So much more than PR

Times they are a changing… if you asked me a few years ago what I did for a living.  I would have said I’m in PR.  Ask me today and you’ll get a different answer.

So what do I do today?  I work in communications.

It’s not just the old PR vs. marketing debate but with online/digital having entered the arena I believe that for quite some time now there is a bigger, better industry that has been bubbling away, growing and refining itself.  Yes – communications.  Forgive me if I am stating the obvious but have talked about this at length with colleagues and other industry professionals and I don’t know that everyone can see it as clearly as maybe I do.  I suppose it’s a bit like the EU debate.  Some want to be part of it (and are), some will not and still see themselves as individual member states and others will be in it to make the most of the benefits. 

Integration and understanding are key

Ultimately for me communications is about understanding and engaging with people in the most appropriate way and thus finding the right solution for the client.  Many people are still trying to fit a square peg into a round hole and it’s not just wrong in an ethical sense but it’s a big waste of time for everyone involved.  People who do this are just setting themselves up for a big #FAIL. 

Don’t get me wrong, I think there will always be a need for expertise in different areas of the traditional marketing mix, however I think that the future holds integration and collaboration for PRs and marketers, a place where people allow themselves to see the bigger picture, doing away with tunnel vision and having the courage to admit that there is not always one solution.

So do you see yourself as a member state or will you embrace integration?

Hooray, huzzah, whoop-de-whoop, yeaaaaaahhh boy-ee!

A fitting introduction for my first McCann Erickson Bristol blog post?

I think so.

As a first (of many) blog posts from myself, I decided to see what my face will look like in the hallowed pages of Campaign magazine.

So here it is, I’m in The Hot Seat!

Almost 10 million cats and dogs in the UK go untreated routinely for fleas
An estimated 9.8 million cats and dogs (47%) across the UK are not treated regularly for fleas according to a new study.

Researchers have found that although the UK is a nation of animal lovers with 89 per cent of those surveyed stating that ‘My pet is part of my family’, only 53 per cent actually treat their pets for fleas on a regular basis.

The study of 500 UK pet owners revealed that even though 93 per cent treat their pets for fleas, 22 per cent of respondents only use treatment when they see evidence of fleas and only 25 per cent claim to use flea treatment during the spring and summer season.

Possible reasons for this are that products can be expensive, even though there are many affordable treatments that can be bought at the supermarket that are just as effective as those prescribed by vets. Many people forget to treat their pets or feel they don’t have the time while others may not think it is important to treat for fleas as a preventative measure.

A spokesperson for pet healthcare experts Bob Martin, which carried out the study said: “Many pet owners begin to think of treating their pets for fleas during the spring and summer seasons when fleas are more prevalent and easier to spot. However, many do not realise that in order to keep their pets happy and healthy and homes flea free they should be treating them throughout the year.
“Fleas are among some of the most common parasitic infestations seen in cats and dogs, and among the most difficult to control. Both fleas and their eggs are not just present on our pets but can also be found in their bedding, in the carpet, the furniture, outside the home and in our gardens. So, using treatments on a regular basis is essential to keep the problem at bay.
“Protecting pets against fleas is a multistep process as both pet and home need to be treated and with flea treatments widely available in many supermarkets, treating your pets and home couldn’t be easier.”

Flea prevention/treatment made easy:
• There are a variety of flea controls available, ranging from flea collars, spot on’s, tablets and powders, to shampoos and sprays out there that will help to control this problem.

• Make sure that you buy the correct product for your pet as not all products can be used on cats and dogs – treatments can be bought in your local supermarket as well as in pet shops and in veterinary surgeries.

• Always read the label of your flea treatment product carefully.

• If you are using a product that is applied to your pet ensure that your pet does not lick the product off by placing it in an area on the back where the dog or cat cannot reach it. If they do, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not ‘pet’/touch your dog or cat in the treated area for a while so that the flea prevention can work properly.

• Allergic reactions are very rare but if your dog or cat does have a reaction to the flea prevention, contact your veterinarian immediately and take the product packaging with you so that they can see exactly which product you used.

1. Based on the latest research from Bristol University there are 10.3m cats and 10.5m dogs in the UK – Study: Number of Ownership profiles of cats and dogs in the UK, J.K Murray, W.J Browne, M.A Roberts, A.Whitmarsh, T.J Gruffydd-Jones Veterinary record, Feb 2010

For further information please contact:
Lyanna Tsakiris, lyanna.tsakiris@europe.mccann.com 0117 921 8138
Ellena Bianchi-Barry, ellena.bianchi-barry@europe.mccann.com 0117 921 8127