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August, 2020
Rachel Knight, Account Director at Maxim, the PR and marketing agency which organises the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards, has this statement.
Thank you to everyone involved in KPBA: to our sponsors, the judges, and every journalist who has ever or will ever enter the awards. We appreciate your work and your patience and we hope you are all safe and well in these difficult times.
If you have any questions please get in touch by emailing kpba@maxim-pr.co.uk or via your usual Maxim contact.
Rachel Knight
Maxim / Director
posted in: maxim/client news, media relations,
Adventure golf putts media management to the test
An ambitious client project saw Account Manager Erica Jones of PR and marketing agency Maxim juggling TV stations and interviews in an intense day of filming. Here she explains why even when the story is effortlessly spread, there’s still a lot of work to be done.
August, 2019 more
Alice in PR wonderland as she joins Maxim
Tunbridge Wells-based PR and marketing agency Maxim has recruited a former communications and engagement officer to its team.
February, 2019 more
University of Exeter graduate Mary Dewar explains her week’s introduction into public relations at Kent-based PR and marketing agency Maxim.
July, 2018 more
An award for Kent awards scheme?
The Kent Press & Broadcast Awards (KPBA), a not-for-profit scheme established by Maxim, has been shortlisted for a national award.
March, 2018 more
Simon McCoy to host Kent Press & Broadcast Awards
Simon McCoy, dubbed as ‘everyone’s favourite rogue newsreader’ by the Telegraph, will be hosting this year’s Kent Press & Broadcast Awards (KPBA) ceremony.
February, 2018 more
Free Kent on Sunday pays ultimate price
For the first time in more than 15 years, there was no edition of Kent on Sunday this weekend after its owners, Archant, took the decision to close it. Andrew Metcalf looks back at the rise, and unfortunate fall, of the award-winning newspaper.
December, 2017 more
Widespread media coverage for latest plans for new Lower Thames Crossing
Maxim has helped engage with business and secure strong media coverage for the latest design for the new Lower Thames Crossing.
November, 2017 more
Maxim helped secure national media coverage for client Markerstudy Leisure and its venue Bewl Water when Sir Malcolm Campbell’s restored Bluebird K3 was rolled out for a public test day.
September, 2017 more
Kent Press & Broadcast Awards 2018 to go ahead
The Kent Press & Broadcast Awards (KPBA), a scheme organised by Tunbridge Wells-based PR and marketing agency Maxim, will be going ahead for a fourth time.
September, 2017 more
Winners announced for the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards 2017
Print, broadcast and digital journalists, as well as photographers and designers, were recognised in 14 categories at this year’s Kent Press & Broadcast Awards ceremony.
July, 2017 more
Social media is an important part of the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards ceremony. Relive the day via some of the best tweets.
July, 2017 more
Reaction to the announcement of the #KPBA finalists 2017
Find out how people reacted when we announced the shortlist for the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards 2017.
May, 2017 more
Shortlist for the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards 2017 Announced
Fourteen categories, 129 entries and six judges - the #KPBA finalists have been announced.
May, 2017 more
Timing is (almost) everything in media relations
In PR – as in life – timing is not quite everything but it can play an important role in how much coverage a story receives.
May, 2017 more
President Trump’s PR spokesperson - the toughest PR job just got tougher
Press secretary to President Trump, Sean Spicer has just made his life so much harder by not following the fundamental rules of PR. Andrew Metcalf, director of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim, examines what’s behind the epic media fail and how things might be turned around.
January, 2017 more
Gavin Esler to host Kent Press & Broadcast Awards
Award-winning television and radio broadcaster, writer and journalist Gavin Esler will host this year’s Kent Press & Broadcast Awards ceremony.
January, 2017 more
Regional media and free press could be the casualties of new legislation
If you could take someone who annoyed you to court with no fear about the costs, would you do it? Andrew Metcalf, director of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim, considers the potential consequences of Section 40 on the nation’s media, including the county’s own regional press.
December, 2016 more
Freebies: Good marketing tool or a waste of money?
There’s something about the word free that draws people in, but do we actually need, want or use those items we’ve hastily grabbed? Erica Jones from Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim looks at the benefits or otherwise of the free gift.
