PR trends for 2023

The world of public relations is ever-changing. As we look forward to 2023, there are a few questions on every PR professional’s mind: How will changes in trends have an impact on social media channels? What will the implications of the rise and fall of certain social media apps be for us? Will AI play a larger role in the future and how can we utilise it? How can we be more inclusive and appreciate diversity? What are the best ways to keep up with what’s trending? 

Let’s explore these topics and see what the future has in store for us!

Third-party cookies

As the demand for internet users’ privacy has become more prominent, Google has decided to wave goodbye to third-party cookies. 

But what are third-party cookies? Third-party cookies are the way that websites track and gather information about the places we visit online. This is the reason we tend to see really specific ads that are spookily similar to things we have recently seen or looked up. The cookies pick up on our preferences, making targeted ads tailor-made for us! 

So, what does it mean now that Google is opting to stop third-party cookies altogether? It makes it harder for advertisers to track consumer activity, making re-marketing a challenge.

Here are some handy ways you can minimise the impact of this on your brand:

  • Strengthen customer relationships – A great way to do this is by creating content that is authentic and reliable. Consumers want a brand they can trust to come back to and recommend to their friends and social media audiences.
  • Use other ways to broaden your brand visibility – Maximise other forms of reaching potential customers, including social media, emails and traditional forms of media.
  • Make sure the customer journey is enjoyable from beginning to “end” – If customers have a good experience engaging with a brand they will come back for more.
  • Make good use of first-party cookies – These cookies track a user’s habits on the same website they are using. These can be used to create customised offers and emails, thus enhancing customer experience.

Social media

Users of Twitter and Instagram have recently been quite vocal about their displeasure with the apps and the direction they are going in.

social media

Instagram VS. TikTok

The push for reels and edging away from still images, which is how the app originally gained traction, has left a sour taste in the mouth of many loyal consumers. Not helping matters is the Instagram algorithm filling users’ main feeds with suggested posts. A common complaint is missing posts from those we actually follow and look forward to seeing. All of these issues have, in turn, lowered engagement. 

One way to combat this is to make sure the content created by your brand is genuinely interesting, to flip users’ reactions from being annoyed by random content, to interest and curiosity for something new. Another option, which many brands have been adopting, is leaning into the use of video-based apps such as TikTok, where user engagement is booming and there is positive feedback from users.

Twitter’s Musk situation

Since Mr Musk stepped in as Twitter’s CEO, we have seen several changes take place. The termination of numerous employees, reinstatement of notorious offensive profiles and trialling of a paid version of the app, has left #Twittershutdown and #RIPTwitter trending as of late. 

For those of us who use Twitter as a vital means of communication and relationship building, not to mention connecting with journalists through hashtags like #journorequest, the threat of Twitter imploding poses a significant threat.  

However, all may not be lost, as this could be where Hive Social enters the room. This new alternative to the bird app has seen a surge of people making accounts as they brace for the end of their days on Twitter. Hive has recently hit one million users and could be the alternative that saves the day! One to keep an eye on for fearful PRs.

AI

AI are machines that imitate human intelligence and can be used to complete tasks. Over time, their intelligence grows based on the information received. Some AI that may come in handy for PRs in 2023 include: speech-to-text; text-to-speech; Identifying industry-related influencers; and AI writing tools.

Tools like Jasper AI, Rytr, or Anyword, can have a serious impact on how we write copy. AI writing tools such as these can write just about anything, from press releases, email copy, blogs and more! 

AI like HypeAuditor and Affable can scour the web to find influencers relevant to particular niches, highlighting their demographic insights and engagement, making it easier to assess how they could be relevantly utilised for campaigns. Tools such as these can also be handy when measuring ROI.

Speech-to-text AI can be useful for note-taking during conferences, interviews or presentations. Text-to-speech can transform press releases and other copy into audio for those who prefer this format.

Diversity & Inclusion

As social injustices continue to be highlighted and called out, many brands have attempted to appear diverse and inclusive in their campaigns. Where some brands have unfortunately fallen short is by trying to maximise on the movement for equality without actually demonstrating their solidarity through actions. This kind of ingenuine behaviour is transparent and turns consumers off in a big way. 

To avoid this, your brand should continue to grow and create content accessible to all. Bringing in people from all walks of life, not only in campaigns, but also as members of their internal teams is vital. This should include diversity in race, body type, disability, gender, LGBTQIA+ community and more! Brands that refuse to become diverse in a genuinely authentic way will soon see themselves falling behind competitors who have stepped up their game.

Keeping up with what’s trending

As PRs, we must continue to keep an eye and ear out for what is new and keep up with what is trending. Some great ways to do this are by subscribing to newsletters and attending webinars. Gaining insight and sharing the knowledge wealth amongst our peers will make sure we are always in the loop. 

