The BIG Partnership

Powerboat P1 chooses BIG to steer public relations

sophie.mead@bigpartnership.co.uk (Sophie Mead ) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 GMT

International marine sports promoter, Powerboat P1, has chosen The BIG Partnership to support marketing promotion for its Scottish Grand Prix of the Sea event this year.

The BIG Partnership Retains Top Spot in PR Week’s Regional Chart

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:22:00 GMT

For the fourth time in five years,The BIG Partnership has retained its position as the largest consultancy outside London in the PR Week Top 150 annual rankings for 2012.

Trio of wins for BIG

ljkane@gmail.com (The BIG Partnership) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 15:41:00 GMT

We're adding a few more strings to our bow as we welcome three new accounts won in competitive pitches. We'll be rolling out new PR campaigns for industry body CITB-ConstructionSkills in Scotland, the University of Edinburgh’s Informatics Ventures and procurement specialists Millstream Associates.

The BIG Partnership Expands Into England

ljkane@gmail.com (The BIG Partnership) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:26:01 GMT

The BIG Partnership is getting even bigger with the opening of a new office in Liverpool, our first outside Scotland.

Through our work for our UK and international clients over the last 12 years we've proved that you don't necessarily need to be in London to generate outstanding results, but with one of our long-standing clients, Peel Ports, asking us to extend the work we do for them we have the ideal platform for us to establish our first office in England.

BIG Partnership Director, Alex Barr, weighs in on the royal row in the Sunday Herald

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 10:33:00 GMT

Following the recent royal row over privacy, Alex Barr, Director of The BIG Partnership, was invited to give his opinion on the matter in the Sunday Herald. He posed the question:

BIG Partnership achieves PR industry gold standard

ljkane@gmail.com (The BIG Partnership) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:44:00 GMT

Great news: The BIG Partnership has achieved the Consultancy Management Standard – the gold standard of service for the PR industry.

Looking for Media Coverage? a Guide to What to Say (And What Not to Say) when Dealing with the Media

marjorie.calder@bigpartnership.co.uk (Marjorie Calder) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:07:00 GMT

BIG Director Marjorie Calder presents The BIG Partnership’s guide to dubious lines (not) to use with a journalist.

“Hey buddy” is always a good opener to someone you don’t know, have never met and who may possibly have just buried his pet cat that very morning.

Five Design Mistakes That Will Kill Your Website

lynsey.mciver@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lynsey McIver) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:25:00 GMT

Putting aside the analytical aspects of website design along with SEO and strategic copywriting, there is no doubt that the visual design elements of your website can massively boost its performance. However, getting it wrong can have the opposite effect!

To Share or Not to Share? 5 Twitter Tips to Keep You on the Right Track

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:35:00 GMT

Although the raison d’être of Social Media is sharing, some things are best kept to yourself regardless. Whether you sell designer handbags or network management software, this list will act as a basic guide to what not to share on Twitter. So, have a read before you go ahead and post that confidential company announcement three months ahead of schedule.

PPL makes BIG appointment

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 09:05:00 GMT

BIG has been appointed by music licensing company PPL to help raise awareness of the importance of music licensing amongst Scotland’s businesses.

PPL is the UK-based music licensing company which licenses recorded music for broadcast, online and public performance use. Established in 1934, PPL carries out this role on behalf of thousands of record company and performer members. We won the retained account following a four-way competitive pitch.

Digital client Stagecoach shortlisted for two top awards at Social Buzz Awards

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:34:48 GMT

Our work over the past 12 months with digital client Stagecoach Bus has been recognised at the Drum’s 2012 Social Buzz awards, where Stagecoach has been shortlisted in not one, but two categories. Stagecoach's Twitter pilot has been named as a finalist in the Best Use of Insight/Monitoring category and has also been shortlisted for the Best Social Media Customer Service Strategy.

Great Expectations: How to Keep Management Happy When It Comes to Media Coverage

gavin.cameron@bigpartnership.co.uk (Gavin Cameron) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 10:05:00 GMT

Does the MD expect front page of the Financial Times for your company’s charity fun run? Here’s our guide on how to manage expectations.

Intern Your Way to Your Dream Job

becky.mccormick@bigpartnership.co.uk (Becky McCormick) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 14:40:15 GMT

BIG Account Executive Becky McCormick passes on her advice and experience on how to make the most of your internship.

In such a tough job market, it is crucial to maximise every opportunity and an internship could be your golden ticket to a successful career in public relations. Read on to find out how to make the most out of your placement.

The Importance of Being Accurate

jane.hamilton@bigpartnership.co.uk (Jane Hamilton) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:15:30 GMT

BIG Account Manager and in-house pedant Jane Hamilton shares her opinions on why accuracy and consistency still matter.

Language is evolving; there’s no question of that. New words are regularly added to the Oxford English Dictionary and all manner of colloquialisms continue to creep into common usage. But when it comes to workplace communications—both internal and external—being clear and correct is of utmost importance.

Big Lessons for Startup Businesses

bigguestblogger@gmail.com (Hayley Milne) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:29:00 GMT

Hayley Milne, marketing executive for Scotland’s first free business accelerator, Entrepreneurial Spark, highlights some key tips for business startups looking for that all-important initial coverage.

Helping to support a team of over 100 startups across a range of sectors is no mean feat. My role at Entrepreneurial Spark is to adopt the ‘rising tide floats many boats’ mantra – to shout about all the good news stories from each of our start-ups (chiclets).

What a Picture - Tips for Creative PR Photography

shona.hendry@bigpartnership.co.uk (Shona Hendry) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 14:28:22 GMT

Account Director Shona Hendry shares some tips for getting creative with PR photography.

What do mirrors, face paints, children, inflatable globes and flexible students have in common? There will always be a place for traditional photography, particularly for corporate and business PR, but if there’s the scope to be creative, a brilliant photo can speak a thousand words.

The BIG Partnership raises a dram to the success of The Macallan Gold

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 09:09:06 GMT

Luxury single malt brand, The Macallan recently unveiled The Macallan Gold, the first expression in the new 1824 series, exclusive to the UK for the first six months. To celebrate in style a launch party, organised and managed by The BIG Partnership, was held at London’s private members club Home House.

The Hydro’s main structure completed

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:03:00 GMT

The final roof bolt in The Hydro - the 12,000-capacity entertainment arena being built in Glasgow - was (Tuesday Oct 30) put in place in a traditional “topping out” ceremony.

Fittingly, the honour of tightening the last bolt fell to 20-year-old apprentice civil engineer John McLaughlan, who has been on site since work began in April 2011.

International Excellence and Leadership - SCDI Guest Post

guestblogger@bigpartnership.co.uk (Jane Gotts) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:27:51 GMT

In a week where the United States will decide upon its next president, SCDI’s International Director Jane Gotts examines Scotland’s economic links with the US and what this means for Scottish growth.

Scotland has always been an outward looking nation. Our track record of innovation and pioneering business excellence has reached all the corners of the globe and still impacts today on the daily lives of world citizens.

Are You Being Served? Top Tips on How to Use Social Media to Service Your Customers

suzanne.fairbairn@bigpartnership.co.uk (Suzanne Fairbairn) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 10:28:59 GMT

Senior Account Manager at The BIG Partnership, Suzanne Fairbairn, examines the increasing focus and necessity of strong customer service in the age of social media.

The customer is always right, so we have been told, and I can’t help but think that this is a turn of phrase that has been amplified thanks to social media.

BIG takes Question of Science crown

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:41:00 GMT

Proving decisively that a lack of qualifications, skills or knowledge is no barrier to success, The BIG Partnership has been crowned Question of Science champions 2012.

