A press release is a great public relations tool, especially for a start-up or a growing business. A press release can publicise important and useful information about an upcoming event, new product launch or announce a service.

In today’s landscape, press releases are becoming increasingly more important because they can:

• improve brand image
• have higher levels of credibility
• assist an organisation to reach a larger audience

Both large and small companies in every industry are now using social media as an integral tool in their public relations strategy, so much so that social media and public relations are synonymous.

With the integration of social media and public relations, alternative publishing options are becoming much more viable, with some businesses self-publishing online. Releasing an online press release allows you to directly communicate to a large audience or target specific groups.

Remember, incorporating key words into your press release will also strengthen your SEO strategy – a press release is a powerful tool for your organisation!

Need help getting noticed? Here at Up North Communications, we’re experienced in creating successful and engaging press releases. To find out how we can help your business, please get in touch. Call us on 0191 300 0810 or send us an email.

Instead of printing Christmas cards this year, we have made a donation to CLIC Sargent, the cancer charity for children and young people.

Merry Christmas to all our clients and suppliers and a happy and healthy 2018!

We were out celebrating at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide North East awards on Friday evening.

Shortlisted in two categories, Up North Communications won silver in the Not-For-Profit Campaign in recognition for our PR work in helping Ouseburn Farm to raise much needed funds to keep its doors open.

Our successful PR campaign achieved regional and national coverage and attracted creative-agency, Drummond Central to part-fund 50% of the Farm’s deficit over three years. By working in collaboration with Drummond Central, we then launched a highly successful crowdfunder campaign, which raised £34,000, smashing its original target of £20,000.

The PR campaign and additional funding has helped the Farm to bridge its annual financial deficit and continue to support vulnerable and disadvantaged adults and children who rely on the Farm as a place of refuge and to gain the vital skills they so desperately need.

The ‘Support Ouseburn Farm, Support Your Community’ Crowdfunder campaign was also shortlisted in the Low Budget campaign category.

 

Up North Communications and Drummond Central were celebrating at the Northern Marketing Awards last night after being presented with the award for ‘Best CSR Campaign’ for their work on saving Ouseburn Farm in Byker.

Both agencies worked together to support the launch of a Crowdfunder campaign earlier this year with the aim of raising £20,000 to help bridge the Farm’s financial deficit and to prevent this popular attraction from closing its doors.

The 28-day campaign, which was launched in March, raised a total of £34,000 and received support from individuals and companies including celebrities Dame Barbara Windsor DBE and Michelin chef Michel Roux Jr. The campaign not only helped to raise awareness of the Farm and its fantastic facilities, but the money raised will enable the Farm to continue to support vulnerable and disadvantaged adults and children who rely on the Farm as a place of refuge and to gain the vital skills they so desperately need.

Commenting on the campaign, the judges said: ‘it was a solid campaign built on research and evaluation which informed pre, during and post campaign launch.’ They were particularly impressed with the great results which were achieved.

Over 400 guests representing agencies, companies and institutions gathered at the Hilton Deansgate in Manchester to compete in 19 categories at the fifth annual Northern Marketing Awards, which celebrate and reward the region’s marketing excellence. For a breakdown of all Northern Marketing Award winners, please visit their site here.

We’re thrilled to make the shortlist in two categories at this year’s Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide North East Awards for the delivery of PR on behalf of our client Tyne Housing Association.

We have been shortlisted in the Not-for-Profit Campaign and Low Budget Campaign categories for the delivery of PR for Tyne Housing’s Crowdfunder campaign to raise funds for Ouseburn Farm in Byker.

The Crowdfunder campaign aimed to raise £20,000 to fund the running costs of the Farm. After a successful 28-day period, the campaign raised £34,000 and attracted 830 supporters, including celebrity Dame Barbara Windsor DBE!

Up North Communications is one of eight companies shortlisted across both categories and the regional final will be held on 8 December at The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle.

About us