Some great platforms include Meltwater, PRMoment and, Vuelio, to name a few. And of course, you can’t forget to check out Posh Cockney blogs to keep up with our thoughts on current happenings!

 

 Need a team of hospitality experts to help your brand adapt to new and upcoming PR trends? Get in touch with Posh Cockney today.


barrio bars brunch

Best Bottomless Brunches in London

Bottomless brunch. Who doesn’t love an endless flow of drinks paired with good food and a great atmosphere? Here is a list of the best bottomless brunches in London that are a sure way to get the party going and be the highlight of your weekend.

Kwaku’s Brunch

First on the list, we have Kwaku’s Brunch. This black-owned brunch not only offers bottomless rum punch but bottomless wings too (with vegan and non-alcoholic options available as well!), so you’ll need to come thirsty and hungry. Resident and guest DJs will have you up and fully entertained with the best of RnB, Hip Hop, Afrobeats & Amapiano, Bashment and 90s music. For £42pp, you can enjoy the brunch from 3pm and also go straight into the day party finishing at 10pm.

The last brunch of the year is coming up on 6th November, so if you don’t want to miss out, get your tickets here!

Kwaku's Brunch

Nobu Shoreditch

Next up, if you’re looking for a touch of luxury with your bottomless brunch, then Nobu Shoreditch has you covered. For £110pp, you can enjoy unlimited access to their Japanese brunch buffet with a variety of fresh sushi, Makki, sashimi and unlimited drinks including prosecco, asahi beer or elderflower cooler for a duration of two hours. You also get a choice of main and dessert!

Nobu Shoreditch

Barrio Bars

Okay, so the third on the list isn’t just one, but six different bottomless brunches! But we’ll count them as one because they’re all under the Barrio umbrella. Each of the Barrio Bars sites offer a full-colour, full-flavour experience, serving Latin-inspired cocktails, Mexican street food and, each site has its own unique bottomless brunch! All brunches offer a 2-course menu with bottomless drinks. 

Barrio Shoreditch and Barrio Watford host their 80s inspired La Isla Bonita Brunch every Saturday. Barrio Angel’s brunch theme is Battle of the Boy Bands, on every Saturday from 1-5pm. Every Saturday from 12-5pm, you can catch The Notorious B.I.N.G.O. & Bottomless Brunch at the Barrio Brixton site. You can experience Cardi B.runch on Saturdays from 12-5pm at Barrio SOHO. From 12th November, Barrio Covent Garden will be bringing its La Bamba Bingo Brunch every Saturday.

Barrio Bars

Esq Bar & Grill

And last but certainly not least, we have Esq Bar and Grill. Another fabulous black-owned bottomless brunch and day party. For £35pp, you get the choice of three brunch options, a meaty one, a seafood one and a veggie one. And of course, alongside the food menu, there are unlimited drinks available on both Saturday and Sunday (Sundays are 90s themed)!

Esq Bar & Grill

Want to see your bottomless brunch offering in a list like this? Get in touch with Posh Cockney today to elevate your brand experiences.

In need of foodie recommendations for a full day in the capital? Check out our London Foodie Bucket List blog and never be short on ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night hotspots!


London foodie bucket list

Your London Foodie Bucket List

Picture this, you meet up with your buddies, it’s been a million years since you’ve all seen each other and you’re all thinking the same thing – it’s time to get some top-tier grub at some of London’s many food spots. But what’s this? No one actually knows where to go? That’s where you step in: rising above as the foodie god of your friend group and guiding the way to the best culinary spots in London. 

Your friends start cheering, everyone around you starts to slow clap. You did it. You saved the foodie day! Sounds good? Well, then, you’ll probably want to read on and discover Posh Cockney’s London Foodie Bucket List.

All-day foodie fun

Gourmaze: The Tasty Treasure Hunt is perfect for all you scavenger hunt lovers out there. Satisfy your sense of adventure while indulging in hidden foodie gems across London. In your group, you’ll follow riddles sent straight to your phone, and working together to solve them will lead you to find the mystery dishes. This is a fun cross between a food walking tour and an escape room.

Start the day right

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, or so they say. So why not start it off with a bang?!

Cafe Kitsune has a range of French Japanese-inspired pastries. Dining here will have you asking, am I in London, Tokyo or Paris? But don’t worry, you are definitely in London as long as you head down to the Belgravia branch. You have the choice of eating on their mezzanine floor or the sun-soaked Motcomb Street terrace, (sun-soaked-ness may vary based on the weather).