A team of BIG stalwarts, clients and guests defeated some of Scotland’s top scientific brains to win the annual science quiz event hosted by Glasgow Science Centre.

Et Tu Cliché: Clichés in PR & How to Avoid Them

Campbell.Hart@bipartnership.co.uk (Campbell Hart ) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 09:44:32 GMT

BIG Account Manager, Campbell Hart, looks at clichés and how to avoid them.

“A day like today is not a day for soundbites, really. But I feel the hand of history upon our shoulders. I really do.” Tony Blair, Northern Ireland, April 7 1998.

BIG's new digs in Edinburgh

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 15:10:00 GMT

Before officially moving into our new Calton Road surroundings – which boasts beautiful views across to Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat – Alex Barr, Nicki Sturzacker and Bruce Waddell hosted a ‘Life after Leveson’ briefing for clients and targets. The Independent’s James Cusick gave a detailed insight into the inquiry and discussed the implications for the future ahead of publication of the inquiry’s report.

BIG results in Abu Dhabi

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:07:00 GMT

A trio from BIG's Aberdeen office jetted out to the Middle-east last week to manage the third annual offshore oil and gas safety and competence conference for client OPITO.

The event, held in the Abu Dhabi Park Hyatt, attracted over 300 delegates from 14 countries and provided the ideal platform for OPITO to spread its message about common global training standards.

Five Communications Lessons from the 2012 US Presidential Election

derek.main@bigpartnership.co.uk (Derek Main) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:19:25 GMT

BIG Account Executive and Politics graduate Derek Main presents some key communications lessons from the 2012 US Presidential election.

Having cost an estimated $2bn, the 2012 US presidential election was the most expensive political contest in history.

While spending billions on communications is beyond the reach of virtually every business, here are five lessons any business, regardless of size, can learn from this year’s campaign.

BIG organises second Unconventional Gas Conference in Aberdeen

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:26:16 GMT

The challenges and opportunities around the exploitation of unconventional gas are being debated in Aberdeen today at the second Unconventional Gas Conference, organised and managed by The BIG Partnership.

Over 250 delegates from Europe and further afield have gathered at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference centre. BIG handled the media relations for the inaugural event in 2011, securing high profile global mainstream, trade and digital coverage. The success of this first event encouraged the organisers to make it an annual conference and following a competitive tender process, BIG’s events team secured the event management contract for this year’s event.

BIG Director, Zoe Ogilvie presents at client lunch event

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 09:09:11 GMT

Zoe Ogilvie was invited to present on the subject of PR at a monthly lunch ‘n’ learn event for staff at client Intertek. In her element, the BIG director gave an overview of PR, covering reputation management, stakeholder engagement, media relations, the role of social media in PR strategies and emergency response. She also talked about the PR industry from its early beginnings to its growth to date.

PowerPoint - You're Doing It Wrong

gavin.cameron@bigpartnership.co.uk (Gavin Cameron) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:33:11 GMT

The opinion that PowerPoint presentations are unbearably tedious is now so firmly entrenched in the business community, it’s no longer even up for debate.

The phrase ‘Death by PowerPoint’ has entered the lexicon to such an extent, it has its own entry on Wikipedia.

Meanwhile, in ever-enlightened Switzerland last year, a former software engineer from Geneva called Matthias Poehm hated Microsoft’s presentation software so much, he founded his own political party expressly to have it outlawed.

2012: A big year for BIG

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:17:32 GMT

As we approach the end of the year we’ve been looking back at 2012 and some of our biggest stories and achievements over the past 12 months.

The Top 6 Digital Marketing Predictions and Trends for 2013

allan.barr@bigpartnership.co.uk (Allan Barr) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:27:18 GMT

Allan Barr, BIG’s Head of Digital and Social Media, takes a look into his crystal ball and brings us his predictions for what’s to come in digital this year.

The world of digital marketing is never dull. There is always some new social media platform being touted, a new trend that we’re being told to take notice of or a clever new campaign to learn from.

Pro-am tournament raises £24,500 for Friends of the Beatson

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 15:40:21 GMT

The BIG Partnership’s charitable side was on show as it promoted the inaugural fundraising event in honour of late Scottish golf professional and coach Adam Hunter.

The pro-am tournament launched in memory of Adam Hunter has in its first year raised an amazing £24,500 for the “Friends of the Beatson” charity which generates funds for patient care at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. The event proved such a success that dates for 2013 and 2014 have already been set.

VEL-y good coverage for BIG client, Visage

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:16:27 GMT

Our client, Visage Lifestyle, is one the UK’s leading cosmetic dental clinics and one of the first practices in Scotland to invest in a new technology to assist with the early identification of oral diseases. The Velscope helps the dentist locate abnormal cells in the mouth and tongue, which may be indicators of oral cancer.

We wanted the public to think seriously about whether mouth cancer could affect them and make use of the technology available today to help catch signs of this killer cancer early.

BIG client St. Enoch Centre welcomes its 20 millionth visitor

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:55:00 GMT

BIG client St. Enoch Centre is celebrating the New Year in style after welcoming its 20 millionth visitor, marking a new record for the Glasgow shopping destination.

Despite the difficult economic conditions, footfall rose by five per cent in 2012 compared with 2011, itself a record-breaking year with 19 million visitors following the completion of a £150 million redevelopment programme.

A Round Up of 2012's Digital and Social Media Highlights

suzanne.fairbairn@bigpartnership.co.uk (Suzanne Fairbairn) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:50:42 GMT

BIG's senior digital account manager, Suzanne Fairbairn, recaps digital highlights from 2012 and provides some social media predictions of her own for the year ahead.

As we return to work, dust off the cobwebs and begin the optimistic January detox, I thought it would be timely to recap the digital highlights from 2012, and even have a stab at forecasting what may be in store for 2013.

Success in sponsorship

sarah.bailey@bigpartnership.co.uk (Sarah Bailey) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:58:33 GMT

Account Director at The BIG Partnership Sarah Bailey looks at sponsorship, one of the fastest growing forms of marketing, and how to ensure success for brands.

As one of the fastest growing forms of marketing, a strong sponsorship campaign certainly packs a punch. Sponsorships can be highly effective and deliver great results for a brand, but to ensure sponsorship success, there are some key factors which should be considered.

BIG launch for Strathclyde Business School blog

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:56:19 GMT

Scotland’s leading business school, Strathclyde Business School (SBS), is celebrating the New Year by launching a new blog.

The Joy of Integration

marjorie.calder@bigpartnership.co.uk (Marjorie Calder) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:19:12 GMT

BIG director Marjorie Calder considers the changing world of messaging and the benefits of an integrated approach to campaigns.

Would it be really bad of me to thank clients for the fact I’m enjoying my job so much more since PR supposedly became more difficult?

Name The Bridge campaign well under way

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:43:38 GMT

We've had a busy few months working with Transport Scotland on the Name The Bridge campaign for the Forth Replacement Crossing, Scotland’s largest infrastructure project for a generation.

As well as designing and building the Name The Bridge website, www.NameTheBridge.co.uk, BIG also designed and produced promotional postcards and posters and supported the media launch.

Waiting for the Gift of Sound and Vision

stephen.mccrossan@bigpartnership.co.uk (Stephen McCrossan) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 11:17:18 GMT

Stephen McCrossan, BIG account director, looks at David Bowie's stealth approach to PR for his latest album.

As a long-term fan of the musical genius that is Mr David Bowie I was chuffed to bits when he re-introduced himself to the world in January via the online release of his new single ‘Where Are We Now?’

