Kaizo alongside client Flip Video is delighted to be sponsoring the Newspepper relaunch event, taking place on 22 November 2010 on the HMS President in London.

Newspepper makes video for the internet, from event coverage, corporate videos and virals to live streaming, video PR and promotional videos plus lots more. Its unique model of training student and graduate film makers ensures its team gets paid on-the-job experience and clients receive high quality, low cost media services.

Newspepper was set up by entrepreneur Hermione Way whilst studying for a journalism degree at London Metropolitan.  Hermione also presents the hugely popular Techfluff.TV, a Newspepper production, which is a weekly web-tech show that covers the hottest entrepreneurs, start-ups, events and news on the European tech scene.

Tags: digital, Kaizo, newspepper, PR, public relations, social media, techfluff

Kaizo has today moved to a new office location just off Chancery Lane, central London. The new office is a very short walk just around the corner from the old office at Central Court.

Our new contact details are below or click here to view on a map.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Kaizo
1 Quality Court
Chancery Lane
London, WC2A 1HR
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)20 3176 4700
Fax: +44 (0)20 3176 4711
Email: info@kaizo.net

Tags: Chancery Lane, Kaizo, new office, public relations, Quality Court

During the meeting, two new partners from UK and Finland were added to the network.

Brussels, Belgium. 25 October 2010 – The Worldcom Public Relations Group, the world’s leading network of independently owned public relations firms, reports today on the success of its EMEA regional meeting, held in Istanbul from 30 September to 2 October.

During the meeting, professionals from over 30 countries discussed business conditions in each country and the latest trends in PR. They also shared information on Worldcom global initiatives, such as the newly redesigned Worldcom University, the learning and education centre of Worldcom PR Group.

Two new agencies were added to the network: JBP PR, from the UK and Medita Communication, from Finland. The Worldcom PR Group EMEA has also offered two workshops to Turkish companies, led by top communications specialists from partner agencies in the region.

New Partners in the UK and Finland
JBP PR is a leading public affairs PR agency in the UK, with 25 years of experience. “We are very enthusiastic people and are interested in working with Worldcom partners. By joining the network, we are bringing a strong corporate and political background, together with staff who are interested in working in communications”, said Liam Herbert, Director at JBP.

Medita Communication is a PR and communications agency based in Jyväskylä and Helsinki, Finland, focused on offering communication solutions to technology and industrial companies and expert service providers. “We believe that Worldcom will help us to serve our international operating clients better. And we intend to be active members; we are keen to learn more and share our knowledge with our Worldcom partners”, said Tiinu Wuolio, Owner at Medita Communication.

The Newly Designed Worldcom University
The Worldcom University, the learning and education centre of The Worldcom Public Relations Group, has recently been redesigned and was presented officially to all the partners during the meeting. It will serve as the exclusive education and learning centre for the 1,800 employees of the 107 Worldcom partner firms around the world. New offerings on the interactive site include instructional videos, webinars, whitepapers and thought leadership conversations on blogs and social media sites. The online classrooms offer Worldcom members the opportunity to stay at the forefront of innovative practices and rapidly evolving tools used in public relations, marketing and advertising.
Networking and strategic planning
“With almost all of our EMEA partners actively participating, our meeting in Turkey was an excellent opportunity to network and set up goals for the next few months. Working as a team, we have immersed ourselves in workshops and planned strategies for providing our clients with the best services at a global level”, said Corinna Voss, Worldcom EMEA Chair.

The next Worldcom EMEA meeting will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, in Autumn 2011. Further details will be announced at a later date.