Chestnut Bakery serves up unique and beautiful sweet and savoury croissants and other baked goods you can enjoy alongside your morning coffee. If you like seeing how things are done, then you’re in luck as you may be able to see the bakers at work through a glass window!

Or maybe you’ll be in the mood for something a bit more hearty. Well, in that case, you might want to make your way to Palette London for brunch. Suitable for vegans and meat eaters alike, there are a range of dishes that can satisfy any craving.

Breakfast in London

Lunch of champions

Hackney Road’s Morito’s menu draws inspiration from Southern Spain, North Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Fresh dishes paired with flavoursome wines will leave you feeling relaxed. If you enjoy vegan cuisine then you’ll be glad to hear about their All Vegan Monday dinner.

I had to slip one in for all the anime lovers. Uzumaki London is an anime-themed Japanese restaurant that brings anime food to life. But even if you’re not a massive anime fan, you can still enjoy hot, delicious ramen in a restaurant with immaculate vibes.

Lunch in London

Dinner and a show

If you like your dinner with a bit of a show, the Mako Nita is definitely one you need to add to your list. Situated in Shoreditch Funhouse, this exciting foodie spot is in the perfect location filled with diverse cultures and bustling nightlife. The restaurant itself offers dishes and traditional performances inspired by Japanese and Peruvian culture.

Park Row, home to The Monarch Theatre, pays homage to some iconic heroes and villains in the DC universe. The menu is designed to take you on a culinary and visual journey. This gastronomic show has carefully crafted staging and immersive courses that play with your senses.

Dinner in London

If you manage to snag tickets for Taste Film, then you are: a) Very lucky b) In for a treat and c) We’re jealous. Taste Film is an interactive food and film experience that allows you to eat what you watch. This is not an everyday event so be sure to check in advance to see what’s showing and when, and book those tickets in advance so you don’t miss out!!

Dinner in London

A night to remember

If you’re down for drinks along with great food, then Barrio Bars is the place to be. Offering authentic Mexican Street food and delicious drinks that can get any party started, Barrio can be found in Soho, Brixton, Angel and Shoreditch – with bars opening in Covent Garden and Watford VERY soon. DJs, dance floors and 2-4-1 cocktails, what’s not to love?!

Night out in London

Hongdae Pocha is a retro-style Korean pub where you can drink the night away with traditional Korean liquor like soju and makkoli, whilst tucking into authentic and mouth-watering Korean dishes.

 

And there you have it. Your brand new London culinary bucket list that will satisfy any group of friends looking to have a fun foodie day in London!

Want to see your F&B business in lists like this? Get in touch with Posh Cockney today!


Important Dates For Your October Marketing Calendar (+ Content Ideas!)

Your October 2023 Marketing Calendar

Autumn has finally arrived in the UK, which means it’s the final quarter of the year for businesses and their marketing agencies in London and the UK. Although Aperol Spritz season is over and temperatures have dropped, there are many exciting aspects to this cosy, spooky and colourful season to add to your digital marketing agency’s marketing, public relations and social media content strategy.

This month is packed with essential dates not to be missed in your marketing agency’s October marketing calendar, and we’re here to talk you through all of them! From International Gin and Tonic Day to Halloween, there are many notable dates this month, allowing your business to get fresh attention and bring your customers memorable experiences.

Join us as we prep for PSLs, cosy knitwear, and warm, hearty food!

1st October: International Coffee Day

Your digital marketing agency’s October marketing calendar for your clients should kick off with International Coffee Day! Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, and this day should missed if you’re a coffee shop or serve breakfast in London.

Offer promotions such as double stamps on loyalty cards or one-day-only special coffee mixes. Or, host a coffee-themed event featuring espresso martinis and other coffee-based cocktails and mocktails. This is also the prime opportunity to introduce pumpkin spice lattes at your London cafe!

October marketing

1st October: World Vegetarian Day

The first day of October is busy because it is also World Vegetarian Day! Mark this day on your content calendar if you’re in the hospitality marketing and public relations industry, recognising all of your veggie diners, who are sometimes forgotten. Many restaurants in London are increasingly adding vegetarian and vegan options to their menus — even meat-based restaurants and steakhouses!

You could share resources on your socials that discuss the planetary benefits of going vegetarian or run offers on your non-meat dishes. It is a great way to recognise whether your restaurant in London has enough vegetarian and vegan options!

2nd – 8th October: National Curry Week

If you’re a restaurant in London that serves curries, this is the perfect week to run promotions and offers and to draw new customers to your business. When you hear the word ‘curry’, most of us think of Indian cuisine, but there are many more curries across multiple cuisines, such as Thai Green Curry or Japanese Katsu Curry.

If you are looking for Indian curry restaurants in London, check out Ritu for some of the best Indian food in the capital!