November, 2016 more
Public relations and positivity
Public relations focusses on the positive side of your work, explains Erica Jones of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim.
November, 2016 more
Protecting your reputation in a crisis
Any organisation, no matter how well run, can face a potential public relations crisis. How the situation is handled can make a significant difference to its impact.
September, 2016 more
Tips for taking photos for the press
A good picture can tell – or even sell – a story so as a PR agency Maxim always advises clients to use a professional photographer whenever possible. But what if you don't have the time or the budget?
September, 2016 more
Winners of the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards 2016 announced
More than 100 guests gathered to celebrate the best of the county’s media at the second Kent Press & Broadcast Awards ceremony.
July, 2016 more
Relive the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards ceremony 2016
The best of the tweets using #KPBA before, during and after the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards ceremony.
July, 2016 more
Celebrating Kent’s design, development and built environment
The search is now under way to find the winners of the Kent Design & Development Awards 2016, and PR and marketing agency Maxim is proud to be a headline sponsor.
June, 2016 more
Politician defends a journalist – shock horror
Does it matter if someone is offended by a reporter’s line of questioning? Andy Rayfield, account director at Kent PR and public affairs agency Maxim, says he believes journalists have every right to ask probing questions
June, 2016 more
Massive response to public consultation
The public consultation into the proposed new Lower Thames Crossing could have a big impact on the future of infrastructure in the South East. Kent PR and public affairs agency Maxim was involved in the campaign to encourage the business to community to have their say.
June, 2016 more
How to prepare to face the television cameras
Being interviewed by the media can be a daunting experience, being interviewed on film can make it even more nerve-racking. Erica Jones of PR and marketing agency Maxim offers some advice to help you get it right.
May, 2016 more
Finalists announced for the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards 2016
See how the #KPBA finalists reacted when we announced the shortlist.
May, 2016 more
The importance of local newspapers
With bloggers, social media, fanzines and citizen reporters creating a wealth of content, is local journalism still necessary?
May, 2016 more
Public relations versus marketing
What is the difference between public relations and marketing? Erica Jones of PR and marketing agency Maxim explains
April, 2016 more
Last minute rush secures bumper awards entries
Proving journalists love an impending deadline, 57 per cent of the 147 entries for the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards were submitted either the day before or on the closing date for submissions.
April, 2016 more
The secret to organising a group photograph
Erica Jones of PR and marketing agency Maxim offers some advice on gathering up important people for that must-have group photograph.
March, 2016 more
How can small businesses build a strong reputation in the media?
Andrew Metcalf, director of Kent PR and public affairs agency Maxim, will be sharing some of his knowledge on building a reputation in the media next week.
March, 2016 more
With the demise of the print edition of The Independent and the arrival of a new newspaper named New Day, Andrew Metcalf considers the ever-changing media landscape.
February, 2016 more
Cathy Newman to host Kent Press & Broadcast Awards
Journalist and broadcaster Cathy Newman will host this year’s Kent Press & Broadcast Awards ceremony in July.
February, 2016 more
Parties, long lunches and the work of entertaining
PR isn’t all late nights and parties, and when it is they’re not quite as glamorous as you’d expect. Maxim PR senior account executive Erica Jones dispels the myths.
January, 2016 more
Kent Press & Broadcast Awards 2016 now open
The Kent Press & Broadcast Awards (KPBA) is now open for entries
November, 2015 more
Ex sub-editor Erica Jones of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim looks at the different way press, client and calendar deadlines impact upon workload.
September, 2015 more
Coffee, cake and cuddles with the office pups
This year PR and marketing agency Maxim will be taking part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan for the first time.
September, 2015 more
The importance of the office dog
In honour of National Dog Day, Alice Knight, a Havanese puppy who lives with Maxim account director Rachel Knight, describes her role as Chief Morale Officer at the Kent PR agency.
August, 2015 more
During the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards Ceremony the hashtag #KPBA consistently trended at number 8 in the UK on Twitter, reaching some 488,000 accounts.
July, 2015 more
The inaugural Kent Press & Broadcast Awards were a resounding success, now the trophies have been presented Kent PR agency Maxim can reveal the winners.