Glasgow’s #PureDeadBrilliant – Why Glasgow was Voted the UK’s Chattiest City on Twitter

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:51:38 GMT

Senior digital account executive, Neil McSeveny, gives his take on Glasgow's most recent accolade: 'Chattiest city on Twitter'

Narcissistic, egotistical & boastful – sound like your average Glaswegian? Probably not. In fact, Scots in general are stereotypically known for our reluctance to passionately express ourselves...if you’re not familiar with the ‘dour’ stereotype, just watch any interview with tennis superstar and quintessential Scot, Andy Murray.

Adapting to Modern-Day Communication: Do We Now Live in a World of Instant Messaging?

suzanne.fairbairn@bigpartnership.co.uk (Suzanne Fairbairn) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 09:57:24 GMT

BIG’s senior digital account manager, Suzanne Fairbairn assesses whether there is an expectation for instant messaging and real-time communication on the back of social media and mobile developments.

While browsing the greetings card aisle in M&S, I came across a certain birthday card: one that sparked the ‘saw this and thought of you’ mentality that Royal Mail instilled in us some time ago.

We Can Build a New You – From the Content of Your Online Ramblings

alan.gorham@bigpartnership.co.uk (Alan Gorham) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 10:15:42 GMT

Imagine a future where resurrection, with our intelligence recreated from our social media activity, is possible. BIG senior account manager Alan Gorham wonders if we now need to sub-edit every word we utter online.

Author and scriptwriter Charlie Brooker has envisioned a future where, on your untimely death, distraught loved ones can resurrect you through the latest technology. There's just one catch – the intelligence of the New You will be entirely populated by analysis of your social media habits.

So, is it time to moderate every utterance we make?

Career Academies: Fostering Business Confidence and Creativity From a Young Age

phil.addicott@bigpartnership.co.uk (Phil Addicott) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:29:29 GMT

BIG account director, Phil Addicott, examines the role of the both the education system and businesses in shaping young graduates and school leavers, as well as the need for young talent within the creative industry.

“My education was interrupted only by my schooling” – Winston Churchill

I suspect we’ve all experienced that dreaded moment sitting in an exam, whether it be at school at university, and taken one look at the exam paper and had absolutely no idea what to write. No matter how much you’ve studied, there was always one chapter you only just skimmed over and Sod’s Law, the chapter about Plato’s theory on the natural inequality of humanity was probably the one that pushed you over the edge.

The Simple Art Of Getting Your Message Across: The Greggs Website

iain.muirhead@bigpartnership.co.uk (Iain Muirhead) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 10:07:52 GMT

BIG senior account manager, Iain Muirhead, looks at different forms of advertising, highlighting the effectiveness of the simple and direct against the sophisticated and edgy.

Been on the Greggs homepage recently?

Have a look. It’s genius.

Marketing-wise, this is Route One. Succulent, warm, meaty snacks are paraded in front of the visitor on a virtual conveyor belt. It’s like the final round of the Generation Game for Cholesterol Connoisseurs.

BIG Goes Subsea

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:40:00 GMT

Earlier this month, almost half of the Aberdeen office attended Europe’s largest subsea oil and gas
event – Subsea 2013 - held at the AECC in Aberdeen.

Organised and hosted by BIG client Subsea UK, the annual exhibition and conference attracted more than 150 exhibitors and over 4,000 delegates from all over the world. BIG was there in force to run the press office and Subsea UK press conference, as well as organise press interviews for our six clients who were exhibiting.

The Best PR Keeps It Real

marjorie.calder@bigpartnership.co.uk (Marjorie Calder) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:49:54 GMT

BIG director, Marjorie Calder debunks old-fashioned notions of PR in favour of a more transparent approach to messaging.

Amazingly enough, the kitchen retailer in question is still in business but I bought into a high street kitchen offer based on service commitment several years ago and, when the designer appeared he “humourously” contradicted every brand message his employer had spent a fortune putting out.

Great photography puts BIG client Trinity in the frame

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:10:22 GMT

Offshore catering and hotelkeeping provider Trinity International Services – one of Scotland's largest independents – is a long-standing client of BIG's Aberdeen office, with a specific challenge when it comes to sourcing images to tell their story.

BIG client Peel Ports heads to Parliament

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:15:06 GMT

BIG and Peel Ports headed down to Westminster this month taking the Liverpool2 message directly to MPs and international trade experts.

Liverpool Riverside MP Louise Ellman hosted the evening drinks reception at the House of Commons, which served as an update on current investment projects at the port.

ENGTEQ – Dinner Engineered by Tom Kitchin

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:21:56 GMT

ENGTEQ wished to hold a client dinner to mark the opening of its new £5m engineering centre, so BIG was tasked with coming up with a celebratory event for its top clients and directors.

A £1/4 billion Eastender story

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:27:01 GMT

Long-standing client Clyde Gateway - the urban regeneration company charged with the task of transforming Glasgow’s long-ignored East End – asked for BIG’s help to spread the message of the £250 million construction and development programme that will take place within the company’s boundaries during 2013.

Encore serves up £4.8m Supercollege contract

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:28:42 GMT

Encore Hospitality Services, the contract catering arm of long-term BIG client Cordia, won the catering provider contract at City of Glasgow College, the giant new supercollege in the centre of Scotland’s biggest city.

Browns Food Group buys Hall’s brand

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:34:14 GMT

Scottish family firm Browns Food Group saved the Hall’s brand for Scotland by acquiring it from Dutch owner VION at the end of January.

BIG handled the massive media interest in the deal, arranging no less than ten business page and food trades phone interviews, plus two TV interviews with BBC Scotland and ITV.

Take Two - as McColl adds to his collection

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:40:45 GMT

One of BIG’s highest profile clients, turnaround specialist Jim McColl of Clyde Blowers Capital, was back on the acquisition trail with two new additions to his portfolio in the space of a month.

The Macallan partners with Oakley to introduce The Flask

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:42:42 GMT

Luxury single malt, The Macallan, has partnered with sport and lifestyle brand Oakley, Inc. to produce a unique limited edition flask. Entitled ‘The Flask’, this latest collaboration for the brand and has an edgy, adventurous feel.

From Both Sides Now: a Cautionary Note to Journalists Looking to Cross the Floor

peter.carroll@bigpartnership.co.uk (Peter Carroll) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:04:41 GMT

BIG account manager, Peter Carroll, reminisces on a past life as a journalist, and his eventual switch over to PR.

Going to the dark side or switching from poacher to gamekeeper. Chances are, if you’ve worked in public relations for five minutes someone somewhere has uttered these words to you.

Eighteen months ago I made the decision to do just that, and probably spent the three years prior to the move deliberating whether I should or shouldn’t.

Corporate Social Responsibility: a Must-have, Not a Nice-to-have

anna.duthie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Anna Duthie) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:09:19 GMT

Senior account executive Anna Duthie presents the business case for corporate social responsibility.

In the age of social media, building a positive reputation for corporate social responsibility (CSR) means ‘walking the talk’, rather than paying lip service.

The BIG Partnership Shortlisted for Four Recommended Agency Register Awards

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:31:15 GMT

More great news for the BIG Partnership team as the Recommended Agency Register (RAR) announced the shortlist for its prestigious annual awards, based on client testimonials. Thanks to endorsements from existing clients, BIG has been shortlisted in four categories: ‘Public Relations’, ‘Corporate Communications’, ‘On-Time’, and ‘On-Budget’.

Red Nose Day - Not Just a Laughing Matter

charlene.sweeney@bigpartnership.co.uk (Charlene Sweeney) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:46:37 GMT

With Red Nose Day upon us, BIG senior account manager Charlene Sweeney looks at why businesses should get involved in charitable events.