9th October: International Beer and Pizza Day

We dare you to name a better combination! This one is a super easy date for hospitality marketing agencies in London to mark, especially if your client’s restaurant specialises in pizza. Put on a special offer for the day where customers can get a pizza and a beer for a reduced price! You could even allow customers to swap out the beer for a different drink if they dislike it.

October marketing

10th October: World Mental Health Day

This date is not necessarily a marketing opportunity but an excellent opportunity to share resources across social platforms, so consider adding it to your October marketing calendar. From national and local support services to top tips for effective wellness practices, using your platform to share advice and information can be impactful — you never know, it might reach somebody who needs it!

13th October: World Egg Day

Going hand-in-hand with International Coffee Day, your clients with breakfast restaurants in London will need this date in their October content plan. It’s time to highlight the most important meal of the day and the versatility of eggs in various breakfast dishes. Offer a two-for-one promo or extend your breakfast hours all day for the special occasion. What a fabulous opportunity to highlight a cafe or breakfast restaurant’s speciality!

15th October: World Students Day

By mid-October, university students have already been in classes for a while. So, adding World Students Day into your promotional calendar can be an excellent way for your clients to give students a pick-me-up after weeks of long days and essay writing.

Bars can run a student night with discounts on drinks, or restaurants can offer higher student discounts for this day. To further engage with the student audience and gain your business a fresh following beyond this key date, consider offering a permanent student discount with proof of a student ID!

22nd October: International Champagne Day

October brings us International Champagne Day — the ideal opportunity to host a themed brunch in London or a DJ brunch! We all know there’s nothing like holding a beautiful champagne flute and clinking glasses with friends while enjoying a delicious meal and entertainment. So, let’s get brunching!

25th October: World Pasta Day

Whether you’re a fan of classic spaghetti and meatballs, creamy fettuccine alfredo, or adventurous with exotic pasta shapes and flavours, this day is all about embracing the joy of pasta — a day made for pasta restaurants in London. Join the pasta party by offering exclusive pasta-themed promotions, such as a free drink with the purchase of a pasta dish. Or, run a pasta-making masterclass!

31st October: Halloween

Of course, October ends with Halloween, a favourite holiday for many — and the most fun for digital marketing agencies in the hospitality industry! If your business is a bar, you could create a unique cocktail, or if you run a nightclub, you could throw a terrifying Halloween party. Many people will be looking for activities such as Halloween markets, maize mazes and pumpkin picking near London. So, if your client’s venue offers any of these Halloween activities, expect their social media to buzz!

 

Still need more content ideas for your October marketing calendar? Get in touch with Posh Cockney today. 


negroni week

It's Negroni Week!

A statement from Campari Group explains “Following the sad news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, and out of respect for Her Majesty the Queen, as a team we have made the decision to postpone Negroni Week in the UK until further notice.”

It’s Negroni Week!

Are you a cocktail connoisseur? A lover of Gin? Crazy for Campari? Does just hearing the word Vermouth excite you? 

Then you probably know that these three ingredients combined create the classic Negroni cocktail. This week (12th-18th September) marks the annual Negroni Week!

What is a Negroni?

As we get into the history of how the Negroni came to be, we can see that it has been, and probably always will be up for debate. 

One story details Count Camillo Negroni (was he actually a Count? No one really knows!) asking his bartender at Cafè Casoni in Florence to put a stronger twist on the classic Americano by replacing the soda with gin. Then, he popped off back to America, sharing his new cocktail creation, and it quickly became a classic. 

In recent years, a verified descendant of the Negroni family has built a case hailing his ancestor as the creator of the classic cocktail. His story describes General Pascal Negroni creating the Negroni about 50 years before Count Camillo had put his spin on the Americano. During wartime, Pascal is said to have made some Vermouth-based cocktails during high-ranking military meetings, which are now believed by some to be the origins of the Negroni.

History of Negroni Week

Negroni Week was established back in 2013 by Imbibe Magazine as a way to celebrate the classic cocktail while raising money for charities all over the globe. Since it’s been a thing, this annual festival, sponsored by Campari, has grown to thousands of participating venues all over the world and has raised millions for charitable organisations. 

Where to celebrate this week in London

Well, for starters, at TreeHouse@51 you can enjoy bottomless Negronis for £19. Their Tanqueray Negroni fountain is a must for all cocktail lovers. Guests can enjoy the free-flowing Negroni fountain as much as they would like for one hour. Now that’s what I call happy hour!

treehouse @ 51

 

Rake’s Café Bar’s Aperitivo Hour is not one to be missed this week. 

