Renewed interest in renewables from new Government
Labour came to power with a manifesto that said they will work with the private sector. We look at the plans to double onshore wind, triple solar power, and quadruple offshore wind by 2030 and consider what might it mean in terms of communications and community engagement.
October, 2024 more
Greenwash claims face red flag from the European Union
The European Commission is looking to bring in new legislation to clamp down on greenwashing by companies. This has major implications for businesses and their communication advisers who are promoting their Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) credentials, and who operate in the European Union.
March, 2024 more
Time to refresh your personal brand?
The beginning of the year is a good time to take a look at your branding and marketing, not just for your organisation but also for your personal brand. If you think you don’t have one, think again.
January, 2024 more
Constructing a case for development
The construction industry is vitally important to the economy in the South East. There are some fantastic companies, but too often before a spade can be put in the ground there’s the need to navigate the court of public opinion, and that requires good communication from the start.
October, 2023 more
PR goes beyond the press
Effective public relations is much more than simply media relations – the value of a press release goes beyond just sending it to the media. It’s about utilising the reach of all available channels to communicate with your target audience(s) and key stakeholders.
August, 2023 more
Understanding the political landscape
A key part of our work involves advising clients on the political landscape, and how best to engage with local stakeholders. MD Andrew Metcalf gives an insight into what recent political changes might mean for local businesses as we edge closer to the General Election.
August, 2023 more
Are you good company?
Andrew Metcalf, Managing Director of Kent PR, marketing and public affairs agency Maxim, considers what it takes to demonstrate you’re a good company.
August, 2023 more
Is my news really newsworthy?
Erica Jones, Account Director at Kent-based PR, marketing and public affairs agency Maxim, considers when something is – and isn't – news.
June, 2023 more
Boost your marketing with some alternative advertising
When it comes to getting your name out there, the obvious thing to do is advertise but sometimes you need to complement the magazine, TV or billboard. Erica Jones, Account Director at Kent-based PR, marketing and public affairs agency Maxim, suggests a different approach.
February, 2023 more
What are FAQs and why do I need them?
Frequently asked questions can be a valuable business tool, writes Maxim Account Director Erica Jones, if you take the time to prepare and share them.
November, 2022 more
Look after your personal brand
These days your personal brand can be just as important as an organisation’s, whether you’re a national figure or simply a business person trying to get on with an everyday job, according to Rachel Knight, Director at Maxim.
September, 2022 more
When is a good time to join a social media trend?
It can be tempting to jump on a Twitter trend as soon as you spot it. Erica Jones, Account Director at Kent PR, marketing and public affairs agency Maxim explains why sometimes it’s better to wait.
September, 2022 more
Don’t over-complicate your message
Erica Jones, Account Director at Kent-based PR, marketing and public affairs agency Maxim, explains the importance of press releases and how to use them.
July, 2022 more
P&O Ferries’ reputation is lost at sea
The scandalous sacking of P&O Ferries’ 800 staff with immediate effect has damaged its reputation locally and nationally. Can the company recover, and who else has been damaged?
March, 2022 more
Stakeholders are key to success
Talking to the appropriate people at the right time, using appropriate messaging is the basis for every successful project, whether that’s marketing a product or service, submitting a planning application or promoting a brand.
February, 2022 more
How do I hold my event during Covid?
Erica Jones, Account Director at Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim, considers the options for planning awards, conferences, dinners, exhibitions, and more in the face of Covid-19 uncertainty.
January, 2022 more
Mix up your marketing
Do you remember where you were on the evening of Monday, 4 October? Rachel Knight, director at Kent PR, marketing and public affairs agency Maxim recalls the night social media was a little quieter than usual and explains why it's important not to rely on one form of marketing.
November, 2021 more
Own goal scored by shambolic European Super League announcement
The recent announcement of the proposed European Super League (ESL) has been an unmitigated PR disaster for the clubs involved and their billionaire owners. While Maxim can’t lay claim to having ever made such a large announcement, Director Andrew Metcalf considers what tactics could help prevent companies snatching PR defeat from the jaws of victory when making their own announcements.
April, 2021 more
An awards writing checklist
Entering – and preferably winning – awards can be a great promotional tool for yourself and/or your organisation, but what is the secret to success? How do you get yourself on the shortlist? And what can you do to ensure victory is yours? Erica Jones of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim offers some advice.