Q. How many PRs does it take to change a light bulb?

A. Can we get back to you on that?

Public relations isn’t often a laughing matter, but Red Nose Day, happening today, represents an opportunity for businesses to gain positive media exposure and, dare we say it, raise a smile or two.

BIG Names Keli Mitchell as Digital Services Director

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:52:46 GMT

Our digital division is expanding! We’re chuffed to announce the appointment of a new digital services director to BIG’s team.

Keli Mitchell joins us from Frame, where she spent over 10 years developing a range of brand campaigns for clients including RBS Group, National Museums Scotland, Network Rail, Heineken, DC Thomson, Subway and Capital & Regional Shopping Centres.

The Not-So-Humble Blog: What’s it Worth to Your Business?

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:29:50 GMT

There are some 62 million blogs on Wordpress alone. Some of the most popular blogs see more than a million views per day, with numbers growing daily. It may seem that every man and his dog is now blogging, but businesses need to take notice of the opportunities blogs can present for them, because, by the looks of things, they’re here to stay...well, the good ones anyways.

“We’re awesome because…” and other ways to turn off your customers

bryan.garvie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Bryan Garvie) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:51:15 GMT

How many times have you heard dating advice which goes along the lines of: “Talk constantly about yourself and don’t show any interest in your intended beau”? Never? Yet so many companies put endless energy into communicating how great they are, instead of something which might be helpful to their customers. Of course, you might want to tell potential customers about a new service or product, or some other interesting news – but unless it has something for the customer, why would they want to read it? Here’s a quick guide to techniques guaranteed to make your customers’ eyes glaze over.

BIG Director Alex Barr Interviewed on BBC Radio Scotland on the Role of Public Relations in Business

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:04:18 GMT

BIG director, Alex Barr, took to the airwaves at the weekend to address the current state of public relations on BBC Scotland's Sunday morning business affairs programme, Business Scotland with Douglas Fraser. Alex tackled topics including the role of digital in modern communcations, historic perceptions of the industry, and how the world of public relations is changing.

Listen to Alex Barr on Business Scotland on the BBC iPlayer (Alex's interview starts at 4:28).

Back to the Future of Scottish Media

tim.malseed@bigpartnership.co.uk (Tim Malseed) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:37:47 GMT

BIG senior account executive, Tim Malseed, explores the future of the printed press and claims that the newspaper is on its way out.

From hover-boards to teleportation - if Hollywood was to be believed - we’re supposed to have it all by now. But no one can really predict the future, despite the weekly claims of TV mystics - crushing the dreams of a nation with their false prophesies before the lottery.

You are what you tweet: what we can all learn from the Paris Brown case study

suzanne.fairbairn@bigpartnership.co.uk (Suzanne Fairbairn) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:56:15 GMT

Suzanne Fairbairn, senior digital account manager at The BIG Partnership, reviews the Paris Brown case study and provides advice for anyone looking to get a job in social media.

Having sat in the same lecture theatre four years prior, it was a daunting yet jubilant feeling to be returning to my roots to present a guest lecture on social media for Strathclyde Business School's honours marketing students.

The BIG Partnership named Best Corporate Communications Consultancy at RAR Awards

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:27:04 GMT

We've been awarded two industry accolades by the Recommended Agency Register (RAR).

The RAR Awards highlight those agencies which have received the highest ratings from its clients across a range of disciplines, including advertising, value for money and effectiveness.

Don’t Shy Away from Giving Bad News

marjorie.calder@bigpartnership.co.uk (Marjorie Calder) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:11:49 GMT

BIG’s Marjorie Calder, assesses the importance of translating bad news to staff quickly and honestly.

There's nothing which undoes a lovingly constructed staff engagement process quite so fast as falling conspicuously silent when a perceived threat hits the rumour mill. The ultimate kiss of death of course is to deny the whole thing two days before staff read of its existence in a newspaper, or receive a formal letter from HR.

What do businesses and insecure women have in common?

jane.hamilton@bigpartnership.co.uk (Jane Hamilton) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:17:59 GMT

BIG account manager, Jane Hamilton, looks at the ways businesses perceive themselves, and how this can sometimes differ from the public's perception of them.

No, it’s not the opener to a really bad joke. Actually, this is the question I found myself pondering after a friend sent me a link to this video campaign by Dove.

Squeaky bum time: Why Man U was right to nip Fergie retirement rumours in the bud

bryan.garvie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Bryan Garvie) — Thu, 09 May 2013 09:22:13 GMT

Account director Bryan Garvie (who knows nothing about football) on why shutting down rumours is better than shutting up shop.

When something you’d rather stayed quiet suddenly becomes headline news, it can be tempting to hunker down and hope it all goes away. It won’t. Here’s why you should (usually) tackle rumours head-on before – in the words of the Premiership’s most successful manager – it gets to squeaky bum time.

BIG named Partner of the Year by client Business Stream at its annual awards ceremony.

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:45:16 GMT

BIG has been named Partner of the Year by client Business Stream at its annual awards ceremony.

Having been pitted against the company's sizeable stable of suppliers, and with nominations put forward by Business Stream's own employees, this is an award of which we're extremely proud.

The media + social media = a heady mix

alex.barr@bigpartnership.co.uk (Alex Barr) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:24:51 GMT

When social media meets the media – a salutary tale…

The Night I Suffered a Cruyff Turn

brian.welsh@bigpartnership.co.uk (Brian Welsh) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 09:20:27 GMT

“But Mr Cruyff, you must remember. Airdrie. White top. Red diamond. Owen Coyle. Old Broomfield. The wee pavilion in the corner. MR CRUYFF – YOU MUST REMEMBER – YOU DEFINITELY PLAYED FOR AIRDRIE!!!”

Now at what stage of a debate with one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen do you admit to yourself that he might know more about his career than you do?

Harvey Specter, reputation protector: communication tips from TV’s most arrogant lawyer

bryan.garvie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Bryan Garvie) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:13:14 GMT

He calls himself ‘the best closer in Manhattan’ and does whatever it takes to win. But what does TV lawyer Harvey Specter know about getting the right message to your audience?

Harvey Specter is the charismatic and – I don’t mind saying – strikingly handsome lawyer from TV’s Suits. He’s a winner. He has the best lines. He’s raking it in. And he knows more than you might think about how to get your audiences paying attention to your message.

Bin the buzz words: why ‘solutions’ creates problems for your business

sharon.mars@bigpartnership.co.uk (Sharon Mars) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:48:00 GMT

BIG account director Sharon Mars examines the excessive use of jargon by businesses & the need to communicate in plain English to your customers.

Working in PR means I regularly encounter a range of businesses representing a full spectrum of shapes, sizes and sectors. It’s one of the aspects of my job I most enjoy. Increasingly, however, I find there is one word which rears its ugly head on websites, press releases, presentations and marketing collateral. So much so, I fear this vast assortment of commercial creativity is starting to rely on a homogenised gloop of repetitive jargon to get its messages out to the market.

The offending word? Solutions.

You can’t cheat the system: what Google’s new search update, Penguin 2.0, means for your business

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 15:11:37 GMT

BIG's digital communications manager Laura Kane looks at Google's latest search update and what businesses can do to minimise its impact.

It’s been just over a month since Google’s Penguin 2.0 update rolled out and the dust is beginning to settle as search engine optimisation (SEO) experts assess the impact the changes have had on their sites, but what does it mean for your business?

PR Week's Top 150 League Table 2013 names BIG Partnership top PR agency outside of London

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 12:43:55 GMT

For the fifth time in the past six years, The BIG Partnership has retained its number one position in the PR Week Top 150 annual rankings of PR agencies outwith London.