July, 2015 more
FIFA scandal undermines brand of beautiful game
News of arrests at FIFA’s headquarters in Geneva by FBI agents sent the media into a frenzy of activity, calling into question the reputation of the beautiful game. Football fan Andy Rayfield considers some interesting questions.
May, 2015 more
Grant tops polls in General Election prediction competition
It wasn't just the pollsters who were caught out when it came to predicting the outcome of the General Election. It’s clear that many people in Kent found it difficult to call if the results of Maxim’s recent competition are anything to go by.
May, 2015 more
Kent Press & Broadcast Awards finalists announced
We've had a great reaction to the announcement of the finalists in the first Kent Press & Broadcast Awards
May, 2015 more
Maxim is a finalist in the first Kent Digital Awards which organisers say received ‘an outstanding number of entries.
May, 2015 more
Are you a budding Peter Snow and able to predict the result of the General Election?
As an agency which helps many of its clients understand the political landscape, we thought it would be a fun for us all to try to predict how the public will vote in Kent – with the added incentive of the chance to win a case of Chapel Down wine.
April, 2015 more
All about Awards – from publicising to entering
It’s important for businesses to shout about their achievements which is why Kent PR agency Maxim encourages clients to get involved in award schemes. Account Director Andy Rayfield explains our role.
April, 2015 more
‘Fantastic response’ to media awards
More than 100 individuals submitted 143 entries to the first Kent Press & Broadcast Awards, a scheme that celebrates those working in the media.
April, 2015 more
Securing editorial coverage – the role of the case study
Case studies can be the perfect way to demonstrate the value of your product or service, explains Andrew Metcalf, Director of Kent PR agency Maxim
April, 2015 more
Peter Sissons to host first Kent Press & Broadcast Awards
Veteran broadcaster Peter Sissons will be the host of the first Kent Press & Broadcast Awards ceremony.
March, 2015 more
Find out how to secure media coverage for your business
Maxim’s Andrew Metcalf has teamed up with Chris Price, the KM Group’s business editor, to present a workshop at the West Kent B2B exhibition and conference.
March, 2015 more
20 years of Maxim: From hosting prime ministers to difficult sporting heroes
Three prime ministers, an oversized lion, Manchester United, the world’s most powerful offshore wind farm, the country’s first Angry Birds theme park, hungover England rugby players, cocktail cherries and a campaign for Vatican reform. Maxim’s 20 years have been varied, enjoyable and challenging.
March, 2015 more
All eyes on Thanet in the run up to the Election
As we all know, Kent, and in particular Thanet South, is going to be in the media spotlight as the clock ticks down to the General Election. As an agency, the team at Maxim spends a lot of our time supporting clients in East Kent and taking the political temperature is part of our daily work.
February, 2015 more
Looking back to the launch of Manchester United champagne
Do you remember when we helped to launch Manchester United champagne? Alison Hardy, Account Director for Kent PR agency Maxim, looks back to the 90s and her time socialising with the players
February, 2015 more
Then and now: Getting your message to the media
Philip Jones, Director of Kent PR agency Maxim, looks at how times have changed in the life of the humble press release – and how they haven’t.
January, 2015 more
A new Economic Development Group for West Kent is being set up to represent the views of local businesses in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks.
January, 2015 more
Mark p-p-p-picked up a penguin and an iPod too
Congratulations to Mark Anderson, who completed our Christmas competition and won the star prize.
January, 2015 more
Why 'no comment' is not the answer
If a journalist asks you a question, there is very rarely an occasion when ‘no comment’ is the right answer.
January, 2015 more
Three Kent organisations have pledged their support for local journalism by sponsoring a new awards scheme for the county’s media.
November, 2014 more
And the winner is… Kent Design & Development Awards
Having been asked to join Kent County Council and DHA Planning as one of the major sponsors of the 2014 Kent Design and Development Awards, it’s great to report that they were a roaring success and showcased the many excellent construction projects taking place across the county.
November, 2014 more
This week marks Erica’s year anniversary at Maxim, so she’s been looking back at her first few days and the range of experiences her now not so new career entails.
