Team Morrow is running the Belfast City Marathon!

An artist's impression of Mencap's Children and Families Centre

A few of us are lacing up our trainers and logging lots of miles in preparation for the Deep River Rock Belfast City Marathon on Bank Holiday Monday 4th May 2015. We have entered a relay team to raise money for Mencap and its Big Step Forward Appeal.

Mencap launched the Big Step Forward Appeal in October 2014 to raise £1.7million to open its new Children and Families Centre. At the heart of the new centre will be the relocated Segal House nursery for 2 to 4-year-olds with a learning disability, autism and developmental delay. The new building will be on the site of the former Newtownbreda Primary School.

Morrow Communications provides PR support for Mencap's Big Step Forward Appeal, so we have seen first-hand just how special Segal House is to the children and their families. They have inspired us throughout the whole campaign and we can’t wait to see the finished building as we know it will be an amazing resource for families in Belfast and the rest of Northern Ireland.

You may already be committed to a charity of your choice but if the work of Mencap strikes a chord and you're interested in supporting our fundraising efforts, visit our Just Giving page.

For more information about the Big Step Forward Appeal, visit MencapBigStepForward.org.

Blown Away to Stornoway....

Jane Watson, Events Director explains how and why she ended up in Stornoway for 3 days in March….

Following the hugely successful British Ports Association (BPA) conference in October 2014 on behalf of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, Morrows were approached in January this year by the Stornoway Port Authority (SPA) who are hosting the 2015 BPA Conference to assist them with event logistics, planning and delivery.  Ports are the lifeblood of the towns and communities in which they are located – importing and exporting supplies & freight, employing local people in operations and transferring ferry and Cruise passengers visiting the area.  This is true right across the UK (and Ireland) – from the southern shores of Dover who host 2016 to the Outer Hebrides where Jane found herself.

“Contemplating my trip to Stornoway focussed mainly on BBC News’ weathergirl Carol for the few days before, who often highlights the Islands in the daily forecast – and as suspected snow and rain was in the picture. (Nothing we’re not used to, no sweat I’ll pack my wellies just in case).  The journey from Belfast was pretty good, after a short de-icer delay in Belfast within 4 hours of leaving the office, including a short stop in Inverness departure lounge (where I mistakenly picked up a bag of Haggis & Cracked Black Pepper crisps and burnt the bake of myself!) courtesy of Flybe and Loganair, I was there. 

 

Flying over the snow-capped ‘Harris Hills’ (separating Harris and Lewis – 2 ‘Isles’ with 2 kings, but no water in between) it was like a winter wonderland but stepping out of the plane reminded me of the last scene in the Bond film – Skyfall – miles and miles of low lying, rustic brown moorland and I even saw two Stags on the roadside (apparently they only come out in the rain, but my host Magda hadn’t seen them very often – really?). 

Magda Choluj is Marketing Manager with SPA, originally from Poland but has lived almost everywhere (she has a motorhome with her Tasmanian partner Bo), but settled in Stornoway for over a year.  Magda had a jam-packed recce planned for us in the space of 48 hours….

The Conference venue is An Lanntair an arts centre and creative gallery space which is fully funded through their commercial activities and grant applications – they have excellent facilities for the BPA conference, and overlooks the Harbour. 

The Cala Hotel group operate three properties on the island - The Royal, The Cabarfeidh and the Caladh Inn and we have already booked out most of the bedrooms on the island for BPA. The Royal Hotel overlooking the marina was my abode for 2 nights – a traditional style hotel which is well equipped with a big telly, plug beside the bed, and wifi on every floor – the breakfast was good too with personal and attentive hotel staff wherever you went. 

During the BPA conference, day trips are planned for guests joining the BPA members – this is really the best way to explore the island which can be done from 1 end to the other in about 4 hours. We’ve planned a trip to a Harris Tweed factory, Whisky & Gin distillery (set up by Village residents), Standing Stones, Black Houses, Beaches, Ancient Churches, Craft Workshops and breath-taking viewpoints. There really is a lot to offer the discerning tourist, cyclist or hiker in Harris & Lewis and you’ll be made to feel very welcome. It’s customary to wave to passing drivers letting you through the single track roads and bridges – Just like you do if you’re from ‘the country’. 

