On the one hand, paying £7.50 for a cardboard carton of soup and a paper bag of bread sounds quite ridiculous. When you point out that this is at seaside shack with views to die for, it starts to make a little more sense. And when you realise that this is at the Hidden HutContinue reading “Not so hidden”
Author Archives: Ian Curwen
Getting a buzz from the bus station
My memories of Whitehaven bus station aren’t of the halcyon days. By the time I came to use it, it was for Saturday visits to spend my pocket money in the town centre (pick and mix and singles from Woolworths, and stationery from WH Smiths, for the record). At this point, it was pretty runContinue reading “Getting a buzz from the bus station”
Celebrating success
I passionately believe that your workforce is your most important audience. If you’re planning a project, or are managing an issue, employees should be the first group listed in the audience section of your comms plan. Your employees can be your most powerful advocates. They can also be your fiercest critics. It might seem obvious,Continue reading “Celebrating success”
One year of this – whatever this is
I imagine there will be a whole gang of people dusting off their typewriters, as we mark the first anniversary of the Covid-19 lives we lead. Recording our thoughts, particularly of such an abnormal year, feels important. A year ago today, I started working from home. A pregnant partner meant I was a taking noContinue reading “One year of this – whatever this is”
One month back
Today is Time to Talk Day. It’s also one month since we returned to work after the Christmas break. It’s fair to say that after a busy and draining month, that break now feels like a lifetime ago. We’re now well and truly into our third lockdown, and I don’t think I am alone in sayingContinue reading “One month back”
Meeting mayhem
In recent weeks, my diary started to fill up with meetings again. There was a lull while we were finding our feet and deciding which work needed to continue. But that’s long since ended. People know their days now, and the assumption is that work continues as planned pre-pandemic. And that’s fine. But our livesContinue reading “Meeting mayhem”
In praise of: the festive baguette
When it gets to December (ok then, November), the festive baguette is added to the specials board in every sandwich shop worth its salt. Find out what I make of this, and where to get the best examples.
Six months in, six more to go?
I’ve been working at home for a little over six months now. I can split that period into two three-month chunks – before Teddy and after. One of those periods felt less stressful than the other. And despite the convenience of a three-month old baby to blame, I don’t think that gives the full picture.Continue reading “Six months in, six more to go?”
Review: The Parkers Arms
Social media can be blamed for lots of the problems in the world today. But last Saturday night, I was thankful for it, as I sat in a fantastic pub in the Trough of Bowland. I’ve followed the Parkers Arms on social media for quite some time. Their witty and honest posts on Twitter coupledContinue reading “Review: The Parkers Arms”
Take time to unplug
This time last year, I dug out my sleeping bag and headed, via Leamington Spa, to an event called Comms Unplugged. I knew little of what I was in for. But what I did know was that the event came highly recommended by my good friend, trusted advisor and former mentor, Darren Caveney. Darren isContinue reading “Take time to unplug”
The only man in the room 