rebecca on what it's like running a PR team of over 200 people.5 mins Rebecca reflects on how PR has changed so much in a relatively short period of time6 mins Rebecca's personal story is an interesting one. Her grandmother moved to the UK as a refugee from Zanzibar - so she is living proof of the moral and economic benefits of welcoming refugees into the UK.10 mins I put it to Rebecca that she's got the second biggest PR agency job in the UK!11 mins What is Rebecca most proud of during her time as UK CEO of BCW?14 mins How has the type of work that BCW has changed in the last couple of years?“When I started this job (in 2018) the briefs and client problems were contained at a practice level, so you'd have a  consumer brief and a corporate brief or a healthcare brief, the client work we're doing now isn't confined by those silos, it's about a business challenge.”“As a PR agency, you have a very different perspective on your client's business than many of your competitors within the marketing (consultancy) world.”16 mins WPP's PR Division grew by 27.4% in Q1 2022 - how did the UK bit of BCW fair?18 mins Has the cost of living crisis impacted the PR agency market yet?19.30 mins It's been a full-on couple of years at BCW - they had the merger of Burson Marsteller and Cohn & Wolfe and then Covid. What's the shape of the business at the moment? Is the bulk of the revenue still in corporate and healthcare?22 mins What type of consumer work is coming out of BCW London?24 mins BCW has just moved into WPP's office in Bankside - does Rebecca worry that it will be an increasing challenge to retain the BCW brands and culture in a multi-firm office?25 mins A discussion of how multi-disciplinary, multi-agency teams within a holding group can work together.

Rob Gold is the UK CEO of the Merkle B2B group. They deliver leading-edge data-driven, tech-enabled, and idea-led B2B solutions for their clients.  Their end to end solutions cover brand building, customer acquisition, customer retention to customer loyalty. We talk about: 

“Leaving people in the situation where all their major needs are met. For us, that is what a truly employee-centric model is. It is putting our people's needs first so that they are at their best, and in turn they will make sure that the service they are providing to our clients and candidates is also at its best.” This is how my special guest, Saira Demmer, explains their approach to creating a culture of high performance. If you are looking for strategies to increase your employee engagement and individual performance, I am sure you will enjoy this episode! Saira is the CEO of SF Recruitment Group, a specialist recruitment firm located in the Midlands. Since 1998, SF Group has placed over 40,000 people and they've been recognized as one of the Top 20 companies to work for in the UK. Saira is passionate about employee engagement and since joining SF has introduced a new people-centric business model which has delivered an increase of over 60% in individual employee performance and reward.  Episode Outline and Highlights [1:45] From corporate to a big investment firm to recruiting - Saira shared how she fell in love with the recruitment industry. [10:54] How employee engagement is promoted at SF Group. [19:02] “Work where and when you want” - learn what this means in SF's way of working. [26:10] Is it possible to enable people to measure and track performance without imposing KPIs? [30:23] The SF Experience and how it creates an environment where people can be successful. [34:08] Promoting intellectual freedom with a culture of coaching and guidance. [37:37] SF's efforts in developing seniority and compensation to enhance performance. [40:42] How SF celebrates and shares success stories within the business. [46:53] Saira shares their plans for SF's expansion. How to Create an Environment of High Performance Recruiters SF Recruitment was listed 18th in the UK's 'Top 100 Small Companies to Work For', securing a place in the Top 20 for the second year. Their commitment to employee engagement has not only garnered them local and national recognition, but it is reflected in their performance as well. After joining SF, Saira introduced a people-centric business model that doubled productivity. Saira's insightful take on KPIs may nudge you to re-think your strategy in terms of performance management and employee engagement. Here are some key pointers that Saira shared which I encourage you to focus on in this episode: The work “where and when you want to” approach. Promoting intellectual freedom among recruiters in a coaching environment. Backing up performance with an Employee Ownership Scheme The SF Recruitment Experience To show the level of commitment they have for their employee experience, Saira came up with a business model called the SF Experience. This is an approach wherein they are able to build a high-performing culture through autonomy and flexibility. Benchmarking of packages and earnings is regularly done. In fact, one notable achievement by Saira is achieving a 0% gender pay gap at SF three years after reporting a 23% gap in 2018! This combination of benefits indeed results in better profitability and employee retention. Listen to this episode to hear the specifics directly from Saira. An Insightful Take on KPIs  I am a firm believer in knowing your numbers. Metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) are incredibly valuable in order to manage and optimize your performance. Interestingly, Saira mentioned that in SF, they do not impose KPIs. I asked Saira to what extent they enable people to measure their milestones resulting in placements and billings? Be sure to listen to this interview to discover her answer. Our Sponsors This podcast is proudly sponsored by i-intro®.  i-intro® is an end-to-end retained recruitment platform. Our technology and methodology allows recruiters to differentiate themselves from the competition, win more retained business, bigger fees and increase their billings. Be sure to mention Mark Whitby or The Resilient Recruiter for a 25% discount. Book your free, no-obligation consultation here: www.recruitmentcoach.com/retained  Saira Demmer Bio and Contact Info Saira is CEO at SF Group, a specialist recruitment firm headquartered in the Midlands. Saira joined in 2018 having previously been UK CEO and CFO at Ignata where she played a key role in building the group to over £40m of turnover today. Her knowledge of recruitment and talent solutions was honed during six years spent in Deloitte's M&A strategy team, where she was involved in a number of high-profile deals in the recruitment sector. Outside of the boardroom, Saira is also a dedicated adventurer, she previously climbed half of Mount Everest and loves to travel the world to pursue her love of open-water diving. Saira on LinkedIn SF Recruitment website link SF Recruitment on Facebook SF Recruitment on Twitter @sfrecruiters SF Recruitment on YouTube People and Resources Mentioned James Caan on LinkedIn Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Related Podcast You Might Enjoy TRR#81 James Caan on the 10 Characteristics of Highly Successful Recruitment Entrepreneurs   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter  