Perhaps the most special part of my visit was squeezed in at the end – after meeting with the Local Council or “Comhairle” – we managed to sneek a peek at the newly restored Lews Castle and Museum Centre which is due to open in July.  Sitting high above the Harbour, the Castle had many former lives including a hospital, school and home to Lord & Lady Mathieson before lying derelict for many years. Approximately 18 months ago Heritage Lottery, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Council funding was agreed and our very own Graham Construction were shipped in (no pun intended!) to restore and rejuvenate the Castle to its former glory.  BPA Delegates will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Gaelic entertainment at the finale dinner in beautiful surroundings. 

On the way home, my case was over the 20kg limit, but the check-in clerk didn’t seem to mind (it was the wellies and the extra hotel toiletries that ‘fell into my case’!) The hangar style airport and 40 seater propeller jet planes from Stornoway reminded me of the ‘way it used to be’ in Belfast City – who else remembers dropping your bags at the foot of the steps?  I was even offered a free cuppa and a biscuit from Flybe – a free lunch does exist after all. 

SPA are also celebrating their 150 year anniversary in 2015 and hosting the BPA Conference is quite a big deal, so much so that delegates will receive a bespoke gift made from their Anniversary Harris Tweed.   SPA and Stornoway itself are very proud to be hosting the BPA conference and along with other anniversary events this year, it’s set to be the ‘talk of the town’ for years to come.  Our job is to make sure it’s as easy as possible for over 100 BPA members and exhibitors to come to Stornoway, they have a great time and ensure the budget is break-even. 

So with the draft programme in place and everyone on the island lined up, the rest is over to us! Best get cracking…..”

    

 

   

 

 

7 Things We Learned at the Digital DNA Conference

Titanic Belfast, where the Digital DNA Business Conference took place

Lots of entrepreneurs and social media lovers gathered at the Digital DNA Business Conference 6 Nov 2014 at Titanic Belfast. The conference featured speakers from global companies like Twitter and Google, but also included speakers from local businesses. In case you couldn’t make it to Digital DNA, here are seven digital tips we picked up at the conference.

1. So your brand doesn’t tweet? That doesn’t mean you’re not on Twitter.
Dennis Bree, Twitter’s UKI Sales Manager, said there is no way to stay away from the social media conversation. All brands are being talked about online, whether or not a brand has a Twitter or Facebook account. For instance, Dennis noted that 31% of Twitter users tweet about recent purchases. It’s best for brands to embrace social media and use it to their advantage.

2. If you’re confused about Google AdWords, call an expert.
The world of Google AdWords can be intimidating for a lot of marketers, including CDE Global Head of Marketing Peter Craven. He said he finds Google AdWords terrifying. If you’re confused about how to use AdWords or social media, contact an expert to help you make the most of your digital efforts. And of course, with our AdWords qualified consultant here at Morrows we’re happy to help!

3. Good social is planned but great social is agile.

There are fantastic tools to plan, schedule and manage your social media presence and a strategic approach to the social web is essential to reap the benefits. However, the best content is often those spur of the moment pics, videos or tweets that riff on something which has just happened on TV. 60% of Twitter users tweet while watching TV and this presents a great opportunity for brands to engage with those audiences.

4. It’s impossible to predict the future.
Shane Nolan, Google’s Director UK & Ireland SME, said brands shouldn’t try to predict the future because it’s impossible to know what gadget, platform or trend is going to be the next big thing. Instead of trying to guess what will be popular in the future, Shane said brands should look at trends within their customer base to better understand their customers.

5. “If you’re going to fail, fail fast.”
Shane from Google also said it’s important for companies to try new things and take risks. Employees at Google are encouraged to try new ideas, even if the plan doesn’t work out. If you try something new and it fails, get over it quickly and move on to the next idea.

6. Design your website for humans.
With the ever changing world of web design and search engine algorithms, knowing the best course of action when designing your website can be difficult. Peter from CDE Global talked about how he now believes in the simple principle of designing a website for humans. He said his website is the best lead generator for the company, so it’s crucial to make sure it is user-friendly. He no longer puts all of his emphasis on search engine optimisation.