November, 2014 more
Planning success for solar farm
An 18MW solar farm has been given the go-ahead at Orchard Farm in Iwade, Kent. Maxim was appointed by GH Dean & Co Ltd, the company behind the project, to assist with taking it through the planning system in Swale.
October, 2014 more
New client is a #lidlsurprise for Maxim
We all know ranking high on Google is good for business, but having a good enough website to keep prospective clients – and the work capability to live up to your promise – are equally important. Fortunately, Maxim had all three when we recently landed a little project with a big name.
October, 2014 more
Maxim launches the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards
Maxim is launching a new awards scheme for the Kent media.
October, 2014 more
Maxim produces tourism newspaper – read all about it
After more than a decade in newspapers Erica Jones thought she’d miss the excitement of a print deadline whooshing by. Then she was given the task of helping to produce The Summer Times – the perfect opportunity to utilise the skills of her previous career for the benefit of a client.
August, 2014 more
PR skills put to the test in local newsroom
As the media is constantly changing it is vital for PR agencies to keep up to date with how journalists work. Rachel Knight, account director at Maxim, spent the afternoon in a busy newsroom to soak up the atmosphere.
August, 2014 more
Gaining excellent PR experience for the future
Another summer of providing work experience to students kicks off with Chloe Choudray. Here she shares her thoughts on her week at Kent PR agency Maxim.
July, 2014 more
PR has to be earned - it’s not free
There is no such thing as free PR. Businesses who think that PR is free rarely, if ever, get the full benefit of it as a way of building trust and engaging with their customers.
June, 2014 more
How does PR link with digital?
Andrew Metcalf has recently spoken about the relationship between PR and digital at Digital in Kent and West Kent B2B. Here he outlines the lifecycle of a news story, from first tweeted rumour to full press coverage.
June, 2014 more
A Barnes-tormer of a PR disaster
Asked by BBC Radio Kent to join them in the studio, Maxim’s Andrew Metcalf watched as the Kent & Medway Police & Crime Panel quizzed Ann Barnes on the reasoning behind her decision to take part in the now infamous C4 ‘Meet the Commissioner’ programme. He then went on to give his views live on air on her performance.
June, 2014 more
‘Dear Journalist’ – how to get a press release deleted immediately
The relationship between journalists and PRs can often be easily undermined by a badly targeted, poorly written press release, which can damage a client’s reputation.
May, 2014 more
Seeing your newspaper or magazine in the shops can be an exciting achievement for a young journalist, Erica Jones remembers her first publication day and its continued presence during her new career in PR.
April, 2014 more
Maxim launches Kent Design & Development Awards website
As a headline sponsor of the biannual Kent Design & Development Awards Maxim has created a website to raise awareness of the competition.
February, 2014 more
The key to getting results from your PR
Nothing highlights the difference between lazy and inspired PR more than the press release frenzy that is Valentine’s Day.
February, 2014 more
Time called on newspaper photographers
As one newspaper group announces it is phasing out photographers it's increasingly important you provide a good quality image with your press release. We offer some tips to get your picture past the editor
February, 2014 more
How to prepare for a media interview
Imagine you have an interview with a journalist that could have a positive impact on your business, or perhaps mitigate the damage of a negative story – how should you prepare? Kent PR agency Maxim provides some top tips.
January, 2014 more
Spotlight on Kent's construction industry
No matter how enthusiastic you are about the development world, few people have the time to read all the relevant news covered in the local and national media.
January, 2014 more
Maxim backs Kent's Design & Developments Awards
Maxim is joining forces with some of Kent’s leading players in the built environment and development industry to help deliver the Kent Design & Development Awards 2014.
January, 2014 more
Top tips to become a PR agency's perfect client
Over the years I have been fortunate enough to have worked with some great organisations but what makes the perfect client?
January, 2014 more
Reporters and editors are relatively well known, but what’s the difference between a spell checker and a sub-editor and how do the three roles work together? Maxim’s Erica Jones, a former sub-editor, explains the goings on in a newsroom.
December, 2013 more
Former sub-editor quicksteps into Maxim
A ballroom dancing enthusiast aims to keep things strictly professional as she joins the Maxim team.
