BENDIGO COMMUNICATIONS International public relations/marketing

SERVICES

Bendigo Communications is a full service Public Relations consultancy. We offer a range of marketing services to improve communications and to access new markets.

1. Media relations
2. Communications audits
3. Corporate Visual Identity
4. Publicity
5. Sponsorship and Community Relations
6. Public affairs
7. Counselling
8. Research
9. Crisis management
10. Publications (brochures, newsletters, annual reports etc)
11. Corporate entertainment
12. Internal (staff) communications
13. Change management
14. Corporate relations
15. Consumer relations
16. Event planning and management
17. Sponsorship/corporate giving
18. Audio/visual presentations
19. Media and presentation training
20. Graphic design

1. MEDIA RELATIONS
The importance of the mass media as a means of communication cannot be over-emphasised. Professionally handled it is an efficient, powerful and cost effective method of reaching target audiences. Editorial coverage influences and leads opinion. As such it is an essential tool for an organisation trying to communicate its message. A media plan devised by Bendigo can be used to:

• Announce new products and services to relevant audiences
• Establish and enhance corporate reputation
• Expand market share
• Improve community relations
• Heighten trade and consumer awareness and confidence
• Respond to corporate emergencies with crisis management
• Build the reputation of chief executives and management
• Improve staff motivation and morale
• Create and maintain interest in shareholders and the financial community.

MEDIA SKILLS:
Bendigo offers:

• Advice, planning and implementation of media programmes
• Production of press releases
• Production of feature and photographic material for syndication
• Securing coverage in local, regional, national, trade, consumer and specialist media
• Media training
• Securing media interviews
• Supporting trade shows with coverage
• Speech writing
• Creating picture opportunities
• Arranging press conferences.

2. COMMUNICATION AUDITS
This entails analysing a company's public perception and assessing its strengths and weaknesses. We take an objective look at the way in which an organisation presents itself to its audiences - clients, shareholders, media, staff, suppliers, financial community - and recommend where and how improvements can be made in communicating corporate messages. The information gathered during the audit is presented in a confidential report which explains how the organisation is actually seen, as opposed to how it thinks it is seen. Perhaps the audit's greatest strength is that it enables a communication strategy to be developed from a basis of fact; addressing real problems and maximising real strengths.

3. CORPORATE VISUAL IDENTITY
The first impression which any organisation creates is important, and more often than not the first impression is a visual one. Whether people are aware of it or not, they make judgements based on the visual information they receive. This is an element of corporate communications which should not be ignored. Whether an organisation has consciously made an effort to create a positive image or not - an image exists. It is thus worth managing the corporate image as much as any other management task.

4. PUBLICITY MATERIAL
Whether the need is for a corporate brochure, audio visual material or internal newsletter, Bendigo can take responsibility for everything from the writing of copy, photography, printing and distribution of the finished item.

5. SPONSORSHIP AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Appeals to companies for sponsorship and donations are likely to increase; companies also wish to take initiatives which enhance their reputation as good corporate citizens, bringing their name before a wider audience in a positive way. Many companies now accept that they need to identify sponsorships and corporate giving initiatives which provide them with the greatest return in terms of demonstrating their public commitment and enhancing their reputation.

6. PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Today no organisation remains unaffected by what happens in Westminster or Brussels. The prudent enterprise therefore needs to monitor government activities so that it can take appropriate positive action to explain or defend itself or to press for change. The problem which many organisations face is how to ensure that they are adequately briefed and, more importantly, that they get the earliest possible warning of changes which could affect them. Bendigo provides a monitoring/lobbying service in both the UK and EC Parliaments.

7. COUNSELLING
Bendigo's executives can support a company's own managers by providing them with advice and guidance on all aspects of corporate communications. By providing a fresh, professional eye, extensive experience and creative skills we can make an important contribution to every aspect of a company's communication needs. We strive to be pro-active, to initiate action on your behalf, to identify PR opportunities for you and to utlise them to best effect.

8. RESEARCH
We undertake qualitative and quantitative research into staff, consumer, supplier and media attitudes to your company, products and services. We also provide comparative research, relating to an organisation' s market position.

9. CRISIS MANAGEMENT
An accident may happen or your product, service or staff let you down seriously, with potentially damaging results for your business. Advance planning to limit such damage is important. When such an incident threatens an organisation with loss of consumer/investor confidence there is a need for a sophisticated understanding of how to manage the flow of information between an organisation and its main audiences via the media. Handled properly a situation of this kind can become a public relations success story.

10. PUBLICATIONS
We will originate copy, design and manage the production and printing of a range of corporate publications including newsletters, annual reports and brochures.

11. CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT
It makes good business sense to build relationships with clients. This is often best done in a relaxed setting which allows for informality and friendship. Corporate entertainment can range from a meal to an invitation to a sporting or cultural event. When properly handled, the occasion compliments your company and your guests.

12. INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
Staff motivation is essential to profit. People want to be proud of the organisation they work for. If staff are kept well briefed they can be a company's best ambassadors, if not they can be your worst critics. A proper internal communications programme using briefings, newsletters and shared entertainment creates a corporate culture which builds respect between staff and management and attracts quality staff.

BENDIGO COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED
Warren Road, Crowborough, East Sussex,
TN6 1TX, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1892 663906
Fax: +44 (0) 1892 669200
Email: info@bendigopr.co.uk