About Medita Communication
Medita Communication is a PR and communication agency based in Jyväskylä and Helsinki, Finland. Medita is specialised in strategic contents and communication solutions for technology and industrial companies as well as expert service providers. For more information visit: www.medita.fi

About JBP PR
JBP was set up in 1984 and has established itself as one of the leading communications consultancies regionally and nationally. Its current client list includes a host of leading business brands – Allied Irish Bank, easyGroup, Knight Frank, National Grid and Sainsbury’s, as well as a range of fast growing SMEs – the big businesses of the future – and large public sector organizations. For more information visit: www.jbp.co.uk

About Worldcom PR Group
Worldcom Public Relations Group is the world’s leading partnership of independently owned public relations counseling firms, with some 112 offices in 93 cities worldwide. Established in 1988, it was formed so that the strongest, most capable independent public relations firms could serve national, international and multi-national clients while retaining the flexibility and client-service focus inherent in independent agencies. Through The Worldcom Group, clients have on-demand access to in-depth communications expertise from professionals who understand the language, culture and customs of the geographic arenas in which they operate. Visit www.worldcomgroup.com for more information.

Worldcom EMEA currently comprises 38 agencies with strong expertise in consumer, healthcare, travel & tourism, technology, energy & environment, financial services, investor relations, public affairs and crisis & issues management. Clients include Verizon, Kodak, Unilever, Johnson & Johnson, Panasonic, Sony Ericsson, LG Electronics, the EU Anti-Tobacco Campaign, Verbatim and Palm. Visit www.worldcomprgroupemea.com for more information.

Press Information:

Press Office Worldcom PR Group EMEA:
LF Channel SL
Flor Calveiro
Tel: +34 93418 81 51
Email: fcalveiro@lfchannel.com
Twitter: @WorldcomEMEA
www.lfchannel.com

Tags: Kaizo, PR, public relations, worldcom

Airlines and mobile operators suffer amid customer service issues in Kaizo Advocacy Index

New research released today shows that some of the UK’s leading brands are experiencing serious online reputation management issues. The Kaizo Advocacy Index, a bi-annual audit of online reputation, has analysed digital news and social media outlets to rank UK household names including supermarkets, airlines, breakfast cereals and mobile operators.

In the latest report, Waitrose comes out on top as price offers and enticing promotions were shared by consumers across the internet. Elsewhere however, the airlines all suffered, as Virgin Atlantic saw its score fall for the third report in a row as customer service issues led to consumers venting their frustrations online.

Rhodri Harries, Managing Director of Kaizo, said:
“Waitrose’s recent price match campaign is already paying dividends, with consumers talking about it online”.

There have been some great recent initiatives from the supermarkets, showing competitive spirit and demonstrating real value for money. Over the August Bank Holiday weekend for example – Asda cut the cost of their petrol, which started a price war, whilst Sainsbury’s offered free delivery on all non-food orders.”

Children’s cereals also performed well, with Cheerios topping the category thanks to its reputation as a healthy option. Nostalgia provided a welcome boost to the cereals’ scores as teenagers and young adults shared stories of their favourite childhood breakfast choices over blogs and social networks.

For the mobile operators, poor customer service, delayed updates to handsets and corporate changes meant they failed to enhance their reputation despite new handset launches and customer engagement innovation such as O2’s eco mobile rating scheme awarding handsets a ‘green’ rating.

Airlines suffered yet another drop in online reputation with customers venting anything but virtual anger over delays, cancellations, strikes and poor customer service. Virgin Atlantic once again managed to outperform competitors, though its score slipped for the third Index in a row as tales of customer service issues were reported over social networks. RyanAir has plummeted to its lowest online reputation score yet with hate campaigns and negative press about hidden costs and extra charges, including news that a 12 year old girl was made to pay £190 to take her violin on board.

Harries continued: “There was a surprising decrease once again for Virgin, showing that even the best loved brands need to stay on top of the game. Delays, poor service and lack of communication are incredibly annoying for consumers and these frustrations are inevitably played out online as customers communicate anywhere, be it an airport lounge over the other side of the world, or a mobile phone store in Hackney.”

The Kaizo Advocacy Index researched four sectors; supermarkets, children’s cereals, airlines and mobiles. Waitrose, Morrisons and Cheerios performed the best across all sectors researched. Brands with the worst scores include Ryanair, BMI and Orange.

