In this episode of Comms Vs., Janine and Ben discuss the Race in PR report recently released by Charted Institute of Public Relations. Janine outlines the key finding of the report, including the lack of diversity within the PR sector and the possible reasons behind this. They also discuss The Blueprint, put together by Elizabeth Bananuka, Founder of BME PR Pros, which is a series of commitments and actions that PR businesses can and should take to increase diversity and inclusion in the sector.

Ben and Janine also discuss the use of staff in external communications and debate whether this is an effective tool to attract customers and engage employees.

Lockdown lessons

Ben enthuses about the joys of a blanket fort – and did you hear that Liverpool FC won the Premier League?!

Links

•Race in PR report: https://cipr.co.uk/CIPR/Our_work/Policy/Diversity_resources.aspx
•Nike advert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBy4zDLzQ-I&feature=emb_logo

Shoutouts

•Janine’s brother-in-law as it’s his 50th birthday – Happy Birthday Rob!
•Janine’s sister-in-law (also called Janine) as she’s broken her back – Get well soon Janine

About the hosts

Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.

Keep in touch

Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: [email protected]

In this episode of Comms Vs., Ben and Janine discuss the recent news story featuring Manchester United football player Marcus Rashford and the role he has played in lobbying Government to extend the school voucher scheme over the six-week school holidays. They also talk about the role of celebrity ambassadors more broadly and the importance of prioritising authenticity and passion over fame and followers when campaign planning.

Good news

Janine highlights a heart-warming interview with Dalai Lama where he talks about how he’s been touched by people’s compassion for one another during lockdown.

Lockdown lessons

Janine encourages everyone to watch 13TH on Netflix, a documentary looking at systemic racism in America – particularly in the justice and prison systems. Ben shares how lockdown has helped him to feel more comfortable talking to his friends about mental health.

Links

•Marcus Rashford: Food voucher U-turn after footballer's campaign: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53065806
•Dalai Lama: Seven billion people 'need a sense of oneness’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-53028343
•Springwatch 2020 Mindful Moments: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08h1wq1

Shoutouts

•Jameela Jamil @jameelajamil – body positivity advocate and founder of @i_weigh
•Professor Green @professorgreen – musician and mental health advocate
•Stormzy - musician and political activist
•Sean Coughlin – Education and Family Correspondent @BBCNews, king of puns
•Janine’s mother-in-law for following Ben on Twitter

About the hosts

Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.

Keep in touch

In episode six of Comms Vs. Corona, Ben and Janine focus on the importance of the #BlackLivesMatter movement that has been making headlines, over the last few weeks. They reflect on their own reaction to recent events, as well as take a look at how some celebrities and brands have taken a stand against racism.

Good news

Janine shares a story about Irish MEP, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, who was allegedly caught with no trousers on during a video call with European parliament and Ben confesses to some Zoom misdemeanours of his own.

Lockdown lessons

Ben praises his wife’s hairdressing skills and Janine talks about her recently discovered love of birdwatching and wildlife spotting in general.

Links

•Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire from musician and political commentator, Akala – available on Amazon and as an audiobook: https://amzn.to/3ft0auN
•Irish MEP 'caught trouserless': https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/mep-caught-trouserless-during-live-broadcast-video-call-with-european-parliament-a4460556.html

About the hosts

Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.

Keep in touch

Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: [email protected]

A bonus episode to make up for the fact we've both been a little busy of late.

What do Elton John and Dominic Cummings have in common? Apparently sorry really is the hardest word. In this special episode of Comms Vs Corona, Ben and Janine look at the handling of the recent saga involving Dominic Cummings and his 260-mile trip from London to Durham during the height of lockdown.

They discuss everything from the press conference in the rose garden of Downing Street to the recent shift in Government messaging as they begin to ease lockdown measures. Ben and Janine also talk about THAT trip to Barnard Castle, answer some listener questions and end on a positive with a look at the latest ad campaign from Nike.

Links

•Nike advert - Never Too Far Down | You Can't Stop Us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-t8qPldklc

About the hosts

Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.

Keep in touch

Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: [email protected]

In episode five of Comms Vs. Corona, Janine and Ben are joined by Matthew Radcliffe, Janine’s husband and professional photographer based in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Together they sample some gins and shine a spotlight on how the photography industry is dealing with and responding creatively to the restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19.

