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”

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”

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”

Staycation selections

Lots of people have been unwilling or unable to take foreign summer holidays this year. If you’re wondering where everyone has gone instead, you need to look very far to find out. A quick scan of accommodation booking sites shows that people have headed to the honeypots of the Lake District, Devon and Cornwall, asContinue reading “Staycation selections”