April, 2021 more
Maxim ensures story is on the right track for publicity
A fundamental basic of public relations is getting the story to the media in the most efficient and effective manner. Andrew Metcalf, Director of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim, explains more and shares a recent success story, which demonstrates why PR is more than “just” a press release.
April, 2021 more
How do you secure positive press coverage during a pandemic?
Having a sense for what makes news is fundamental to achieving positive press coverage. Combined with longstanding media contacts and an ability to write a press release, great PR – like great comedy – is also about the timing, says Andrew Metcalf, Director of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim.
March, 2021 more
Trust – the bedrock for business
Trust is at the heart of every decision we take, whether it’s the technology we buy, the car we drive, the business we buy from or recommendations to others – or the politicians we vote for. Andrew Metcalf, Director of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim, considers what it means for business.
February, 2021 more
Drawing on the lessons of the past
Twenty-five years ago Maxim delivered its first major project – Transchannel ’95 – a cross-Channel exhibition which brought together 160 companies from Kent, Nord-Pas de Calais, Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels capital, writes Andrew Metcalf, Director of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim.
November, 2020 more
Protecting the integrity of your brand in times of crisis
Maintaining the integrity of your brand should be a key consideration for any organisation and it is often during a crisis that the matter requires the greatest attention, writes Philip Jones, Director at Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim.
October, 2020 more
Big public backing for Biggleston Yard, Canterbury
Securing public support for a £30m Kent city centre investment to support the project team’s path through the planning process is one of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim’s latest success stories, writes Andrew Metcalf, the Director who led the community and stakeholder engagement activity.
August, 2020 more
Successful bid strengthens Maxim client
Raising awareness of what an organisation does, and how it makes a difference, can help secure influential advocates and have a major impact on the success of a business. Maxim director Andrew Metcalf considers a case in point, client NIAB EMR
July, 2020 more
Preparing for business re-opening and the post-covid world
While some of us will still be in shock over the impact of covid-19 on our businesses, many will have moved on to anger, and others might have accepted it. Andrew Metcalf, director of Maxim advises people to consider what they might do next.
April, 2020 more
We are here to help – call us for ‘no fee’ advice
Over the past fortnight our team has been putting its crisis communications and media relations experience to good use, advising many clients on the strategies – and actions – needed to support their businesses during the impact of COVID-19
March, 2020 more
Top tips for becoming a valued media spokesperson
The media is constantly on the lookout for credible spokespeople to respond to enquiries, often resulting in interviews in print, on radio, and on television. Andrew Metcalf, Director at PR and marketing agency Maxim, offers some advice on becoming – and proving yourself – a valued spokesperson for the media.
March, 2020 more
Getting your message across
Sometimes words need to be serious, other times they need to be friendly and relaxed. Erica Jones, account manager at Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim, considers the importance of language when sharing your story.
February, 2020 more
What is a video press release?
A video press release, or a video news release, is filmed as a news report to then be issued to the media. Much like the written version, a video press release should be produced in a style that will make it easy for the media to use.
August, 2019 more
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
In praise of the humble pun
Is the pun soon to be a thing of the past in the world of PR, its demise hastened by the onward march of search engine driven content?
August, 2018 more
Degree done… now what?
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
Are you looking after your brand?
It’s a small thing, but your company logo plays a massive part in identifying your business. Erica Jones reminds us why it’s important to look after your logo.
May, 2018 more
Ten questions to drive your marketing
Before diving headlong into marketing your company, and blowing your budget by adopting a bull in a china shop approach, step back and ask yourself some fundamental questions about your business.
January, 2017 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
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
The reward of entering awards
It’s great to win awards and be told you’re the best of the best, but – when it comes to profile-building – awards really can be about taking part. Erica Jones of PR and marketing agency Maxim explains.
August, 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
"Can we make it go viral?"
Creating an image, article or even a concept that is shared across the internet is every marketeers’ dream but it is virtually impossible to come up with an idea that is guaranteed to go viral. Often it will happen purely by accident.
January, 2016 more
Volkswagen in reputational car crash
A good reputation is vital when it comes to business. Andrew Metcalf, director of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim, considers the challenges now faced by Volkswagen’s PR team.
September, 2015 more
Preparing for public exhibitions
Public exhibitions are relatively easy events to organise: you book a hall, print out an information board or two and wait for visitors. However getting them right involves a little more work. Erica Jones of Kent PR and Marketing agency Maxim offers four tips to help make your event run more smoothly.