Aperitivo Hour is enjoyed by Italians as a way to wind down and relax after work and before dinner time. At Rake’s, Aperitivo Hour runs between 6-8 pm every day, when you can enjoy two styles of Negroni alongside complimentary snacks. 

negroni week

 

If you like to shake things up, then St James Bar at Sofitel London St James is offering 16 new takes on the classic Negroni. Their ‘Once In A Lifetime’ menu is designed to take guests on an adventure through their senses of taste, smell and sight. This menu was inspired by the exploration of a trip on the Orient Express.

negroni week

 

TOZI in Victoria has been offering barrel-aged Negroni since 2016. They continue to dazzle with their amazing takes throughout the years. Their current menu offers three Negronis: a classic, a twist with pico, and a New York inspired version.

TOZI

 

Azura in Camden is offering up a special espresso-infused Negroni available only this week!  

negroni week

 

Get in touch with Posh Cockney today to find out how you can incorporate national days and weeks in your marketing.

Look forward to our October Marketing Dates blog, or get inspiration from previous months in our September Marketing Dates and August Marketing Dates blogs.


Important Dates For Your September Marketing Calendar (+ Content Ideas!)

Your 2023 September Marketing Calendar

As we transition from the warmth of summer to the cosy embrace of autumn, our digital marketing agency in London has stacked our September marketing calendars for our UK hospitality clients. This month brings many opportunities to increase campaign engagement rates, promote special offers, and boost brand awareness through your marketing, social media and PR services. This blog post highlights key dates you should consider incorporating into your digital marketing strategy.

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Throughout September: Freshers Weeks Events & Promotions

Throughout September: Freshers Weeks Events & Promotions

Universities re-open in September, and with new students comes Freshers Week, offering your clients an opportunity to gain a fresh social media following! If your marketing company provides event planning services, your clients, including bars, clubs, and event venues, should consider throwing Freshers events. And for restaurant and retail clients, consider offering a student discount throughout September!

5th September: International Charity Day Marketing Initiatives

Like January, September marks new beginnings and an opportunity for marketing agencies in London and the UK to use their marketing, PR and social media content creation services to support the community! Propose local charities for your clients to partner with and donate a percentage of their sales for the day. Or, partner with a charity, such as Streetsmart, to display print material encouraging guests to donate at their table or checkout. Promote the partnership on social media to encourage more customers to dine at their restaurant!

9th September – Emergency Services Day Offers

To show your appreciation to our dedicated frontline workers, we recommend offering a special offer or discount for emergency service workers for the day, if not permanently! Consider registering your clients’ business under the Blue Light Card if you haven’t already.

16th September: 100 Days Until Christmas Marketing Campaign

Whether you are someone who starts the Christmas countdown at the end of summer or would rather not see a piece of tinsel until December, creative marketing agencies in London already have the holidays planned for when the city’s extravagant celebrations begin! If you haven’t already, solidify your Christmas marketing campaigns and ensure your clients are booked up for holiday parties (and don’t forget to book your soiree to celebrate the holidays with your market agency).

On this day, you can also begin a 100-day countdown to Christmas, where you can run a competition or present different gift ideas daily to stimulate excitement and increase awareness of your clients’ offerings!

21st September – National Fitness Day Activations

National Fitness Day is an engaging opportunity for your restaurant clients to promote healthy menu options for pre- and post-workout fuel. And for hotel clients, highlight their gym and fitness centre offerings. Hosting a pop-up event in London is a great promotional activation, including rooftop pilates and farmside yoga. Let’s get active!

23rd September: Autumnal Equinox Launches

If your digital marketing agency has clients planning on bringing in Autumn offers this date, marking the first day of the season, is a good day to launch them.

For cafés, create a promotion introducing pumpkin-spiced lattes to celebrate the start of the new season. Many restaurants integrate pumpkins into their recipes, too. Finally, lots of people will be looking for autumn events and activities around London, and if you have an event space, promote family activities such as a maize maze and pumpkin picking to ring in the harvest season!

27th September – World Tourism Day

As summer tourist season winds down, this day is an excellent opportunity to attract more tourists. For London hospitality marketing and public relations agencies, their hotel clients consider offering a “tourist special” and promoting it on travel forums and social media. What a lovely way to celebrate one of the main target audiences of hospitality marketing!

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September offers a rich tapestry of opportunities for hospitality marketing agencies to engage with their clients’ audiences. By planning ahead and crafting targeted marketing campaigns around these key dates, you can drive customer engagement, increase sales, and enhance brand loyalty!

 

Still need more content ideas for your September marketing calendar? Get in touch with Posh Cockney today. 


Crisis management 101 with one of Salem’s most famous witches

Crisis management to avoid execution

Bridget Bishop, the first person to be executed during the Salem Witch Trials, was unpopular within her community. She was married three times, owned two taverns, wore unusual clothes, drank alcohol, and was known for her potty mouth. She was far from what was expected of a 1690s woman and thus, a prime target for witchcraft accusations.

