Clarion, who have clients including Aldi, Cigna Healthcare, Unilever and Wickes to name but a few, secured the retained integrated communications contract through a competitive pitch process. The remit will see the agency support REM with Consumer and B2b PR including issue management and social media content across its assets with a particular focus on showcasing The Shard as a beacon for modern London amongst tenants and the wider community. This will include the development and amplification of its annual ‘Shard Festive Lights’ campaign.

Daniel Fulbrook, Head of Marketing, Real Estate Management (UK) Limited commented: “We are thrilled to appoint Clarion as our PR partner. Their experience in providing strategic and creative PR campaigns across both consumer and B2b was a significant draw and their proven success with the likes of St Pancras International really resonated.  We had great chemistry from the off which is incredibly important as they will act as extension of our team. We can’t wait to get started on the exciting proposals planned.”

Amanda Meyrick, CEO at Clarion Communications said: “We’re incredibly proud and really looking forward to working across REM’s premium property portfolio. When it comes to The Shard, it’s a privilege to support such an iconic London landmark and we look forward to delivering successful campaigns that will enhance the building’s iconic status.”

The Consumer and B2b PR and digital marketing agency’s other recent wins include Bread & Butter Wines, Danone, Evan Evans and Hovis. 

Meyrick adds: “We’re seeing a big influx in brands choosing us for our integrated communications abilities including forty percent of our clients now relying on our issues management. Having everything under one roof means we can effectively and efficiently provide clever and consistent communications strategies which clients such as REM notably benefit from.” 

Source: Clarion

Joining the ranks are renowned author, coach, and TV presenter Anna Williamson, esteemed Professor and Design Historian Deborah Sugg Ryan, and Veterinarian influencer, Cat the Vet.

“At Clarion, our ‘Clever Works’ philosophy is about more than just clever ideas,” said Amanda Meyrick, CEO at Clarion Communications. “It’s about building campaigns on a bedrock of insight – whether data-driven or culturally-sourced – to deliver measurable impact for the brands we champion.

Meyrick continues, “Our new recruits are leaders within their fields, each representing a key growth area for Clarion: home and interiors, pet care, and influencer marketing. Their expert advice will be invaluable in shaping our strategic creative campaigns be it consumer or B2b, as well as lending their voices to brands for media outreach and attracting new clients.”

The new advisory board members bring a wealth of experience to Clarion:

• Anna Williamson: Best known for her work on Celebs Go Dating, Anna brings a wealth of experience in media, relationships, and personal development, making her a valuable asset to Clarion’s lifestyle and consumer brands having already played a role in the agency’s work with healthcare brand, Cigna.
• Professor Deborah Sugg Ryan: A leading voice in design history, Deborah’s expertise in home and interiors will be crucial for Clarion’s work with brands in this sector such as Wickes and Aldi.
• Cat The Vet: Cat is a UK qualified and practicing small animal veterinary surgeon with over 20 years of experience in the field. In addition to her daily work with pets, Cat has a dedicated online following where she shares engaging and educational content to her followers. Cat brings a unique perspective as a veterinarian and influencer to the board, strengthening Clarion’s expertise in the rapidly growing pet care market.

Clarion’s existing roster of ‘Very Clever People,’ include Mistress of Wine, Sam Caporn, Sustainability Consultant, Cath Harris, Spirits Expert and Sunday Brunch presenter, Pritesh Mody and Great British Bake-Off Finalist, Miranda Gore Brown to name but a few.

Source: Clarion Communications

Award-winning PR agency, Speed Communications, has appointed Sara Turner as Head of B2B PR. In this newly created role, Turner will help to drive continued growth in the agency’s business and corporate team which was listed as one the UK’s top 25 agencies in B2B PR this year. Turner will report to Clare Cooper, Director of Business & Corporate.

Turner joins Speed with more than 20 years of experience at four of the world’s biggest PR agencies; most recently at FleishmanHillard, where she was a Director in the Technology practice, and previously at Ketchum, Hill & Knowlton and FTI Consulting.

Her expertise spans reputation-building and communications across various corporate sectors, including technology, professional services, automotive, aviation and energy. Throughout her career, Turner has managed high-profile campaigns for global clients, such as AT&T, IBM, KPMG, Philips, Nissan, Bombardier and Visa.

Kelly Pepworth, Managing Director of Speed Communications, said:

“Sara is a great addition to our talented Business & Corporate team. Her impressive track record and specialist understanding of impactful corporate and B2B comms environments will be invaluable as we continue to expand our portfolio of business brands.”

Commenting on her new role, Turner said:

“It’s great to have joined such a talented team. Speed’s commitment to excellence is second to none and I’m eager to contribute to our support for a range of brilliant clients and our next phase of growth.”