Welcome to the PRmoment Podcast.This week we're chatting to Jo-ann Robertson, partner and CEO, London at Ketchum and Janita Lakhanpal, director of business development at Ketchum about “How to build a diverse PR agency”It's a journey Jo-ann and Janita started back in 2018 and I thought it would be interesting to ask them on the show to chat about their experience of building a more diverse organisation.Before we start, just to tell you about PRmoment's new Patron Scheme. If you are a regular consumer of our content, including this podcast, and you're getting value from it, if you fancy making a contribution to help fund PRmoment - now you can.We have three different Patron Tiers—The Daney Parker Tier, The Chadlington Tier and Edward Bernays Tier.Also, The PRmoment Awards final entry deadline is coming up. You've got until 28th January to get your entries in.Finally, thanks to our PRmoment Podcast sponsors, The PRCA.Here's a summary of what Jo-ann, Janita and I spoke about:2 mins Why did Jo-ann decide that diversity and inclusion was an important objective for Ketchum UK when she became UK CEO?4 mins Many agencies want to recruit more diverse teams but say the talent is not out there - why does Jo-ann think that's “bullshit”?7 mins Janita talks about starting the process of increasing the diversity of Ketchum UK and the role of Creative Equals in helping Ketchum through that journey.9 mins Janita talks about Ketchum's D&I roadmap.“There was stuff in the staff survey that was horrifying, especially when you're a business you think is driven by equity, equality, kindness and generosity.” 10 mins How Ketchum shared the results of Creative Equals 2018 survey “warts and all” with its employees in London.12 mins What were the critical changes Ketchum made in response to the D&I data they got back from the Creative Equals survey.16 mins Where do organisations need to start if they want to increase the number of diverse employees in their workforce.17 mins Why “the rewiring of Ketchum's recruitment strategy made everyone in Ketchum's life more difficult.”20 mins “Years 2018, 2019, 2020 were really about the foundation and infrastructure…internally focussed…2021 was a transformational year we went from the leadership team having to drive it to…the demand for progress and change was coming from the grassroots (of the business.)”27 mins Jo-ann talks us through Ketchum's This Is Me education programme.29 mins For any PR agencies looking to go on a similar journey, Jo-ann and Janita talk about their approach to the key challenges to improving a business's approach to D&I: CultureOrganisation structureClient workClients33 mins “My biggest piece of advice would be to get an external partner, in the early days we could not have done this without Creative Equals.”38 mins When asked about Ketchum's plans for 2022: “This is a job that will never be done.”

In this episode of Marketing That Matters, sponsored by Google, Russell Parsons talks to three marketers who are tackling the challenge of measuring marketing effectiveness: Which? head of marketing Simon Crane; and Jo Lyall and Andy Goodwin, UK CEO and head of search respectively at the consumer protection brand's digital agency, Brainlabs. They delve into the challenges that Which? and Brainlabs have faced in measuring marketing outcomes and driving sustainable business growth, in order to further the brand's consumer-championing agenda, including: - How organisations can benchmark performance in the midst of a highly unusual period - How the language used to frame measurement can help organisations align internally around objectives - Why linking marketing activity to business growth poses a perennial challenge for marketers.