7. Buy your sand from a quarry, not a store.
For the most random tip of the day, Peter from CDE Global shared a secret he learned from his business dealing with quarry equipment: buying sand from a quarry is cheaper than going to a big box retailer! Not a digital tip, but still a useful one.

One major learning from Digital DNA was how vast the area of digital marketing is and how important it has become in business. If you’re thinking of dipping your toe into the world of digital marketing, give us a call and our qualified and experienced consultants will be happy to talk through the options and a properly integrated approach.

What did you think of Digital DNA and who was your favourite speaker? Tweet us @morrowcomms or leave a comment below.

Does Your Work Do the Talking ? Communication Consultants Wanted !

As one of Ireland’s largest integrated communication consultancies, at Morrow Communications we let our client work do the talking. We are currently on the lookout for some new talent to join the conversation.

Ideally, the successful candidates should have a relevant third level qualification in Public Relations, Communications or other Marketing discipline and will have three to five years top end PR/communications experience working with clients across the public and private sectors.

You should have excellent influencing and relationship management skills with the confidence and ability to competently engage with senior stakeholders internally and externally. You will be expected to demonstrate a consistent record of strategic thinking, management and results and to convince us of your instinctive flair and creativity.  You will also be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in identifying and shaping new business connections.

We are particularly interested in people with direct PR consultancy/agency experience, but will also welcome interest from those who believe they can excel in this type of challenging environment.

The Morrow Communications Ethos
We are first and foremost strategic thinkers who understand the importance and power of professional communications within our varied clients’ worlds. With a wide range of communication tools at our disposal, it’s our job to think ahead of our clients’ immediate needs to plan communication programmes with real impact.

Through our core specialisms of PR, Event Management, AV Production, Design and Digital Communications, we service an impressive client list that spans the private and public sectors throughout the island of Ireland and the UK.  Our commitment to excellence has been confirmed by being recognised as CIPR ‘Consultancy Team of the Year’ on three separate occasions in recent years.

To Apply follow the link to NIJobs and upload your CV. To illustrate your creativity, in 200 words or less, also explain why you deserve to be on our ‘must see’ list.

Closing date: Friday 20th June 2014. 

It's Time To Celebrate Ireland's Marketing Achievements!

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Ireland is now open for entries.  CIM is calling on all businesses to enter the acclaimed CIM Ireland Excellence Awards 2013 to showcase their successful marketing campaigns.

The CIM Ireland Excellence Awards 2013, supported by Invest NI, provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the positive impact individuals and organisations have had within their particular industries. There are 17 award categories that take into account industry, campaign and individual achievements and CIM is encouraging businesses from all sectors to enter the awards whether private, public or social economy sector and....entry is free.

Dr. Vicky Kell, Director of Trade from principal sponsor Invest NI said, “The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Ireland Excellence Awards 2013 are one of the most prestigious awards in Ireland.  It is essential that companies in Northern Ireland develop effective marketing strategies to help them access new customers and compete successfully in export markets. Previous applicants have stated going through the process of applying helps you review and validate your approach.  Winning a CIM award can help your company stand out from the competition and we would encourage companies of all sizes to enter this year’s awards”.

Winners will be recognised by CIM at a highly anticipated awards ceremony taking place at the Ramada Plaza Hotel on 7th November hosted by broadcaster Claire McCollum..

Chair of the Ireland board of CIM Christine Watson said, “Marketing is undergoing a revolution – a recessionary climate and a growing marketer’s tool box that includes new digital platforms, that in themselves are ever-changing, brings both challenges as well as opportunities to our profession. Winning a CIM Marketing Excellence Award means that you have created results that deliver real business benefits.  

Click here for more details.  The closing date for award entries is 27 September 2013.

Have you got what it takes to join our winning team?

‘CIPR Outstanding Consultancy of the Year’ Morrow Communications is looking for a number of energetic graduates to join its growing team. 

Based in Holywood Co. Down, Morrow Communications is one of Ireland’s leading integrated communications consultancies representing well-known clients across the public, private and voluntary sectors. 