Isolation portraits

First up, Ben, Janine and Matt discuss two Yorkshire-based photographers who, using very different techniques and approaches, have been able to document and record lockdown through a series of doorstep portraits of people and families in their local area. They also discuss the pros and cons of photo retouching – an often-controversial subject in the photography industry.

Check out:
•Nick Eagle – http://www.nickeaglephotography.com
•Lucy Bedford - http://www.lucybedfordphotography.com
•Gary Roylance – www.garyroylance.com

Video game street photography

Matt highlights the work of street photographer, Craig Whitehead, who has taken to the virtual world to continue his street photography – capturing images within video games. Matt and Ben school Janine in the unexpected skill and patience needed to do this well and share their mutual love of gaming.

Check out:
•Craig Whitehead – www.sixstreetunder.com

Business pivoting

Matt discusses business pivoting in the photography sector, in particular photographer Chris Ord who has changed his business to offer online tutorials for aspirant photographers or existing photographers who want to develop their lighting techniques. Janine, Ben and Matt also debate the merits of shopping locally and continuing to support smaller businesses in a post-lockdown world.

Check out:
•Chris Ord – www.chrisordphoto.co.uk

Lockdown lessons

Janine crowns the winner of the Chocolate Bar Face-Off, Ben accuses Janine of cheating and Matt and Ben get emotional about a Toblerone. They also discuss how to avoid the biscuit tin and why we should all learn to give ourselves a break.

Shoutouts

•Our fantastic guest, Matt Radcliffe – follow him @mattradphoto
•York Gin – small batch gin handmade in their sustainable distillery in York
•Speights Gin – family-run gin distillery based in Halifax

About the hosts

Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.

Keep in touch

Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: [email protected]

In episode four of Comms Vs. Corona, Ben and Janine taste some Yorkshire beers and discuss the TikTok phenomenon. They also discuss Ben’s recent regression to student-like ways and Janine’s rapid acceleration into middle age.

Good news

Janine and Ben talk about TikTok star Grandad Joe, the 87-year-old with 1.6 million followers who produces feel-good content with his granddaughter. They also discuss some greedy sheep and highlight The 2.6 Challenge – a fantastic initiative to support UK charities who can’t fundraise using traditional methods during lockdown.

Good views

Ben praises the companies that are finding creative ways to amplify the Government’s ‘stay at home’ message - particularly the ITV and BT partnership to share tech tips in primetime ad slots to help the non-tech savvy to stay in touch with people during the pandemic. Janine discusses the Nationwide ad campaign ‘Voices’ and reminds us that comms don’t have to be swanky to be effective.

Lockdown lessons

Ben reveals he’s a chocolate thief and a video games and comic book addict. Janine talks about her newfound love of gardening and stargazing.

Links

•Grandad Joe – the 87-year-old TikTok star: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-52236389
•Sheep flock to McDonalds: https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2020-04-21/flock-of-sheep-visit-empty-mcdonald-s-restaurant-during-lockdown/
•The 2.6 challenge: https://www.twopointsixchallenge.co.uk/
•BT and ITV present Top Tips on Tech: https://www.bt.com/tech-tips
•Nationwide Voices campaign: https://www.thedrum.com/creative-works/project/vccp-nationwide-voices

Shoutouts

•Northern Monk brewery for their unusual roast dinner brown ale – a collab with Aunt Bessie’s
•Vocation brewery for their ‘Breakfast Club’ blueberry and waffle stout – whopping 6.9%!

About the hosts

Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.

Keep in touch

Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: [email protected]

In episode three of Comms Vs. Corona, Ben and Janine talk about the fantastic fundraising effort by Captain Tom who has (at the time of writing) raised almost £30m for NHS charities – but somehow find themselves discussing the complex world of beard maintenance. Janine’s dodgy internet connection also means there are a couple of sound blips in this ep – all part of the ‘rustic’ Comms Vs. Corona experience, right?

Good news

Janine and Ben discuss the inspirational Captain Tom and highlight stories of covid-19 survivors. They also talk about neighbourliness, pulled pork and a mystery visit from the Easter bunny.

Good views

Ben shines the spotlight on the companies across the country that have pivoted their business to contribute to the manufacturing of PPE equipment for NHS workers. They also discuss how councils and other public sector organisations are responding to Covid-19 and Janine praises her local council for putting on a virtual gig to raise spirits and money to support vulnerable people in Calderdale.