Thanks to the dedication, creativity and quality of staff across our offices in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Kirkcaldy and our recently opened Liverpool office - who have worked tirelessly during the past year for our more than 300 private and public sector clients - we also moved up the rankings to become the 36^th largest consultancy in the UK.

BIG launches Mackie’s of Scotland's new ice cream website

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 10:36:22 GMT

We’re chuffed to announce that we’ve launched Mackie’s of Scotland’s new ice cream website. The new website is at the forefront of a new campaign by Mackie’s to boost consumer engagement and grow sales.

BIG headquarters on the move

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 16:14:50 GMT

BIG’s head office is leaving its home of the last 7 years and moving to a fantastic new custom-designed office space in Glasgow’s Charing Cross.

The move follows an exciting time for BIG with the expansion of our successful digital marketing division, relocations to new state-of-the-art offices in Edinburgh and Aberdeen and last month's announcement that, for the fifth time in the past six years, BIG has retained its position as the largest PR consultancy in the PR Week Top 150 annual rankings.

BIG Makes Top 30 Consumer PR Consultancy List

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 08:51:13 GMT

Following on from being named the largest agency in the UK outside of London by PR Week for the 5th year in a row, the BIG Partnership has also placed inside the top 30 of the magazine's consumer PR agency listings.

#RoyalBaby: a social media case study

suzanne.fairbairn@bigpartnership.co.uk (Suzanne Fairbairn) — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 09:31:36 GMT

As royal baby mania calms down, BIG senior digital account manager Suzanne Fairbairn looks at how Clarence House used social media to engage wider audiences.

The world and its granny have been chatting about the royal baby this week. It's fair to say that the term 'media frenzy' is an understatement in this instance and the coverage was unavoidable whether you were interested in an update or not.

BIG eyes future expansion

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 10:29:33 GMT

We're growing! BIG is planning for future expansion following major investment across the company.

We've relocated our national headquarters in Glasgow to new premises in Fountain House, Charing Cross, after seven years in Park Circus. The move, which involves a £250,000 fit-out, concludes a national round of investment in new offices in Aberdeen and Edinburgh as well as the opening of a new office in Liverpool.

Social media vs sexism: why Caroline Criado-Perez has turned me into a feminist.

bryan.garvie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Bryan Garvie) — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 09:27:00 GMT

After a series of news stories and social media explosions, account director Bryan Garvie looks at how modern feminism has found a new voice in modern communications.

I read Pride and Prejudice for the first time in 2010. To be honest, I wasn't that keen at first, because I assumed there wouldn't be any explosions or car chases.

But I loved it. So when I read that Caroline Criado-Perez had successfully campaigned to have Jane Austen's image printed on banknotes, I nodded brief approval, then made some coffee. Some people, however, weren't so prosaic – and social media highlighted some hideous misogyny.

Why ‘literally’ should literally mean literally

bryan.garvie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Bryan Garvie) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 10:37:04 GMT

We shouldn’t capitulate in the fight against poor use of English, argues account director Bryan Garvie.

The Oxford English Dictionary – that authoritative, august guardian of the Queen’s English – has decided that ‘literally’ can now also be used in the same sense as ‘figuratively’. As an unapologetic pedant, I’m not happy about it. Frankly I’d rather we euthanised the word altogether, rather than bovinely go along with the OED’s shameless abandonment of proper standards.

More powerful than Larry Page

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 13:39:27 GMT

The Guardian recently published its 2013 top 100 most powerful list; After recovering from his initial shock, BIG senior digital account executive Neil McSeveny reflects on being awarded the coveted number one position.

The Guardian recently released its annual list of the top 100 most powerful people in the world, featuring the likes of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, Apple’s Tim Cook, Twitter’s Dick Costolo, Google’s Larry Page, Simon Cowell...the usual suspects. However, they’ve all been pipped to the post ...by us. We’re flattered. What do these other guys know about power, eh?

Missing the moment: is it time to put down the smartphones?

marjorie.calder@bigpartnership.co.uk (Marjorie Calder) — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 10:10:07 GMT

BIG director Marjorie Calder on why we should put down our smartphones occasionally and just live in the moment.

I’m uncomfortable with aspects of living life second-hand.

Having just come back from a trip to Venice, I was greatly amused by tourists on the water buses and taxis who recorded their journeys on tablets and smart phones held constantly in front of their faces. Sure they could record and revisit their experience again and again in the future – yet they missed the one occasion when they could get to see it for real.

Pandering to the media: what we can learn from Britain’s panda watch

charlene.sweeney@bigpartnership.co.uk (Charlene Sweeney) — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 09:09:09 GMT

BIG senior account manager Charlene Sweeney on the lessons that can be learned from the most anticipated birth since Prince George.

After a nail-biting few months, the panda pregnancy that might never have been has officially become the panda pregnancy that is no longer. Tian Tian, Edinburgh Zoo’s female giant panda, it has been confirmed, is no longer displaying signs of being with cub.

SPFL appoints BIG to handle PR requirements

neil.mcSeveny@bigpartnership.co.uk (Neil McSeveny) — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 10:51:11 GMT

The SPFL has appointed The BIG Partnership to handle its public relations requirements. The initial 12-month appointment follows a competitive pitch process involving several other agencies.

Blogging: what you need to know to get started

suzanne.fairbairn@bigpartnership.co.uk (Suzanne Fairbairn) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 12:05:52 GMT

The term 'blog' gets banded around quite a bit, and to this day, I still get asked the question: “what is a blog?”

The funny thing is that once I respond to this question, the person asking me already tends to be reading blogs – they just didn’t realise that it was in actual fact a blog.

Urgent Appeal: Typhoon Haiyan

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 12:16:03 GMT

As you will have seen in the media, Typhoon Haiyan has caused catastrophic damage in the Philippines. It is estimated that more than 10,000 people have been killed and a further ten million people are affected, many losing everything they had. Women, men and children are now in desperate need of clean drinking water, food items and shelter.

Oxfam are world leading experts in water, sanitation and hygiene and have rapidly launched a response. With your help, Oxfam could reach 500,000 of the most vulnerable families.

The BIG Partnership encourage you to give what you can. You can click here to donate, or click the banner on the right. We have the power to raise vital funds and we'd encourage you to share this message as widely as possible.

BIG joins thenetworkone

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 10:41:37 GMT

The BIG Partnership has joined thenetworkone – the global network of independent media, advertising, PR and marketing agencies.

thenetworkone is an international hub consisting of more than 800 of the world’s leading creative agencies in 106 countries.

Building bonds, brands and reputations in the heat of a crisis

alan.gorham@bigpartnership.co.uk (Alan Gorham) — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:34:06 GMT

Maintaining civil relations in a crisis may sound like a task too far as your team focuses on preserving reputation and revenue – yet mediation between partners can strengthen corporate bonds and brands if the specialists closest to the flames give dedicated support to one another.

In the heat of a crisis management situation, it's not unheard of for tempers to flare, but snap decisions seldom, if ever, result in an issue – the professional skills drilled into senior managers and consultants guide them through a legal and reputational minefield in waiting.

How not to get a job at The BIG Partnership

bryan.garvie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Bryan Garvie) — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 09:55:52 GMT

Desperate never to feel the fabric of BIG's carpet under your feet? Account director Bryan Garvie shows you how.

I've just read 70 CVs. Count 'em - 70. I'll be honest, I've had better days, but in the few moments of respite was when someone took the time and thought to write something in the CV which was actually worth reading.

Get merry this Christmas and have a cabbie new year with BIG client, Glasgow Taxis

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 15:19:08 GMT

BIG client Glasgow Taxis Ltd has released a Christmas safety video encouraging the city’s partygoers to have an enjoyable but safe festive season.