We believe in diversity – so all degree backgrounds will be considered- however you must have a keen interest in current affairs and the media, excellent communication skills and a willingness to learn.

To meet our growing client needs, we’re particularly interested in people from an agricultural/ agri-food background at this time so if you’re from farming stock let us know… But don’t worry if you’re a city slicker with an interest in all things technological - we want to hear from you too!

Interested? Send your CV and a covering letter to mail@morrowcommunications.com by Friday 19^th July. 

George Storms the Catwalk at Belfast Fashionweek!

We love it when a plan comes together..especially when it involves gorgeous clothes, models and the opening night of West Coast Cooler Belfast Fashionweek. Having worked with George at Asda over the past three seasons of Fashionweek - we took our partnership to a whole new level this year, helping the team put together its first standalone show.

It was a real privilege to work with the George House and Asda House team, as well as the event organisers at CMPR, on this project -  and we loved sharing in the passion and excitement (as well as the many weeks of planning, hard work and perspiration) that went in to making the show come to life.

During the pre-show build up we had the chance to meet with three of George's most influential and inspiring colleagues - Helen Low,  Helen Connolly and Jo Whitfield - and had the pleasure of introducing the ladies to some of Belfast's leading fashion journalists and bloggers.

Braving the arctic conditions on Thursday night, we made it to the gorgeous Ulster Museum for the main event. It was fantastic to take in the eager faces of fashionistas and bloggers in the audience, and hear the excited murmurs from the crowd as the models showcased the best of George's Spring Summer and High Summer looks. It might have been cold outside... but it was definitely hot on the George catwalk!!

George Spring Summer 2013

George Spring Summer 2013

George Spring Summer 2013

Seona and Kelly from Morrows 

Awarding Excellence - Morrow Events win contract with CIM

Morrow Events Team

Morrow Events team have recently secured a contract with The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) to manage and deliver the Ireland Marketing Excellence Awards for the next three years.

Our work will include revitalising the awards programme, recruiting entries from companies across Ireland, securing sponsorship and delivering a world class gala awards event later this year.

We are very excited and honoured to be working in partnership with CIM to deliver this prestigious and well respected awards programme. We are currently in the initial planning stages - so watch this space about how to get involved!

Next week, CIM are hosting a seminar in partnership with CIPR on Tuesday 19th February in Titanic Belfast at 12noon - Business Change in a Digital Age - with keynote speakers Múirne Laffan, RTE's Managing Director for digital and Krishna De, an award winning communications strategist, commentator and mentor.

Places are still available to book (from £10 - £20) and is a CPD category 10 event. Find out More. 

Portia earns her PR spurs at Morrow Communications

Back in September we were contacted by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) about the possibility of getting involved in a new Internship Programme that it planned to launch.

After meeting with DEL we signed up and took the opportunity to meet the candidates.  Portia-Ellis Woods joined Morrow Communications in October.  With her eight week placement now complete, we were keen to find out how she had gotten on.

"When I heard about the DEL Internship programme I jumped at the chance to be a part of it.  I completed my application form and waited.  Thankfully I was selected by DEL and was delighted to be placed with Morrow Communications", explains Portia.

"My eight week internship with the company has involved a varied range of activities, tasks and projects. Starting in October I was included in the team from day one and have had the chance to work in every area of the event, production and PR teams."

Portia took the opportunity to not only develop her public relation skills, but to also get actively involved with the Morrow's Events and AV teams.

In terms of highlights, Portia has a lot to choose from!  "I never thought when I started the programme that I would be talking about meeting the world famous Basil Brush, but that's exactly what happened when I helped to launch the Dale Farm sponsored Panto 'Cinderella'.  It was great to be a part of this, as well as a host of other client photo calls.  I learnt the level of preparation needed before the shoot, organisation at the location and then the process of selecting the best pictures."

Portia also had the chance to work on client projects for companies like Asda, Dale Farm, Flahavan's, NYSE Euronext and Moy Park - which helped her gain an insight to the many different elements the team manage on a daily basis.

"It was great to get introduced to such a wide spectrum of clients and to have the opportunity to get involved in many aspects of account management.  The team really looked after me and took the time to include me and to explain what we were doing and why.  I have learnt so much from them. It has definitely been a very busy eight week period. Arranging photo calls, researching, helping at events, liaising with journalists as well as writing press releases and advertorial copy are just some of the activities that I have undertaken.