Bridget was convicted of devil-worship and witchcraft in 1692 during the Salem Witch Trials – but could this have been avoided? Accusations were often hurled at women who were social outcasts and fell short of the expected societal norms; maybe Bridget just needed some help in managing her public image. 

So, what crisis management methods might a PR agency in the 1690s have used to help save Bridget Bishop?

Make a plan

This is always the first step following a PR crisis; Bridget’s PR agency needs to plan out how to re-shape her public image. In crisis management specifically, there must be a focus on having a meticulous communication strategy in line with a brand plan. Bridget’s PR agency would work to reshape their client’s public image into that of a kind, friendly woman, who loves her community and was so unfairly accused of witchcraft. Once a detailed plan has been drawn up, it’s time to execute it, and avoid execution!

Time to act

At this stage, it’s important to not act too slow, or too fast; working in PR is all about breaking the right message, at the right time. The first thing Bridget’s PR agency would think about is if there is evidence of Bridget’s innocence. If there is, it’s probably a good idea to publish it! If not, it would be time to start re-shaping her public image.

A positive media presence is important in managing a client’s image, but without social media, the next best thing would be to have Bridget featured in a local pamphlet. A man named Cotton Mather regularly wrote pamphlets for the Salem population, and having Bridget featured positively in these pamphlets would be a golden opportunity. Yes, Mather actively encouraged the witch hunts in his pamphlets, but they were the only thing being published at the time. He’ll be a tough cookie to crack, but that’s the job of a PR agency!

Bridget’s unusual and bright wardrobe also added to her unpopularity and so her PR agency has two options: either launch a campaign promoting self-expression, or advise Bridget to soften her style until the storm blows over. Considering Bridget’s life is on the line, the second option seems wiser. Her PR agency would also probably advise her to stop drinking alcohol for the time being and ease up on the swearing – it doesn’t help her new, friendly brand.

Get creative!

Let’s be honest, a few style changes and a nice write-up in the local pamphlet isn’t going to save Bridget from the gallows. Her PR agency needs to get creative to really show Salem how unthinkable it is to believe Bridget is a witch. A good, old-fashioned PR stunt is never a bad idea.

In and around Salem there were many orchards, and so her PR agency could encourage her to partner with a local orchardist and create a juice brand. If that’s not possible, she could find a wild orchard and create her own small pop-up shop in the centre of Salem giving out free apple juice to all!

Salem was also near the sea, so another idea could be to get Bridget to start some sand-sculpting and host an exhibition. Why? It’s harmless and fun, and shows that in her free time she likes doing something nice for the community, rather than spending her time in a candle-lit room slaughtering goats and drawing pentagrams.

Fresh image, new opportunities!

On the assumption that Bridget Bishop’s PR agency were successful in their crisis management, Bridget has successfully avoided her execution, squashed her witchcraft scandal, and has positively transformed her image amongst the local community. The entirety of Salem now knows her name, and her story of being so falsely accused of witchcraft is famous. 

So what next? Any good PR agency would encourage Bridget to use her fresh, positive image as a springboard for new career opportunities! 

Bridget, it is time to rebuild your life! Go get yourself a brand deal, or even become a seamstress and create a Bridget-inspired colourful clothing line. You could also partner with a company, such as a bakery! Or, you could even use profits from the taverns that you own to start your own bakery, and use your new reputation to build your bakery up to be the heart of Salem’s community.

 

Unsure on how to effectively manage a crisis? Get in touch with Posh Cockney today to speak to our expert PR team.


elderly people

How does new technology benefit older people?

Back to an analog world

Not so long ago, many aspects of our lives were a lot simpler – work meetings were in person, pen and paper were used to take orders at restaurants and cash was most definitely the most common method of payment. Everyone was well adapted to those methods. 

So, when new technologies started to emerge, many found it hard to adjust, especially elderly people who have spent their whole lives working and living face-to-face.

New technologies in a post-pandemic world

For many years, technology has been dramatically developing. In terms of communication, social media was introduced, followed by networks such as LinkedIn, which facilitated the job market. Digital websites for restaurants where customers can visualise menus and book tables were also launched.

After the pandemic, even more innovations were introduced into our lives to minimise human contact: meetings became fully online, university courses started offering entirely digital degrees, and restaurants launched QR codes for contactless ordering and payment. Not only that, but several businesses became cashless. 

While so many of us can view these progressions as positive changes, it’s important to consider how these technological enhancements affect older people’s lives.

How have new technologies impacted the elderly?