September, 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
Kent and Medway’s Local Election results
The country may not have witnessed a political earthquake on the scale predicted by Nigel Farage, but few saw the prospect of a Conservative majority for David Cameron nationally.
May, 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
Top tips on avoiding typos
Spelling mistakes can ruin your message. Philip Jones, Director of Kent PR agency Maxim, offers some advice on keeping your copy clean.
January, 2015 more
Early engagement improves planning prospects
Getting embroiled in a battle with local residents is both costly and can significantly delay development on site. Developers need to get their community engagement right first time if they are to avoid a lengthy and expensive appeal.
September, 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
Maxim goes Miles further
My name is Miles Atkinson, I’m 16 years old currently studying at The Skinners’ School and about to go into sixth form, having just finished my GCSEs.
July, 2014 more
What PR lessons can we draw from the World Cup?
Billions of people around the world switched on and saw Germany win the final of the World Cup. When selecting your PR agency there are a few football analogies that you can think about. Andy Rayfield, PR Manager at Maxim and Arsenal season ticket holder, considers the issue.
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
How to create great content
At the recent Digital in Kent conference Andrew Metcalf hosted a workshop about writing great content. Here, he sums up the main points from his speech.
March, 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
How to handle criticism on social media sites
Many organisations are fearful of receiving negative comments on sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Rachel Knight, who advises clients on social media at Kent PR agency Maxim, provides tips on how to handle criticism online.
January, 2014 more
Bloggers beware says ASA
With bloggers having an increasing influence over consumers and the general public, many brands are increasingly offering authors money to write a positive piece on behalf of a company, with the danger that it could break the Advertising Code.
December, 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
Fracking hell for Cuadrilla
Can fracking operator Cuadrilla turn the situation in Balcombe around, or has it, and the government, lost the middle ground? And what lessons can be learnt for others considering potentially contentious planning applications?
August, 2013 more
Marmite accused of bad taste
It looks like the nation’s ability to laugh at itself is on the decline, if the recent furore over the Marmite advert is anything to go by.
August, 2013 more
PR industry has own PR problem
Given that PR is all about developing and protecting reputations, why isn’t the industry bathed in glory? Andrew Metcalf, director at Kent PR agency Maxim, looks at the issues.
August, 2013 more
BlackBerry rings the changes
Smartphone maker BlackBerry is learning the lessons of failing to keep up with the competition from Apple and Samsung the hard way, and is now considering putting itself up for sale.
July, 2013 more
A student's insight into PR
James Eastcott, who has recently completed a degree at the University of Kent, shares his thoughts on his work experience at Maxim.
June, 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
A dozen gems from Digital in Kent
Rachel Knight shares her thoughts on some of the points that were made at Digital in Kent - a conference that covered SEO, PPC and social media.
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
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
Studying PR Vs working at Maxim
A second year public relations student at Leeds Metropolitan University shares her thoughts on how her studies compare to work experience at Maxim.
January, 2013 more
Keep calm and communicate
We have many years’ experience working with clients to promote their good news. However, companies also need to prepare for the prospect of an event which could damage their hard earned reputation. Here are 10 issues to consider when managing a crisis.
January, 2013 more
Avoid shooting the messenger
Social media and digital marketing are not yet delivering the perfect solution for building relationships with customers. But is it too easy to start blaming the messenger rather than the message?
January, 2013 more
"Good morning, Minister..."
The visit of a government Minister can be a priceless endorsement for a business and help to raise its profile - take a look at recent examples.
December, 2012 more
A poor brief is pants
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
Facebook - the search for those elusive likes
With one billion active users, nobody can deny that Facebook is a popular social network. But if you are the administrator of a company page, how do you encourage those users to visit and like it? Maxim’s Rachel Knight looks into advertising on the site.
October, 2012 more
Return on investment
Appointing the agency is relatively easy, but the hard work’s only just begun. The challenge is how to translate news into column inches and tangible new business.
August, 2012 more
At the Cole face of PR
Emma Cole, 20, a student at the University of Reading, has spent two weeks at Maxim learning about the world of PR. Here she shares her thoughts on the experience.
August, 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
Wind farm well connected
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
Reputation matters
Everybody likes to have people think well of them and businesses are no different. Andrew Metcalf, director at Maxim, examines the issue of a business’ reputation and its management.
January, 2011 more
Snow joke for commuters
It has become obvious that the UK simply cannot deal with the amount of snow that has fallen recently. We look at how quickly a reputation can be damaged.
December, 2010 more