"It has been a valuable experience working for such a successful company and a pleasure to work alongside a talented, hardworking team of people. I feel very privileged to have been part of the team at Morrows and will take with me all the skills and attributes I have learnt during my internship."

New Dimension helps win new AV contract

An innovative approach to 3D animation, placing staff members within an architect’s impression helped our Design and Production team to fight off stiff competition to secure the contract for a set of informational videos about the new Community Safety College being developed in Desertcreat, near Cookstown.

The new college is due for completion in October 2015, for the training of PSNI, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Northern Ireland Prison Service staff. With work not yet underway at


the site a 3D `architectural flythrough’ of  the college is the only thing available to bring the building to life. Our team came up with a creative treatment which involved filming staff members in front of a Green Screen and then using graphic effects to make them look like they were actually inside the 3D flythrough.

The first edit, featuring the effect, was completed for a conference in Mid-November and won great praise from the clients, with three more edits to go. This is a new style of production and we hope to be able to roll the effect out to more clients in the future.

Morrow's AV wins new health DVD contract

We are delighted to have won an exciting new project with Queen's University and St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester.  We were tasked with producing a health promotion DVD to help raise awareness of Gestational Diabetes.  

Aimed at pregnant women, the DVD will be given to those diagnosed with the Gestational Diabetes and will provide them with information on the condition,


how to best manage it during pregnancy and how to cope with it after birth.

The DVD has been produced in a number of different languages (English, Urdu, Arabic and Somali) in response to communities with the greatest occurrence of the condition.

With work almost completed and pilots planned for January 2013 we are looking forward to getting some true quantitative and qualitative analysis of the impact of our work.  

Ruby Rouge Ball in aid of Lauralynn Children’s Hospice

The Morrow Communications team was out in force to lend our support to a recent charity event in aid of the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

The Ruby Rouge Ball in loving memory of baby Victoria Thompson,was held at the Belfast Cabaret Supper Club at the end of November.  The event was a fantastic success, raising over £12,000 for the charity.

Morrow’s Director, Moya Neeson took a hands on approach, helping to organise the event.  She was ably assisted by a number of Morrow's staff including Events Director Jane Watson. The event was a huge success and a fitting tribute- truly a night of mixed emotions.

QUB extend Morrow's AV contract into 2014

The Design and Production team are delighted to have had our contract for the provision of video services to Queen’s University extended until 2014. We have been working with the marketing team at the University since January 2011 and have produced several successful videos and established a fabulous relationship with the team. We are delighted at this endorsement of our hard work and ability to deliver exactly what a client needs!


QUB Slice of Life from Morrow Communications on Vimeo.

Making his Mark in the Design and Production Team

 A fresh new talent has joined the Design and Production team at Morrow Communications. University of Ulster Graduate, Mark Robinson took up the post of Trainee Editor and Graphic Designer in September 2012, and due to hectic timetables has had to hit the ground running.

Mark is the first male addition to the all-female Production team, but is taking it all in his stride- thanks, he says, to his part-time student job in a Bingo Hall!

As a student, Mark’s work won him recognition and a number of awards, including the Creative Skillset Undergraduate Award for his dissertation. He has already brought his impressive editing skills to the productions of a number of our clients including Invest NI, IntertradeIreland and Asda.

Mark’s addition to the team brings a fresh youthful perspective to our work and allows us to keep more of our production work in house- thus offering even better value to our clients.

Cool FM’s Jingle Ball Rocked!

Morrow Communications’ client, Cool FM last week filled the Odyssey to the rafters with thousands of screaming pop fans for the first ever Cool FM Jingle Ball Live. Thousands poured into the arena to witness the biggest pop gig Belfast has ever seen - a line-up which included JLS, Matt Cardle, Labrinth, Amelia Lily, Misha B, Ryan O'Shaughnessy, Stooshe, Lawson and Joe McIlderry and Morrow’s own pop svengali, Marty Byrne was backstage taming the press pack in an exclusive media room

The press conference-style backstage media room brought together a host of glamorous showbiz reporters and some slightly less glamorous press photographers for quickfire questions and photos just before the artists took to the stage. The media room ran very smoothly despite some extraordinary wardrobe choices, demands for better refreshments and a dash of diva behaviour (and that was just the journalists).