Lockdown lessons

Ben discusses his newfound DIY skills and longstanding love of his beard. Janine reveals you can indeed quiz too much and Ben shares the shocking revelation that he’s yet to quiz during lockdown.

Links
•Captain Tom Moore's 100th Birthday Walk for the NHS – donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tomswalkforthenhs
•Detailed account of recovering from coronavirus: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2020/mar/a-detailed-account-of-recovering-from-coronavirus.html
•Yorkshire businesses support the Covid-19 effort: https://bit.ly/3cEYay7
•Check out #CalderdaleLive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXy75CbxZYo

Shout outs

-Tom Wallis and the Manor Croft PE Twitter feed @ManorCroft_PE. Check out their Easter Plank challenge and give it a go if you dare!
-Neil Hurst – actor and host of the #CalderdaleLive virtual gig
-Angela Malin - Editor-in-Chief of About Time Magazine, host of #SheStartedIt podcast and crap chocolate lover



About the hosts

Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.

Keep in touch

Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: [email protected]

Episode two of Comms Vs Corona is live, and includes a couple of miss steps - namely by Janine getting our contact details wrong but other than that it's full of good news from across the country including goats, poets and exploding sperm whales.

Good news:

In episode two of Comms Vs. Corona, Ben and Janine discuss the fab poem about the NHS and coronavirus by Wakefield-born, Ben Taylor, and laugh as Ben O attempts a Yorkshire accent. They also marvel at the wonderful Llandudno goats that are reclaiming the town and talk about the importance of small acts of kindness that don’t make it into the news.

Good views:

Ben and Janine discuss the importance of face-to-face communications and look at how innovative NHS workers are managing to provide compassionate care despite wearing PPE equipment. They also talk about the fantastic ‘Go Indoors’ rebrand and geek out over fonts.

Lockdown lessons:

Are people being nicer to each other as a result of the lockdown? Ben and Janine discuss. They also praise the great work of the Doncaster Council social media team as Ben finally admits Yorkshire is the superior county. Kind of.

Links:

•Yorkshire poet spells out how to self-isolate: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-leeds-52153163/coronavirus-yorkshire-poet-spells-out-how-to-self-isolate
•Llandudno goes from ghost town to goats’ town: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/apr/02/llandudno-goes-from-ghost-town-to-goats-town
•Go Indoors rebrand video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-xdkVEFkyw

Shout outs:

•Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice: doing incredible work to support children with life-shortening conditions - https://www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk/
•Instagram hashtag: #thebeautyofisolation – get involved!
•Doncaster Council Twitter: @MyDoncaster

Bloopers:

•Stop the presses – Ben says this to build suspense but gets the phrase wrong making Janine giggle
•Janine unforgivably forgets the podcast Twitter handle and risks getting sacked as podcast co-host

About the hosts

Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.

Keep in touch

Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: [email protected]

Good news

In the first ever episode, Ben and Janine discuss the joys of socially distanced brews and neighbourhood WhatsApp groups. They also highlight the great work of Halifax-based media company, CP Media, who have pledged to display children’s artwork in bus stops across Yorkshire to show support for key workers.

Good views

Ben and Janine look at the Government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak and discuss the importance of Plain English, particularly in crisis communications. They also talk about ‘that’ podium banner and the possible reasons for the changing graphics.

Lockdown lessons

Janine shares what it’s like to live without a kitchen in lockdown. Hint: it’s not fun - but safety comes first.

Links

•Hebden Bridge street organises 'social distance cuppa' for lonely neighbour
•Call for children’s artwork from Halifax media company
•Social distancing advice: Keep at least one Stephen Merchant apart

Bloopers

It’s episode one - there were bound to be some bloopers, right?

•Factual evidence about corona – Janine says the Government are advertising where you can find ‘factual evidence’ about Covid-19. She actually meant ‘factual information’.
•Got passed an absolute hospital ball – Ben says this unusual phrase when talking about Rishi Sunak’s position as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Apparently, this translates to ‘it’s a difficult job to do’.

About the hosts

Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.

Keep in touch

Follow us: Comms vs Corona Twitter account
Email us: [email protected]

So we, Ben and Janine, have decided what better to do in lockdown than to create a podcast focused on positivity. This is literally a 1 minute explanation and the first episode will be coming soon (in the next few days). Until then stay safe. :)