Shot and edited in-house by film-maker Ben Hunter, the video is backed by supporting messages from Police Scotland and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.

BIG begins 2014 with new business boost

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 09:28:03 GMT

BIG has kicked off 2014 with a bang with a clutch of new business wins.

We've secured a host of new PR accounts across a range of sectors, as well as a number of web projects for our fast-growing digital division.

Everything you know is wrong

iain.muirhead@bigpartnership.co.uk (Iain Muirhead) — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 09:27:12 GMT

Misconceptions about you, your company or your product can cost you money. Senior account manager Iain Muirhead discusses the importance of a good public profile.

Enter the dragon

charlene.sweeney@bigpartnership.co.uk (Charlene Sweeney) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 09:36:48 GMT

Business guru Deborah Meaden has prompted debate over the cost of PR. Senior account manager Charlene Sweeney argues it's value for money that counts.

Six Reasons Social Media Works In B2B (And One Reason To Stop Calling It Social Media)

bryan.garvie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Bryan Garvie) — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 12:11:24 GMT

If you think social media is just about selfies and saying ‘lol’, maybe it’s time to consider its use as a business tool, says account director Bryan Garvie.

Plenty of businesses still think social media is lightweight and faddy at best, or cavalier and dangerous at worst. Get it wrong, and it can be all of these things. Get it right, and the benefits can be significant. Yes, even for a business-to-business audience.

Social media is breaking down barriers, one selfie at a time

suzanne.fairbairn@bigpartnership.co.uk (Suzanne Fairbairn) — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 15:14:10 GMT

Digital Account Director Suzanne Fairbairn takes a look at how the 'selfie' is giving us all a glimpse into the worlds of celebs and brands, by providing more transparency via social media.

The usual glitz and glamour associated with the Oscars prevailed last night as the A-list celebs walked the red carpet to strike their perfected pose and pout in front of the world’s media for them to try and capture that all-important front-page pic.

Finding the time for crime: five tips for writing your first book

Campbell.Hart@bipartnership.co.uk (Campbell Hart ) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 11:45:26 GMT

BIG account director Campbell Hart has been delving into the darker side of the written word in his spare time with a new crime fiction novel set in Glasgow. He lets us in on how he managed to navigate the minefield of self-publishing.

I’ve been writing for years – it’s what I do. Radio news bulletins; documentaries; scripts; press releases; briefing documents; corporate brochures; emails and tweets – the one thing that I’d never written, though, was that all-elusive novel.

Glasgow team gives a BIG hand for hygiene record-breaking attempt

lucia.fella@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lucia Fella) — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 14:07:20 GMT

BIG helped our client 'Glasgow City of Science' in its attempt to smash a Guinness World Record this week, as thousands of local primary school pupils took part in a simultaneous hand hygiene lesson.

Gremlins taking over EE - humour or just bad customer service?

website@bigpartnership.co.uk (David Capaldi) — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 14:00:34 GMT

David Capaldi, director of Opinurate - specialists in customer experience management - shares his thoughts on EE's response to their network outage last week.

Humour is a difficult thing to predict. What one person finds engaging and funny, another will find provocative and inflammatory.

The charity campaign you couldn't make up

brian.welsh@bigpartnership.co.uk (Brian Welsh) — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 13:44:38 GMT

Account director Brian Welsh reviews last week’s #nomakeupselfie craze and considers the pros and cons of viral campaigns.

Sport Relief found itself in an unusual position last week.

While it raised a record £53m+ in fundraising – and captured millions of viewers thanks to cameos from David Beckham, Andy Murray and others – remarkably, it wasn’t the most talked about charity campaign of the week.

Be a good sport

duncan.fisher@bigpartnership.co.uk (Duncan Fisher) — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:01:09 GMT

BIG account manager Duncan Fisher delves into the communications lessons we can learn from the world boxing promotion.

Table nudged over, drinks spilled and a photographer knocked on his backside…

Nope, this wasn’t a scene from a volatile family wedding or a well-lubricated society mixer: this was a Tyson Fury pre-fight press conference.

BIG designs new website for Glasgow City of Science

lucia.fella@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lucia Fella) — Fri, 02 May 2014 09:56:59 GMT

We’ve just launched the new Glasgow City of Science website which is a one-stop shop for anyone with an interest in the city region’s world-class science and technology.

Back to the Future

marjorie.calder@bigpartnership.co.uk (Marjorie Calder) — Fri, 23 May 2014 14:08:41 GMT

BIG Director Marjorie Calder looks at the new digital trend of personalisation and shows that it isn't so new...

As a journalist several years ago, I wrote a profile of an award-winning and ground-breaking banker for a national newspaper (let’s call him Jim, largely ‘cos that’s his name).

I used the piece to compare this techno-savvy CEO to my late father who was a 20^th century bank manager.

The BIG Partnership backs Aberdeen's Wild Dolphins this summer

lucia.fella@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lucia Fella) — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 11:03:44 GMT

The BIG Partnership has added its support to a spectacular dolphin-themed tourism project which will hit the streets of Aberdeen this summer.

The city is hosting the Wild Dolphins project, which will see around 50 life-sized sculptures of bottlenose dolphins - usually spotted off the North-east coast - popping up all over town.

The BIG Partnership again named UK’s top PR agency outside London

lucia.fella@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lucia Fella) — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 09:26:10 GMT

PR and digital marketing agency The BIG Partnership has maintained its position as the UK’s largest agency outside of London in the industry’s most authoritative annual survey.

So you want to work in digital?

mike.campbell@bigpartnership.co.uk (Mike Campbell) — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 14:56:15 GMT

Senior Digital Account Manager Mike Campbell looks at what you can do to optimise your career in digital…

Want to get into a digital marketing career? There's a lot of useful things to know which typically aren't covered in sufficient depth in academic courses, simply because the field changes too fast to keep up.

Why George Osborne is the Timex Chancellor

bryan.garvie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Bryan Garvie) — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 07:51:06 GMT

Osborne: "Crikey! Twitter loves me."

BIG director Bryan Garvie on George Osborne’s determined Twitter optimism in the face of withering vitriol.

Like a Timex watch, George Osborne on Twitter takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Or more accurately, he takes a beating and keeps on tweeting. Here’s why he’s right to maintain his stiff upper lip.

I do not want or need a throne of iPads

bryan.garvie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Bryan Garvie) — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 14:21:58 GMT

Ill-conceived marketing messages do nothing but frustrate your audience, says director Bryan Garvie.

Delivering your message to an audience isn’t always cheap, so why take shortcuts when composing it? Bad copy could damage your brand, turn off your audience – and invoke extreme sarcasm.

BIG launches major new e-commerce website for The Whisky Shop

lucia.fella@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lucia Fella) — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 12:38:03 GMT

PR and digital marketing agency The BIG Partnership has unveiled a luxury e-commerce website for the UK’s largest specialist whisky retailer, The Whisky Shop.

The new digital platform (whiskyshop.com) will build on the growing success of the retailer’s 22-strong network of stores.

Five sweeteners for Lord Sugar’s video nasties

lucia.fella@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lucia Fella) — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 13:08:04 GMT

Senior digital account executive, Lucia Fella, reflects on this week’s episode of The Apprentice and looks at the best way to approach online branded video…

The Apprentice is now in its tenth year and most of us are familiar with the formulaic process. A group of the UK’s most obnoxious business ‘professionals’ stumble through a range of weekly tasks in attempt to convince Lord Sugar they are worthy of a £250,000 investment.

Who cares about customer service?

bryan.garvie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Bryan Garvie) — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 10:56:55 GMT

BIG director (and frustrated biker) Bryan Garvie asks if customer service actually matters if your product is good enough.