Morrows were involved with Jingle Ball Live from the beginning, organising media partnerships with local press titles, celeb interview pieces, ticket giveaways, social media and crisis management consultancy as well as management of the backstage press area. With the event being hailed as a huge success, we’re already looking forward to Cool FM’s Jingle Ball Live 2013!

Local schools visit Boys' Model School

Earlier this week we attended the Boys’ Model School as part of its Transition Open Day.

The School invited pupils from 18 local primary schools to come along to the special ‘open day’ with the aim of giving the pupils an insight into what school life would be like if they decided to attend the Boys’ Model.

Pupils spent time with school staff and student mentors in each department and were given the opportunity to get to grips with gym equipment, conduct science experiments, create comic strip animations in the Media Centre, and to cook up a storm in the Home Economics Department.

Commenting on the open day Alan Logan, Acting Principal from Boys’ Model School said: “The day was a great success. More than 18 schools from our catchment area attended, and the feedback from the pupils and their teachers was very positive.

“The move to post primary school is an exciting time for children. However, it can equally be a time of uncertainty due to the prospect of meeting new friends, learning new subjects and getting to grips with a more independent lifestyle. The Boys’ Model Transition Days are designed to familiarise primary school pupils with the facilities, routines and culture at the School and reassure them of the fun and rewarding learning experiences they will have if they choose to come to the school.”

NYSE Euronext Rings our Bell

We’re delighted to announce a new partnership with NYSE Euronext – the global operator of financial markets and a provider of innovative trading technologies. We’ve been following the NYSE Euronext story with keen interest since their arrival to Belfast in 2008, following its purchase of Wombat, and with the financial technology sector booming in NI it's fantastic to now be working with one of the biggest names in the business.

Morrows will deliver an integrated communications strategy for NYSE Euronext including public relations, design and advertising helping the business drives its recruitment and brand profiling needs. Check out www.nyxjobs.co.uk for the latest local developments.

PRoud to Announce….

We received the exciting news this week that we’d been successfully shortlisted for a massive ELEVEN PRide Awards! The annual awards are a great excuse to celebrate the hard work of the past year and catch up with the cream of Northern Ireland’s PR industry.

We’re particularly proud to have been shortlisted in the big award of the night…the Outstanding Consultancy of the Year and to have our own Kelly McKee shortlisted in the competitive Outstanding Young Communicator category.

The rest of our shortlist looks something like this:

·         Best Corporate and Business Communications: Moy Park - Well regarded, not just well known

·         Best Corporate and Business Communications: Northern Ireland Science Park - Where Success Breeds Success

·         Best Not-for-Profit: Fareshare - Giving FareShare a Fair Share of Voice

·         Best Community Relations: Tellus Border Survey- Between a Rock and a Hard Place

·         Best Public Sector: Tellus Border Survey - Between a Rock and a Hard Place

·         Best Campaign £10,000 and Under: Royal Ulster Agricultural Society - The 'Yes' Campaign

·         Best Consumer Relations: Flahavan's Oat-erly Delicious'

·         Best Integrated Communications: Roe Park Resort Rebrand

·         Best Digital Campaign: Moy Park 'Fast Lives Need Florida'

Wish us luck for October 5^th!

Getting to know… Karen Hoey, Events Manager

What is your career background?
I studied BA Hons in Hospitality and Tourism Management in Edinburgh. During my course placement I worked within Rocco Forte’s flagship Balmoral Hotel learning the ropes and following graduation I stayed at the hotel for a further 3 years working within group reservations and events.

I then moved to Glasgow and worked for the G1 Group, a leisure company with over 40 venues as Sales & Events Manager. I absolutely loved this job and some of my favorite events included organising Armani’s first fashion show outside London in 10 years, numerous events for the (then) Bank of Scotland Premier League as well as film premiers and corporate events. I then moved back to Belfast and joined Morrows events team in 2007!