Source: Speed Communications

As trade experts, Clarion has always provided its clients with invaluable insights from leading retailers in the convenience sector. The Clarion Retailer Collective represents an evolution of this offering, with a refreshed panel and a renewed focus on collaboration. Its diverse panel comprises retailers from different geographical locations, retail fascias, genders, and generations, reflecting the evolving landscape of the convenience channel.

The ’core’ Collective features some of the biggest names in retail alongside the channel’s rising superstars, this includes: Costcutter retailer and co-founder of C-Talk, Paul Cheema, Amrit Singh Pahal of H & Jodie’s Nisa in Walsall, Trudy Davies of Woosam and Davies News in Wales, Avtar ‘Sid’ Sidhu of St John’s Budgens in Kenilworth, Sophie Williams of Broadway Convenience Store in Edinburgh, Sue Nithyanandan of Costcutter in Epsom and Ricky Sharma of the Thrifty’s chain in the North West onboard – plus more!

The Clarion Retailer Collective will be lending their expertise to Clarion’s established Trade Matters series, which is an informative guide for brands on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector. But that’s just the beginning —they’ll play a pivotal role in shaping campaigns for some of its clients including Unilever, Danone and Jacob Douwe Egberts to name but a few. They’ll also be evaluating successes, testing new products, and serving as key case studies.

Rebecca Wainwright, Managing Partner at Clarion Communications, adds: “We’ve seen an exponential rise in the power of retail influencers, and B2B influencer marketing has become a staple in creating impact for our clients. While we’ve always leveraged retailer insights to guide our trade comms campaigns, we’re now placing retailers at the forefront of our executions, as peer-to-peer endorsement remains one of the most powerful techniques available.

“Moreover, our panel reflects the evolving retail landscape, enabling us to harness their insights and continue deepening our understanding. Our collaborative approach benefits both our clients and the retailers. Clients gain invaluable insights and access to key decision-makers, while retailers have the opportunity to shape industry trends, trial innovative products, and build lasting relationships.”

Clarion will be unveiling its latest instalment of Trade Matters in collaboration with the Clarion Retailer Collective next month! To view previous reports, visit here.

Source: Clarion Communications

Launching on TV from 8^th August 2024, the campaign marks Radox’s return to shower-specific advertising for the first time since pre-2021. The ad creative focuses on the brand’s ‘mood boosting’ fragrance range including Feel Awake: Sea Minerals & Fennel Shower Gel, and Radox Feel Relaxed: Lavendar & Waterlily Shower Gel, and highlights how Radox shower gels cater for every mood, empowering consumers to start the day feeling their best.

Brits are increasingly using more than one cleansing product a week, with 26% saying they like to alternate their fragrances, and 22% saying they change their product based on their mood². The Radox range allows consumers to alternate products based on these preferences.

Created by agency Adam & Eve DBB, the dynamic TV advert is supported by the feel-good nostalgic Girls Aloud Track, “Something Kinda Oooh” and is peppered with scenes of different people using Radox in the shower. Opening with tired morning yawns, the advert moves on to people singing and dancing in the shower when using the products, showcasing the mood uplifting effects of the shower gel.

Radox will also be partnering with influencer talent to drive awareness of the range alongside the multi-million ATL campaign. The influencer activity will be continuing the momentum of the advertising with social media and digital activations featuring the products on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

Chris Barron, General Manager Personal Care UK&I at Unilever says “Fragrance is the number one consumer need in the shower gel category³ and this latest campaign builds on last year’s relaunch of the ‘mood boosting’ range which features new packaging and enhanced scents. The creative vibrantly captures the transformative effects of each fragrance on different moods, helping to engage with new and loyal customers, and encourage even more shoppers to experience Radox to recharge the body and mind.

“We’re delighted to bring this fantastic new campaign for Radox shower gels to screens nationwide. It’s a great opportunity to reinforce the brand’s position in the market and reintroduce our ‘mood boosting’ range to consumers with something new and fun. The campaign aims to demonstrate how these products can make your everyday shower into a revitalising escape. Whether you need to feel relaxed, recharged or uplifted, there’s a Radox shower gel for everyone.”

The ‘Feel Radox Ready’ campaign continues the brand’s ongoing commitment to driving brand awareness to boost retailer sales and category growth. Earlier this year, the brand introduced an additional, ‘Feel Hydrated’ Watermelon & Mint shower gel, bolstering the range and furthering its appeal to shoppers by tapping into the fastest growing fragrance trend, watermelon and mint⁴. Radox Feel Hydrated has performed significantly well to date and has become the fourth best-seller in the shower gel range.