I’ve decided I want a motorbike. I’ve just binge-watched Sons of Anarchy on Netflix, where – if you haven’t seen it – a bunch of hairy Harley riders run guns, beat people up and generally go around being very unpleasant. Horrible people, really. But man, do they look cool doing it.

Connecting the world is not a one man job: Mark Zuckerberg's Q&A.

Fri, 07 Nov 2014 12:20:33 GMT

BIG senior account executive Catriona Mackenzie on how Facebook’s CEO turned a town-hall meeting into a platform for every key message within the company.

The head of the largest online social network on the planet invited users to experience something very old fashioned last night: a town hall meeting. Except this one happened to be live streamed via, of course, a Facebook page.

BIG invests in new digital studio and plans for future recruitment

Laura.Kane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Kane) — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 09:50:46 GMT

After a period of significant business growth, The BIG Partnership has invested in a new custom-designed premises for its Fife operation.

Scotland’s largest PR and digital marketing agency has moved to a new digital studio in Dunfermline after more than nine years in Kirkcaldy.

St. Enoch Centre goes BIG with communications choice

lucia.fella@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lucia Fella) — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 07:39:20 GMT

Leading Glasgow shopping destination St. Enoch Centre has re-appointed Scotland’s largest PR agency, The BIG Partnership, to act as its strategic communications adviser.

BIG retained the account following a competitive pitch against a number of other firms.

Talking up the industry as the oil price goes down

zoe.ogilvie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Zoe Ogilvie) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 09:25:22 GMT

BIG director Zoe Ogilvie looks at how the drop in oil price impacts on communication in the oil and gas industry.

One man’s sorrow is another man’s joy, so the saying goes. Rejoicing at the petrol pump is in sharp contrast to the doom and gloom in the oil and gas industry as the price of black gold has plummeted from a relatively sustained $100+ to under $50 in a matter of months.

The creepy truth about Valentine’s Day and Google searches

alice.ritchie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Alice Ritchie) — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 11:34:13 GMT

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, BIG digital account manager, Alice Ritchie, looks at the keywords the Great British Public uses to look for love online…

Have you ever Googled an embarrassing question? We’ve all done it. You’re in bed. It’s late. You can’t sleep because you’re worrying about something – a problem you’re not sure how to solve. You can’t speak to your friends or family about it because the problem’s either about them or is simply too embarrassing to talk about. So what do you do? Ask your favourite faceless agony aunt, Google, apparently.

Picture perfect - what can video do for you?

Campbell.Hart@bipartnership.co.uk (Campbell Hart ) — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 10:49:18 GMT

BIG account director, Campbell Hart, looks at what video could do for your brand.

Content’s important - but you know that, right?

Rather, with so much competition to get noticed the question is: How do you stand out in an age where everyone wants to be unique? With press releases being reused as news items, blogs, Linkedin, and Twitter posts, there’s now far more content jostling to grab your attention – which brings us back to the original question - What can video do for you?

The shape of things to come for our city centres

youtube@bigpartnership.co.uk (Stuart Patrick) — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 10:35:09 GMT

In a guest post for the BIG blog, Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, looks at how technology could shape the future of Glasgow's city centre.

We take the economic health of our city centre very seriously. It has the largest concentration of business and jobs in Scotland and is Glasgow’s front room to the visiting world - something which was patently obvious during the Commonwealth Games.

Natalie Bennett’s ‘brain fade’ is every PR’s worst nightmare

bryan.garvie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Bryan Garvie) — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 12:18:47 GMT

BIG director Bryan Garvie recovers from a full-body cringe to consider why preparation is all before a media interview.

If you’ve ever wondered what a full body cringe feels like – and which of us hasn’t? – you only need to listen to Natalie Bennett’s interview on LBC radio yesterday to find out. So bad is it, I’ve only had the stomach to listen to it once. I can’t bear it again.

Why internships are more than just CV fodder

lucia.fella@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lucia Fella) — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:01:58 GMT

Digital account manager Lucia Fella looks at why internships are more than just a ‘nice-to-have’ addition to your CV, and shares her insight on how to maximise your experience…

Internships – what’s the point? Year after year at university, lecturers kept reminding me about the importance of doing internships. “It’ll be good for your CV,” they said. I used to think to myself – “Why would I spend my summer working full-time, sometimes for free, just to look better on paper?” Besides, Ibiza was much more appealing.

How women are changing the game in sports

gregor.hollerin@bigpartnership.co.uk (Gregor Hollerin) — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 16:08:00 GMT

With the UFC coming to Glasgow in July, and to coincide with International Women’s Day, BIG account manager Gregor Hollerin looks at how Ronda Rousey is successfully challenging stereotypes about women in sport…

Mixed Martial Arts has fast become a commercial juggernaut in the USA and beyond, emerging from humble beginnings to establish itself as one of the most financially viable sports in the world.

When UFC launched in 1993, it was as an eight man tournament to find out which martial art was superior. Today it’s an industry which churns out action figures, video games, a reality TV series, and perhaps most remarkably, now has a female fighter as one of its most famous faces.

Bring back Clarkson - does the media shape what we fight for?

fiona.kemp@bigpartnership.co.uk (Fiona Kemp) — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 09:34:48 GMT

With hundreds of thousands of people calling for Jeremy Clarkson to be reinstated as host of Top Gear, BIG account executive Fiona Kemp asks if the media shapes what we fight for...

When you have a cause that’s important to you, there are numerous ways of getting your message across. In recent years, the use of online petitions has become increasingly popular as a platform to build support for campaigns.

There have been many success stories off the back of them; from someone having their violin returned from customs after more than 5,000 people signed, to a call to halt an execution in Sudan, which received the support of more than 1,000,000 people.

May the Fourth be with you – why national awareness days matter

chris.walker@bigpartnership.co.uk (Chris Walker) — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:02:07 GMT

A quick scan of the National Awareness Days website shows it currently has more than 350 registered national and international awareness months, weeks and days.

You don’t need to be a champion of National Maths Week to know that means we’re pushing one cause or another almost every single day of the year.

BIG start to 2015 for Scotland’s largest PR and digital agency

peter.mcfarlane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Peter McFarlane) — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 16:16:40 GMT

The BIG Partnership’s Aberdeen office has secured a number of notable new contracts in the first few weeks of the year, despite challenging market conditions following the drop in the price of oil.

Scotland’s largest PR and digital marketing agency has won several new accounts worth over £150,000 in annual fees. These include Ashtead Technology, Atlas Knowledge, the Nautical Institute and the Oil and Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC).

Branding - business tool or a load of bull?

sharon.mars@bigpartnership.co.uk (Sharon Mars) — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 15:09:29 GMT

BIG director Sharon Mars considers the value of corporate branding…

Apparently, according to the latest report, British Airways has landed the number one slot as the UK’s most popular brand, meanwhile the country seems to have fallen out of love with M&S and Cadbury’s.

Okay, fair enough. But what does that actually mean? A brand is an inanimate object with no discernible thoughts or feelings and yet we relate to them as though they were living breathing organisms. Really?!

Is it time to start talking about “PR capital”?

peter.mcfarlane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Peter McFarlane) — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 13:21:53 GMT

BIG senior account manager Peter McFarlane on a different approach to measuring communications...

PR has a measurement problem. Not only is it unsure about how to measure its success, but, for the most part, it doesn’t even know what to look at in the first place. Don’t just take my word for it; have a read of the PR Academy’s latest trends survey. Its research found that 53% of PRs said measurement was their biggest skills gap.