What was your first job and how much were you paid?
When I was 16 I worked as a silver service waitress within the McMaster Restaurant at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast. It was hard work and involved working on Friday and Saturday nights but was great fun as I worked with a brilliant team! I can’t quite remember how much I was paid as it was a “few” years ago but it may have been around £4.00 an hour.

Have you ever had a job you hated?
Actually, no I haven’t. I’ve been very lucky and have always had jobs that I’ve enjoyed!

What was your first success?
I was an avid horse rider when I was young so I think my first success would have been winning my first rosette in a gymkhana at my local riding school when I was about 10. My pony was called Punch and it was a jumping competition!

What business figure(s) do you most admire?
Most people associate Sir Bob Geldof with the Boomtown Rats and Live Aid however he is the founder and non executive director of the hugely successful Ten Alps PLC whose portfolio includes communications, media, vision and publishing.

Bob spoke at the Belfast Media Festival which Morrows managed in 2010 and he was really down to earth, extremely passionate about his business and is hugely supportive of the creative industries in Northern Ireland.

I also take my hat off to Victoria Beckham. Not only has she grown brand Beckham into a global name, she has defied the critics and produced a fashion line that is receiving acclaim from the highest level within the industry. Girl power indeed!

Have you ever made a mistake and if so what did you learn from it?
Mistakes are a learning curve and whether in business or in your personal life it is how you manage them that’s important. Nobody’s perfect and I think it’s essential to be open, honest and to deal with it.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you have ever been given?
If you want to achieve something you have to do it yourself - you have to make it happen.

What one item would you take with you to a desert island and why?
A laptop with a built in dongle and everlasting battery. This would allow me to keep in touch with everyone, listen to all my favorite music while I book a helicopter and await the flight home.

What has been your biggest financial extravagance?
Apart from my house and cars probably holidays.

Do you have a business mantra?
Be open, honest and listen. Also, a firm handshake is a must.

What items do you always carry with you?
I tend to carry a lot as I love large handbags however lip salve and my phone are absolutely essential!

When will you retire?
Unless I win the lottery retirement is a long way off!

You’re not you (when you’re hawking chocolate)

The recent uproar about the new Snickers Twitter campaign has raised a few eyebrows at Morrow Communications and kicked off a bit of a debate about communications on Twitter.

In case you haven’t seen it - as a tie-in to its Joan Collins / Stephanie Beecham fronted TV ad, various celebrities (with a combined followership of nearly 5 million) allowed their twitter streams to be taken over by Snickers. The campaign saw Katie Price tweeting about global economic policy and Ian Botham talking about his love of the cello. All to illustrate the fact that “You’re not you when you’re hungry.”

 So far, so clever-clever. But when the celebs then posted a pic of themselves with the aforementioned nut and nougat based confectionary and the hashtag @snickersUK#hungry#spon (which isn’t even a proper hashtag) followers were apparently upset that they had been “marketed at” without prior permission.

Some cynics amongst you might say it’s ridiculous that anyone following Katie Price has a problem with being marketed to (she is a one woman masterclass in the art of self-promotion – currently working on her 5^th ‘autobiography’).  Nonetheless, the ASA are investigating the matter and it could have serious consequences for the communications industry.

The complaints centre round the fact that the initial “takeover” tweets were not signposted as being part of a promotional campaign and therefore formed some sort of ‘stealth advertising.’

The problem with trying to restrict promotional activity on a platform such as twitter is that it could be argued that everybody’s tweets are in some way selling something. Whether that is a new fitness DVD, an unpublished novel or just the concept of yourself as a ‘real cool dude.’ Does taking a photo of your dinner in that swanky restaurant everyone’s been talking about constitute advertising?

The Snickers’ furore will no doubt make many working in communications wary of trying to take advantage of this still unpredictable media. As McDonald’s recent experience might show (the #McDstories campaign resulted in 140 character anecdotes about fingernails found in big macs amongst other delights), Twitter can be virulently anti-corporate.

Commentators are now wondering if the ASA will recommend each tweet with a promotional slant is tagged with something similar to TV drama’s use of the product placement ‘PP’ logo. Perhaps we can start the hashtag right here? Suggestions?