For a copy of the full report please click here

To view additional materials please click here

Ends

Notes to Editors
About Kaizo
Kaizo is an award winning independent PR and digital agency helping business and consumer brands thrive in today’s economy. Our clients include Cisco, Flip Video, Unilever, Serco, Elsevier and Johnson & Johnson.

For further information
Sarah Mayer
020 3043 4163

Tags: Brands, Kaizo, Kaizo advocacy index, marketing, online, PR, public relations, social media

Awards frenzy continues at Kaizo with two more shortlist nominations this time in the PRCA Awards.

In the Internal Communications category our campaign with Travelport; “Express Yourself” – delivering a world class improvement in employee advocacy, gets the nod.

Following wins at the Holmes Report earlier this year in the International Campaign category our work for Unilever; What If People’s Hearts Stayed Young? Is once again recognised.

The awards take place in London on 26 October.

Tags: Awards, Heart Age, Kaizo, PR, PRCA, public relations, Travelport, Unilever

Aggressive expansion in the Middle East and Africa is one point on the agenda

Brussels, Belgium. 27th September 2010 – The Worldcom Public Relations Group, the world’s leading network of independently owned public relations counselling firms, will be holding its 2010 regional meeting at the Ritz Carlton Istanbul, Turkey, from 30th September to 2nd October.

PR Professionals from more than 30 countries in EMEA will be discussing the latest trends in communication and the particular situation in each of their home markets. The Worldcom PR Group EMEA will also be offering two workshops for Turkish companies, led by top communication specialists from partner agencies in the region.

“We have chosen Istanbul because it is not only geographically central to the EMEA region but also a key emerging market in terms of PR and marketing communications. Worldcom PR Group’s strategy is focused on expanding our presence in the Middle East and Africa, and in the past twelve months we have added several new partners from this region”, comments Corinna Voss, Chair of the Worldcom PR Group EMEA. “We believe this regional meeting will be a fantastic opportunity to share experiences with our partners, listen to the latest updates about communication trends all over EMEA, and of course network with partners all over the region”.

During the past twelve months, additional partners from France, Sweden, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, the Netherlands and Belgium have joined the Worldcom PR Group EMEA and the Group will continue to grow aggressively in the months ahead.

About Worldcom PR Group
Worldcom Public Relations Group is the world’s leading partnership of independently owned public relations counselling firms, with some 107 offices in 95 cities worldwide. Established in 1988, it was formed so that the strongest, most capable independent public relations firms could serve national, international and multi-national clients while retaining the flexibility and client-service focus inherent in independent agencies. Through The Worldcom Group, clients have on-demand access to in-depth communications expertise from professionals who understand the language, culture and customs of the geographic arenas in which they operate. Visit www.worldcomgroup.com for more information.

Worldcom EMEA currently comprises 36 agencies with strong expertise in consumer, healthcare, travel & tourism, technology, energy & environment, financial services, investor relations, public affairs and crisis & issues management. Clients include Verizon, Kodak, Unilever, Johnson & Johnson, Panasonic, Sony Ericson, LG Electronics, the EU Anti-Tobacco Campaign, Verbatim and Palm. Visit www.worldcomprgroupemea.com for more information.

Press Information:

Press Office Worldcom PR Group EMEA:
LF Channel SL
Flor Calveiro
Tel: +34 93418 81 51
Email: fcalveiro@lfchannel.com
Twitter: @WorldcomEMEA
www.lfchannel.com

Tags: Kaizo, PR, public relations, worldcom, Worldcom EMEA

Kaizo, the independent PR and Digital agency, has recruited Melanie Diamond as a new Associate Director to support its growing nutrition and science portfolio.

Melanie joins from the SPA Way, where she was an Associate Director and had spent the last eight years delivering campaigns for a range of consumer and business brands. Her experience includes working on high profile campaigns for John Lewis and BAA Commercial as well as heading the agency’s education division with organisations including Montessori and Oxford Brookes University.