A high number of older people have mentioned feeling left out from the digital world.  While it is undeniable that technology has brought benefits for older people in terms of communication with family and friends during the pandemic, it is important to note that new technologies have also made their lives ten times harder.

A focus group conducted by Frontiers in Psychology found that older adults between 65-76 years old are willing to learn how to use new digital developments but are scared of the lack of instructions and complexity.

It’s arguable that human service and interaction can truly transform the hospitality experience. For instance, 5 Star restaurants or luxury boutiques regard service as essential as it makes the customer feel important, ultimately impacting their business positively. This kind of experience is why many people would rather go to a physical store or go to restaurants instead of ordering.

How can we support the elderly using new technologies?

Technology has certainly helped the world in many ways. It’s clear that young generations are in charge of helping older people to adjust to new technologies that will facilitate their lives; yet as businesses keep rapidly innovating, it is also their duty to support older people. 

As the world evolves, elderly have difficulties in catching up with the pace of technology. Businesses who specially receive a considerable amount of older people visiting their venue should consider carrying workshops in order to help them, even if it is as little as once a month – people help the people.  

In regard to food & beverage companies specifically, a good idea to be inclusive, is to offer both methods of service. Perhaps a QR code menu in which you can order from, but also a physical menu and a staff member for those who need it.

 

Get in touch with Posh Cockney for innovating ideas on how to make your business accessible for all. 


August Marketing Calendar

Important Dates for your August Marketing Calendar (+ Content Ideas)

Your August Marketing Calendar

August is almost here with promises of lots of fun in the sun to be had! With the month fast approaching, we thought we’d share our August Marketing Calendar, highlighting the dates you should be looking out for in your content planning.

It’s mid-Summer, the sun is shining and the kids are out of school for the holidays. What better way to prepare than by planning marketing content based on key August dates?

From fun events like National Cat Day to more meaningful celebrations like World Humanitarian Day, August provides lots of opportunity for creative marketing ideas – so let’s make the most of it!

Find a pen and include some of these dates in your August Marketing Calendar.

1st August: Yorkshire Day

This month begins with the celebration of Yorkshire Day. Have you ever been to this region of the UK? It’s so beautiful that it even gets its own national day!

Whether your restaurant is traditionally British or a completely foreign cuisine, bring a little Yorkshire into your eatery, making your ‘special of the day’ a Yorkshire food  –  this could be a Yorkshire pudding, a Yorkshire curd tart… and serve it for the day! 

Don’t forget to ask your customers to post it on their social media using a special hashtag and tagging your restaurant.

August Marketing Calendar

2nd August: National Night Out

Did someone say National Night Out? This is typically a national day in the United States, but who doesn’t love going out? So, let’s celebrate it in the UK as well! 

This is a good opportunity for bars and restaurants to create some special offers or events, for example, an extended happy hour (perhaps for the whole night), or a student night in which you pay an entry price and only students are allowed, with shots deals and cocktail jugs. 

Or, for restaurants that want to offer something more relaxed, perhaps serve a free glass of wine to everyone who orders a main course.

5th August: National Cycle to Work Day

Did you know that cycling is linked to lower risk of heart disease and cancer? The UK introduced “National Cycle to Work Day” back in 2013 and it’s most definitely a great initiative.

For any business wanting to bring in more customers, offering a stamp card that encourages customers to cycle to your venue, with the promise of a discount once a certain number of stamps is reached, can be a brilliant idea.

8th August: National Cat Day

It’s Cat Day! Are you a pet shop? How about asking your followers to share a picture of their cat on social media tagging your company for a chance to win a discount or freebie? Customers love to feel special and this is a great opportunity to bring more awareness to your business. You can also share pictures of the cats at your shop as well! Who doesn’t love pet pics??

If you run a hotel, why not use this occasion to become pet-friendly and announce this to your customers and target audience? Every year, so many hotel bookings are lost due to the fact that the hotel does not allow furry friends. If you are already a pet-friendly venue, make sure to announce it on social media and create awareness among your customer group.

8th-14th August: Afternoon Tea Week

Forget national days, there’s a whole week designed to celebrate Britain’s famous tradition of Afternoon Tea. Yes, you heard right – we are in Britain after all. Is there any better way to celebrate than by having a whole week dedicated to afternoon tea? 

Are you a business that serves afternoon tea? You could launch a giveaway competition on your socials – the winner gets a free afternoon tea experience! Competition: Tag 3 friends on the original post, repost it on their story and voila! They have entered the competition.

Afternoon Tea Week

12th August: International Youth Day

On 12th August, it’s International Youth Day. This day was created by the United Nations with the purpose to enhance awareness of cultural and legal issues affecting youth of today. 