November, 2013 more
Quick action secures press coverage
We are often telling clients that being flexible helps to secure press coverage and it is always nice to see that piece of advice being acted upon.
November, 2013 more
How to avoid irritating a journalist
Our top tips on how not to irritate a journalist include avoiding follow up calls and jargon.
October, 2013 more
Timely challenge to influence Vatican
When Pope Benedict XVI surprised the world and resigned there was a rare opportunity for Roman Catholics seeking changes within the church to voice their opinions, spark debate and try to influence his successor. Find out how we helped.
May, 2013 more
Kent knows it is now connected to the world thanks to new twice-daily flights from Manston Airport to award-winning hub Schiphol, in Amsterdam, with Maxim playing its part by working with the county’s media to shout about the good news.
April, 2013 more
My week with the wonderful Maxim team
Student Vita Vents spent a day a week with us over a couple of months, enabling her to gain a wider variety of experience than she would have in a single week. She shares her thoughts on her time at Maxim.
March, 2013 more
Death of the deadline confirmed
With the unrelenting march of the smartphone and tablet, the great British public is getting a growing proportion of its news digitally. As a result, the deadline is now well and truly dead.
March, 2013 more
Findus fiasco is recipe for reputation damage
In the world of PR and crisis communications hindsight is a wonderful thing, especially when it comes to not falling at the first fence, as recently done by Findus.
March, 2013 more
Print versus online press coverage
Do you ever think about where your company news appears? Rachel Knight, Account Director at Maxim, considers the issues of print versus online.
February, 2013 more
What does 2013 hold for the media?
How will the new year pan out for the media? We've asked a selection for their thoughts.
January, 2013 more
Appointing a PR and marketing agency: where do you start? The first, and most important thing to do is develop and agree a brief, which is realistic, deliverable and above all is consistent with your company’s broader business plan.
December, 2012 more
Increasing your editorial profile?
Successful media relations isn't just about the news value of the individual story, it's also to do with how you present the story.
November, 2012 more
Delphine crowned tourism champion
The tireless efforts of Maxim's Delphine Houlton have been recognised at Visit Kent's recent 10th birthday celebrations.
October, 2012 more
Survey shines spotlight on news consumption
Nearly a quarter of people (23%) now get their first daily news electronically via a tablet or smartphone.
September, 2012 more
How do the lessons learned over more than 20 years in the trade, including a stint at a national news agency, help Maxim's Andy Rayfield when it comes to telling our clients’ stories?
September, 2012 more
Angry Birds news flies around the world
The UK’s first Angry Birds Activity Park has been launched, attracting worldwide media coverage.
August, 2012 more
More than 100 of the world’s major media outlets covered the launch of Angry Birds Activity Parks recently, making it one of Maxim’s most successful projects to date.
June, 2012 more
Ten questions to ask your prospective PR agency
You’ve spent hours developing the brief, despatched it to a number of prospective agencies, read their proposals and shortlisted the lucky three, or four, for interview – but what questions should you ask them when you see the whites of their eyes?
June, 2012 more
PR and Press - are we really so different?
It's the perennial question asked of journalists who leave the 'sanctity' of the newsdesk to join a PR agency: Why have you sold your soul and turned to the ‘dark side’? With many of the team at Maxim being former journalists we’re very aware of the 'them and us' attitude.
February, 2012 more
'Off the record' - does it really work?
Many believe that verbally agreeing with a journalist that their comments will be ‘Off the record’ means they won’t be quoted, and therefore will be protected. However, that’s not the case in today’s 24/7 news world, and arguably never has been.
February, 2012 more
Crisis comms must have sound foundations
Excellent communication with customers, stakeholders and investors is central to good crisis management. But too often now, poor comms delivery is being used as a smokescreen to avoid addressing much more serious business issues.
October, 2011 more
It is often the case that in business, as in life, the seemingly little things you do can make all the difference. Those who foster good relations with their neighbours or go out of their way to engage with the public are often rewarded with a raised profile and reinforced reputation.
September, 2011 more
This week marks 10 years since Rachel Knight joined Maxim. She takes a personal look at the top ten most notable things that have changed during her time at the company.
July, 2011 more
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