Radox will continue to support the shower gel range including ‘Feel Hydrated’ across key retailers via stand-out shelf takeovers and impactful shopper marketing, with the bold pack designs communicating the ‘new mood boosting fragrance’. The impressive shopper marketing activity will run in stores across the UK from the 8^th August to the 2^nd October.

Source: adam&eveDDB

Bringing together over 40 years of medical communications, education and PR agency experience, Chemistry we Create will tap into its team of health experts to create campaigns that deliver real insight, experience and impact in the pharmaceutical, biotech or MedTech space.

Working across both human and animal health, the consultancy aims to discover insights that create powerful reactions by uncovering unmet needs, understanding the changing landscape of pharma and the advances in healthcare. The offer’s strength is the team’s ability to influence diverse healthcare networks to increase awareness, educate and drive change, by reaching those who need to hear the message most. 

Led by Solaris Health’s Chief Executive, Claire Dobbs, and Speed Communications’ Head of Health, Laura Murphy, Chemistry we Create has big ambitions. Dobbs brings over 25 years of global healthcare experience across a wide range of therapy areas, and a passion in making the magic happen by encouraging constant evolution in our thinking and our offering. Murphy has been instrumental in delivering award-winning PR campaigns in the health and wellbeing sector for over 15 years, focused on delivering cut-through and impact in the earned space.

Claire Dobbs commented: “The healthcare landscape is always evolving, so in recognising the need for a bespoke PR agency offer, Chemistry we Create offers something unique and special within the healthcare space. It is with shared passion and talent that we will continue to evolve the offer to ensure we deliver impact for our current and future clients.”

Laura Murphy continued: “We saw a huge opportunity to develop a new, agile offer that was grounded in medical communications, education, and PR expertise. Often these functions can sit siloed which means that briefs aren’t always fully realised. But through the shared expertise, we are confident that Chemistry we Create will bring something new to healthcare communication strategy. And it’s a journey we are very excited to be driving forward.”

Source: Chemistry we Create

Clarion’s campaign will weave together creative media and influencer strategies, working hand-in-hand with targeted search campaigns to not only drive bookings, but also cultivate a vibrant online community around Evan Evans’ legacy of exceptional experiences. This holistic approach will put a spotlight on six brand-new Evan Evans products launching this season, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation.

Marianne Moss, Head of Marketing for Evan Evans commented: “Having worked with Clarion on digital campaigns in the past, I am thrilled to welcome their expertise to Evan Evans. Collectively we will be sharing the magic of the brand’s rich history and commitment to delivering unforgettable guest experiences.”

Sue Roberts, Managing Partner at Clarion Communications, heading up the account said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to flex our digital PR offering, combining creative storytelling with data-driven strategies, we’re poised to amplify Evan Evans digital presence and bring their extraordinary experiences to life online.”

Source: Clarion Communications

WX Brands has appointed Clarion Communications as its social media agency for Bread & Butter Wines in the UK and Europe.

The WPP-owned agency, which was recently awarded Drinks Business’ PR Company of the Year, has been tasked with spreading the word about the Californian wine brand, which is rapidly growing in popularity.

WX Brands Commercial and Marketing Director UK & Europe, Sandrine Perry, says: “The Bread & Butter Wines mantra is that good things shouldn’t be complicated – and we certainly found that when making a decision about Clarion. It was clear to see from the proposal that they understood what our brand is about, and their strategic ideas combined with wine and social expertise, and pure enthusiasm really shone through.”

Clarion Managing Partner, Clare Sutton says: “Bread & Butter Wines has a serious existing fan base – our ambition is to elevate it now to cult status and make it less of a well-kept secret, while still maintaining its aspirational status. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be welcoming such a great brand into the Clarion fold.”

Bread & Butter joins Champagne Lanson, Georgian wine brand, Tbilvino, and Aldi among Clarion’s client roster.

Source: Clarion Communications

Clarion has been charged with growing Danone’s presence across the trade media, raising awareness of the business and its brands by communicating to retailers and key decision makers across grocery, impulse and foodservice. Helping in Danone’s overall mission to deliver health through food to as many people as possible, the remit will include category thought leadership, brand support and retailer engagement campaigns across its entire portfolio of dairy and plant-based products, waters, and specialist nutrition.

The WPP owned Consumer and B2B PR, digital and influencer marketing agency secured the contract in a non-competitive process having demonstrated its ability to deliver successful creative B2B PR and marketing strategies for the likes of Diageo, Unilever, Jacob Dowes Egberts and Soreen, to name but a few.

Louise Robinson, Customer Category Director UK & Ireland commented: “Clarion has a proven track record in delivering results. They are passionate and incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to the FMCG industry and their specialist trade communications knowledge, journalist relationships and capabilities are second-to-none. We had great chemistry from the off and we’re really pleased to have them on board.”