Rhodri Harries, Managing Director of Kaizo, said: “Mel is an excellent addition to our senior team. She brings with her a wealth of media relations and campaigning experience which complements our established integrated social media and traditional PR offer. She will be playing a key role across some of our major nutrition and science clients, establishing further education credentials, and also making a significant impact on other clients across our business.”

Kaizo’s clients in nutrition and science include, amongst others: Unilever’s Flora/ Becel and Elsevier, the world’s largest science publisher. Previous clients in this area include Nestle, Wholegrain Foods, Del Monte and the Dairy Council.

Recent news at Kaizo includes the promotion of Stephanie MacLeod to Board Director and new client wins and projects with CA Technologies, CitizenCard, Fusion Garage (developers of the joojoo), business price comparison site Make it Cheaper and the European Science Federation.

Tags:

CA Technologies has retained Kaizo to develop a strong social media presence in Europe following a competitive pitch. Kaizo will carry out a strategic review of the blogosphere for the leading IT management software and solutions company to establish where to focus activity and then establish CA’s subject matter experts as leading commentators in their fields.

Sarah Atkinson, Vice President Communications Europe at CA Technologies, said : “Kaizo had the most thorough approach to running a social media campaign. They will work with our team to establish a strong online presence in all our target areas. They really understand what it takes to create and sustain online conversations.”

Crispin Manners, who leads the CA Technologies team at Kaizo, said: “Unlike a number of brands out there who see social media as a new channel for broadcast communications, CA Technologies wants to stimulate direct online conversations to build relationships with customers, partners and online influencers. We are looking forward to helping establish CA Technologies as the best practice approach to B2B social media communications.”

About CA Technologies
CA Technologies (NASDAQ: CA) is an IT management software and solutions company with expertise across all IT environments – from mainframe and distributed, to virtual and cloud. CA Technologies manages and secures IT environments and enables customers to deliver more flexible IT services. CA Technologies innovative products and services provide the insight and control essential for IT organizations to power business agility. The majority of the Global Fortune 500 relies on CA Technologies to manage evolving IT ecosystems. For additional information, visit CA Technologies at www.ca.com

Tags: ca, computer associates, Kaizo, PR, public relations, social media

Prosperity and morality – Can we really have it all?

This is the question which The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, in discussion with Sir Simon Jenkins, will be examining at this year’s Tom Olsen Lecture, taking place at St. Brides Church, Fleet Street, the spiritual home for journalism.

With previous speakers including Sky News political editor Alan Boulton, BBC journalist John Simpson and Chancellor George Osborne, Kaizo is delighted to once again support the lecture which will take place on Wednesday 22 September at 7pm. For information and tickets please email Steph MacLeod on stephanie.macleod@kaizo.net or phone 020 3043 4151.

Tags:

The Argyll Consultancies PLC has appointed Stephanie MacLeod to its board of directors with effect from July 1, 2010.

Ms MacLeod joined Kaizo, the PR and Digital trading arm of Argyll, in August 2009. Since then, she has made a major contribution to expanding business with existing and new clients, and as a highly effective member of the management team.

Rosemary Brook, executive chairman of Argyll, said: “Steph has brought great drive and enthusiasm to the company and we are delighted to welcome her to the Board so that she can participate even more fully in the development of the Argyll business.”

Ms MacLeod joined Kaizo from Bite Communications Ltd, where she was the Director responsible for the Consumer division. She has 14 years’ experience in corporate, consumer and business-to-business communications consultancy, working for agencies including Fleishman Hillard and Firefly Communications.

Ms Stephanie MacLeod previously held the role of director at the following company within the last 5 years:

• Bite Communications Group Limited

The Company confirms that there is no further information about Stephanie MacLeod requiring disclosure under Rule 71 and/or paragraph 18 of Appendix 1 of the PLUS Markets “Rules for Issuers”.

For further information please contact:
Rosemary Brook
Chairman
+44 (0)20 3043 4169
rosemary.brook@kaizo.net

-END-

Tags: Argyll Consultancies PLC, Kaizo, PR, public relations