MIPIM

Client need
In the current economic climate, new business opportunities are harder to find – across all areas of the property industry. Our building relationships service has become even more important for clients wanting to make more contacts and increase exposure to new opportunities.

Challenge
MIPIM is one of the property market’s most high-profile conferences, attended by over 30,000 people each year. It's very well regarded as a place to make contacts and do business in a short space of time. For the uninitiated, it can be extremely daunting – and opportunities to convert the significant attendance costs into new business can be hard to find.

Holistic solution
We identified the need for a service that draws on our years of experience of attending industry events – one that offers a helping hand with the planning, and guidance to free up our clients' time so they can meet and network. We not only include pre-conference research, but also secure and schedule meetings. We also offer debriefs throughout the conference, as well as follow-ups with contacts to turn warm leads into business opportunities.

Outcome
This is Holistic's seventh year at MIPIM. We've helped more than 12 companies and 32 individuals make more of the conference, and have expanded to cover other industry events – from MAPIC and BCSC to BCO and BSEC – as a result.

ENVIRON

Client need
International environmental consultancy ENVIRON needed a higher profile for its UK business showcasing its expertise more effectively.

Challenge
The company's budget – previously focused entirely on advertising – was being spread across its team of specialist consultants operating in ten regional offices.

Holistic solution
We recommended a move to 100% PR, with the emphasis on thought leadership, and using features and by-lined articles to demonstrate the company's depth and breadth of knowledge – a differentiating factor for potential clients.

Outcome
ENVIRON has seen its profile increase nationally and regionally – and a 250% return on investment in the last year.

HLM Architects

Client need
HLM Architects had a desire to reposition itself after a management buy-out – and increase its visibility in the marketplace. Its approach had to be fully communicated, the quality of its architecture showcased, and its success and robust business structure demonstrated.

Challenge
The market needed to recognise HLM Architects as a fresh, new practice with a strong track record.

Holistic solution
We didn’t just implement a communications campaign. We worked with the board to develop a strategy and road map that identified areas of difference and strength – and ways to exploit both. We got to know the firm, its people and projects, so we could tease out areas of excellence for our PR campaign. And we’re still doing it. We’re the firm’s ongoing PR and marketing consultants, continuing to deliver a campaign that’s raising HLM Architects' profile and developing its reputation.

Outcome
We’ve been working together now for over five years – exceeding targets along the way. What we’ve developed is a true partnership built on trust, and always results driven.

Osborne

Client need
Family business Osborne had grown to become a well-established, mid-sized contractor. After taking on a new Chief Executive to bring a fresh perspective and drive the business forward, perceptions of the company were mixed and needed clarifying.

Challenge
In a competitive market, more people needed a clearer view of what Osborne stood for – as well as to understand its sectors, services and client focus.

Holistic solution
We worked closely with the company’s in-house communications team to develop a strategy that covered the full spectrum of audiences. We kept up a flow of stories to the trade, sector and regional press, while securing opportunities for the Chief Executive to speak regularly to the market through trade media and industry conferences.

Outcome
Press coverage has increased, and the spread of regional, sector and trade coverage is becoming more balanced.

Pascall+Watson architects

Client need
Pascall+Watson wanted to grow beyond its core sector of aviation – while maintaining its reputation for high-quality delivery in this field.

Challenge
Pascall+Watson's work often forms part of larger or phased projects – making it difficult for the firm to be recognised for its involvement in highprofile ventures.

Holistic solution
Despite the well-publicised problems that beset the opening of Heathrow Airport’s T5, Pascall+Watson completed its design and delivery work on the project smoothly, on time and on budget. So as well as developing stories and thought leadership pieces in key sector magazines to demonstrate how the firm’s specialist expertise had contributed to this success, we developed angles that would secure national coverage and reach a wider audience outside the aviation sector – including a BBC news piece on the changing face of luggage handling and benefits for passengers.

Outcome
Pascall+Watson's profile in aviation is now stronger, and the firm has been appointed for Dublin's Terminal 2. It's also won projects in the rail and education sectors, including the DLR 3-car programme and Aberystwyth University.

Pringle Brandon

Client need
Pringle Brandon is consistently rated in the top three workplace architects in London. The practice has won major awards and built up a stable of blue-chip clients. A key aim was to build its profile to match its position and success – one that would ultimately support a pipeline of new opportunities.

Challenge
Confidentiality agreements with some of its clients meant that some great stories couldn't be told in full at the best possible time.

Holistic solution
Holistic developed a campaign focused on Pringle Brandon’s more detailed, case study-driven opportunities – alongside a thoughtleadership campaign to exploit the research and ideas of key people within the firm. This approach has helped position Pringle Brandon as an authority in its market – and ensured coverage in client-read and peer publications.

Outcome
We exceeded targets agreed with Pringle Brandon at the start of our relationship. We’re now building on the momentum to ensure our client continues to secure the high profile it deserves within the industry.