Managing Partner, Rebecca Wainwright who heads up Clarion’s B2B division said: “Danone is a dream business for us. They have so much to offer with a powerful mission and it’ll be our job to lift the lid on its trade communications to help drive this from a trade engagement perspective. 

“To be handed the remit off the back of our previous work too, makes it an incredibly proud moment for us as a team.”

Source: Clarion Communications

The FAB Awards did away with the traditional Black Tie / Sit Down Dinner of The Hurlingham Club and hosted a more relaxed Awards Presentation Party by the Brighton & Hove seafront.

Successful design, creative and effective work was showcased to the attendees at the show, and winning projects were announced – be it a Grand Prix (FABulous), a Gold (FAB) or a Silver Award.

The recipients of the best in show ( FABulous Award ) at The 26th FAB Awards, were as follows:

FABulous Award across all Design categories:

Gallus Barossa Whisky by Denomination

Isle of Wight Tomatoes by B&B Studio London

FABulous Award across all Advertising & Innovation categories:

BOI-1DA.I. for BACARDÍ by BBDO New York

Ring of Comfort for M&M’s by BBDO New York

BBDO New York wins Agency of The Year Award 

BBDO New York took home The Agency of The Year Award. BBDO New York were the winners in 2022 and 2023 and have now taken the crown a record number of times since FAB was founded in 1999. The Omnicom Agency won both The Advertising FABulous’ ( Best In Shows ) and a record number of FAB ( GOLD ) and Silver Awards and finished well ahead of their nearest competitors who were St. Luke’s London and Mother this year.

PepsiCo Win The FAB Brand / Marketer of the Year Award for the first time

Much of PepsiCo‘ success came from their Global Redesign, their Compostable Bag activation, Doritos Outdoor and Lay’s Branded Content.

PepsiCo have won this award for the first time following MARS Inc.’ Seven wins and McDonald’s and Burger King who have been recognised twice previously.

Commenting on the news of their win, Jane Wakely, Chief Consumer and Marketing Officer and Chief Growth Officer, International Foods at PepsiCo:

“I’m thrilled and honoured that PepsiCo has won the FAB Brand / Marketer of The Year Award for the first time! This recognition is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our teams around the world. From our global Pepsi redesign to the American compostable bag activation, our efforts to connect with consumers and drive positive growth shows real momentum . I couldn’t be prouder of what our teams have accomplished together and am excited for what’s to come.”

Design Bridge and Partners Win FAB Design Agency of the Year Award

Branding & Design expert Design Bridge and Partners, were named the FAB Design Agency of the Year, taking home Silvers and a FAB ( GOLD ) at The Awards. They narrowly edged out their closest competitors who were Denomination.

FAB GOLD Winners were:

Packaging Design:

Luxury Redefined – Bruichladdich by James Cropper

Gallus Barossa Whisky by Denomination

Brand Identity:

Slurpee Brand Evolution by Safari Sundays, New York

Brand Redesign:

Pastiglie Leone by Design Bridge and Partners

Isle of Wight Tomatoes by B&B Studio, London

Interior Design & Retail Environment

The Alchemist, London Victoria by DesignLSM, Brighton

Advertising & Innovation FAB GOLDS

Butterkist Microwave by St. Luke’s, London for Butterkist (Poster / Outdoor / OOH & Best Use Of Media)

KFC “We Heard You” for KFC by Mother ( TV & Cinema Commercials )

Ocado “Inspired Choice” for Ocado by St. Luke’s, London ( TV & Cinema Commercials )

Cocktail Couture for Bombay Sapphire by BBDO New York ( Experiential )

Marmite Patches by OLIVER London for Marmite ( Guerrilla Marketing & Social Media)

BOI-1DA.I by BBDO New York for BACARDÍ ( Best Use Of Technology, Branded Content & Entertainment, Branded Utility )

Lay’s Groundhog’s Day by OMD USA for PepsiCo ( Branded Content & Entertainment )

The World’s Strongest Can by Opinionated Portland for Voodoo Ranger ( Branded Content & Entertainment )

Ring of Comfort by BBDO New York for M&M’s ( Influencer Marketing & Integrated )

Reese’s “Put Peanut Butter In It” for Reese’s by Mother ( Social Media )

Uber One “Best Friends” by Mother for Uber ( Online Advertising )

Perdue Chix Mix by Colle McVoy, Minneapolis for Perdue ( Integrated )

Jack in the Box x Pineapple Express by Carat, USA for Jack in the Box ( Best Use of Media )

A Better Fortune by The Gate London for On Your Side

The FAB Awards Trophies are made out of recycled packaging materials.

A full list of the Winners of The 26th FAB Awards can be seen here.

Source: The FAB Awards