Regardless of the type of business you run, try dedicating a few hours to creating a safe space for young staff and customers and decide on a youth-focused charity that your brand will start supporting. If you’re a restaurant business, why not dedicate a special dish or drink to the charity, donating a percentage of all sales? It is undeniable that this approach will benefit your company professionally and personally; doing good for people will attract even more valuable customers that support important causes.

Another option could be a brand display of appreciation to young people. You could invite a youngster to perform at your venue, singing, dancing, even painting – you name it!

13th August: National Prosecco Day

Did someone say prosecco? Bottomless brunch is always a success: they provide so much fun and the ideal way for your business to attract happy customers.

Host a Bottomless Brunch and offer delicious food along with bottomless prosecco and entertainment. Who wouldn’t want that? In terms of food, you can offer anything from pizzas to waffles, whatever is your specialty. Customers can enjoy bottomless prosecco or prosecco-based cocktails.

Get your customers involved! Host a competition that allows customers to create a prosecco-based cocktail of their choice to be added to your menu. Ensure they tag a friend, follow your account and share to their story to enter, increasing brand exposure.

19th August: World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day. People help the people. On this day, why not donate 40% of every bill paid to an important cause? For instance, donate to the people of Ukraine and all families affected by the ongoing war.

22nd August: World Plant Milk Day

For a restaurant owner, create and post a dish or drink on socials usually made with normal milk substituted with plant milk, making your customers aware that you offer vegan alternatives. This is a great way to ensure all your customers feel included and catered for.

24th August: National Dog Day

Dogs are adorable and today is their day! Invite your customers to bring their pet into your venue. This will let everyone know that your business embraces the connection between humans and their pets. But, make sure to have loads of water pots for them – it’s still August!

National Dog Day

31st August: Summer Bank Holiday

It’s the last day of August and with the end of summer approaching, most people are out of work trying to enjoy as much as possible. 

This is a great opportunity for restaurants to provide Summer discounts or special offers to their customers while they’re out of work. For example, cater to family and friend groups with food platters at a 15% discount price for groups of +4, or cocktail jugs can be a great idea to attract customers. 

Looking for something more exciting? Host an event at your venue: DJs, canapes, drinks, photo booths and more. You might want to charge an advance ticket price so it’s more exclusive and the event is profitable.

Still need some more marketing ideas? Get in touch with Posh Cockney today for a more tailored plan to your specific business or event. Planning a little further ahead? Check out our marketing calendars for March, April, May and June


World Chocolate Day

As we move further into July, there’s only one thing to look forward to: World Chocolate Day! On 7th July, the whole world celebrates chocolate – and when it’s not a national heatwave, often hot chocolate.

History of chocolate

About 5,300 years ago, chocolate traces were found in the upper part of Ecuador – considered “food of gods” for many. This confection is made of cocoa seeds found in forests in Central and South America. Back in the day, chocolate wasn’t a sweet treat, it was cocoa beans mixed with other ingredients to create a bitter chocolate drink for the wealthy mayans. However for the less privileged, it was used only in funerals and as a sacred offering. 

In 1500, chocolate arrived in Europe and maintained its symbol of luxury, only consumed by the affluent.

World Chocolate Day

Chocolate and the UK

In 1847, the first edible chocolate bar was introduced by J.S. Fry & Sons, a British company, and not long after Cadbury launched a Valentine’s Day box and Easter Egg (currently, Fry’s Chocolate is produced by Cadbury.) From there, more and more innovations have been brought and distributed to the market, including the introduction of many varieties of flavors, prices and brands, making chocolate easily available to the vast majority.

How important is chocolate in our lives?

Especially in Europe, it seems to be very important! Europe can be considered the biggest consumer of chocolate in the world. With Germans being the top customers, they eat an average of 11 kilograms of chocolate per capita a year, followed by Switz averaging 9.7. 

Although affected by COVID-19, Europe reached a market value of 46 billion euros in 2020, expected to grow by 2.2% a year until 2026. Not only is Europe the biggest market for chocolate, but it is also the biggest importer.

Chocolate in the restaurant industry

It is easy to suggest that most restaurants around the world serve something with chocolate on their menu, as it is estimated that at least 1 billion people eat chocolate everyday. Newness comes everyday: new cafes with imaginative desserts, such as Said Dal 1923, and many others have been introduced. This reminds us just how important it is for the catering industry to integrate chocolate into menus, with vegan options available as well.

How do you plan to celebrate World Chocolate Day on the 7th? Posh Cockney’s clients, such as Happy and St Martin’s House, have unbelievably delicious chocolatey desserts for you to enjoy on this special day!

World Chocolate Day

 

Get in touch with Posh Cockney today to find out how you can better connect with your customers and create unforgettable brand experiences.