Events are BIG business at Scotland’s largest PR and digital marketing agency

peter.mcfarlane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Peter McFarlane) — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 15:41:02 GMT

Rising demand for corporate events services as far afield as Singapore, Houston and Abu Dhabi has boosted revenues to record levels at the events division of one of the UK’s largest independent PR firms.

The BIG Partnership’s events business is predicting revenues will grow by a third for 2014/2015, reflecting the latest available ISES Global Business Survey which found more than three-quarters of events professionals anticipated business growth for the year.

The NJC experience: preparing students for future success

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 09:21:15 GMT

In a guest blog for the BIG website, Newlands Junior College principal Iain White tells us why he thinks Glasgow’s new vocational school could provide a taste of things to come…

With a renewed focus on skills training to help tackle high levels of youth unemployment there has never been a more exciting time to be involved in Scottish education.

Can Aintree’s Ladies Day really head off bad press at the pass?

laura.berry@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Berry) — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 08:43:41 GMT

BIG account manager Laura Berrry on a day at the races…

This week sees the start of the Grand National festival – one of the world’s largest racing events attracting tens of thousands of people to Liverpool over the course of three days, and a worldwide television audience of more than 600m.

The BIG results are in...

lucia.fella@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lucia Fella) — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 15:37:21 GMT

Global research firm Relationship Audits & Management (RAM) recently conducted an independent survey of our clients to help us understand what we can do to better tailor our services to your needs.

Crisis, what crisis?

laura.grant@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Grant ) — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 10:36:44 GMT

BIG account director, Laura Grant, looks at the dos and don’ts of crisis management…

No company is immune to crisis. When the worst happens, how you react will determine whether your business emerges with its reputation intact. While there is no hard and fast formula for communicating in a crisis, there are fundamental principles which will help ensure your incident doesn’t go down in the history books as “the moment it all fell apart”.

You’ve grown since I last saw you – BIG turns 15!

Fri, 17 Apr 2015 10:36:54 GMT

BIG’s founding directors Alex Barr and Neil Gibson reflect on the company’s 15^th anniversary and consider what lies in store for one of the UK’s most successful PR agencies...

The year 2000 means a lot of things to different people, but to us it was the start of something BIG. Fifteen years ago the BIG Partnership was born.

BIG at the 36th annual Scottish Press Awards

emma.roy@bigpartnership.co.uk (Emma Roy) — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 15:20:57 GMT

The 36^th annual Scottish Press Awards were last night (April 16 2015) held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow.

Political interviews – what business leaders can learn from Westminster

charlene.sweeney@bigpartnership.co.uk (Charlene Sweeney) — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 09:57:48 GMT

BIG account director, Charlene Sweeney, looks at what businesses can learn from our would-be political masters…

You might have noticed; there is an election campaign underway.

Will #Mobilegeddon really be the end of the world?

euan.blair@bigpartnership.co.uk (Euan Blair) — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 11:12:55 GMT

BIG digital account director, Euan Blair, looks at what the latest Google update could mean for your website…

Run for the hills. Google has announced a new update.

An audience of one: why digital marketing is personal

stephanie.malcolm@bigpartnership.co.uk (Stephanie Malcolm) — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 12:02:51 GMT

Senior Account Executive Steph Malcolm discusses the increasingly personalised tactics online marketers are using to target new and existing customers.

Picture the scene: you’re navigating Twitter feeds, Facebook timelines, news apps and a myriad other online sources at a fierce pace. Your brain bounces from one piece of content to another like a fly trapped in a bottle, and in this instance you zip from ‘liking’ a baby picture on Facebook to impulse-buying a book through Amazon, based on a Tweet from someone you’ve already forgotten about, before taking a picture of your lunch for Instagram and linking it to your Pinterest menu board (deep breath).

Reporting the royal baby – has the media frenzy gone too far?

charlene.sweeney@bigpartnership.co.uk (Charlene Sweeney) — Tue, 05 May 2015 08:26:30 GMT

BIG account director Charlene Sweeney thinks not…

Healthy young woman has second child. In any other circumstances the statement would not be considered news, never mind a front page splash. But when the mother in question is Kate Middleton and the baby is fourth in line to the throne, the media can't help itself from getting into a good old fashioned tizzy.

Five themes for an outstanding event

kate.heriot@bigpartnership.co.uk (Kate Heriot ) — Tue, 12 May 2015 14:13:17 GMT

BIG’s head of events, Kate Heriot, on how to wow the crowds at corporate get-togethers…

What comes to mind when you think about “good” events?

Small and mighty: three tips for small business owners

lynn.mckenzie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lynn McKenzie ) — Wed, 20 May 2015 13:56:28 GMT

BIG account manager and former SME owner Lynn McKenzie, considers the dos and don’ts for people starting out in their own business…

Creating a business from scratch can be hugely exciting. Picture this: You’re on the edge of making a life-long dream a reality. You’ve researched every detail from customers and suppliers to the size and strength of the market. Your business looks great, everything reflects the brand and the ethos you have created, and you know exactly where you’re going . . . and so, the real work begins.

Bumper start to the year as BIG wins more than a dozen new clients

peter.mcfarlane@bigpartnership.co.uk (Peter McFarlane) — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 10:55:52 GMT

(Gordon Robertson, Managing Director, EcoEnergy Group)

Scotland’s largest PR and digital marketing agency, The BIG Partnership, has taken on more than a dozen new clients, worth more than £300,000 in annual fee, during a bumper start to the year.

Key new client wins include Italian restaurant chain Tony Macaroni, Linlithgow-based energy consultancy EcoEnergy Group and regional tourism agency VisitLanarkshire.

The business of PR: a former journalist’s guide to the dark side

jennifer.sanchis@bigpartnership.co.uk (Jennifer Sanchis) — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 10:29:06 GMT

RGU communications and public affairs student and former journalist, Jennifer Sanchis, looks at what she learned about PR during a four week internship at BIG…

As a former journalist, I had always been told that colleagues transferring into the world of PR were stepping over to the ‘dark side’. So when I started my internship at BIG, I was a bit worried about what was in store.

The ten commandments of planning events

kate.heriot@bigpartnership.co.uk (Kate Heriot ) — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 09:14:20 GMT

If you want to significantly enhance your brand’s profile, a corporate or brand event can make your organisation stand out. Here, BIG’s Head of Events Kate Heriot shares her personal checklist of event planning dos and don’ts.

From engaging your customers with a night or day out they will never forget to positioning yourself as a leader in your industry, a well-planned event can deliver results when it comes to sales, marketing, employee engagement and brand building.

Has social media killed the political photocall?

graeme.cleland@bigpartnership.co.uk (Graeme Cleland) — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 08:24:40 GMT

BIG Account Director Graeme Cleland calls on political PRs to pension off the pre-planned photocall.

In a bygone era, hitting the campaign trail during elections used to be all about being seen shaking hands with ‘the public’ and kissing babies to make a nice image for the next day’s newspapers.

Brandspiration – lessons from Cannes Lions 2015

katie.lyle@bigpartnership.co.uk (Katie Lyle ) — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 08:11:54 GMT

BIG Account Director, Katie Lyle, takes a look at some of the award winning campaigns from this year's Cannes Lions festival...

Last week the bold and the beautiful of the creative world descended on Cannes for the week-long Cannes Lions festival. It’s the world’s largest creative communications industry awards, and this year celebrated the new style of ‘brandspiration’, which has been emerging in recent times.

Exploring the blogosphere: a guide for brands

jennifer.degnan@bigpartnership.co.uk (Jennifer Degnan) — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 08:41:49 GMT

Senior Account Executive, Jennifer Degnan, takes a look at the importance of engaging with bloggers…

From shark-hunting to iTunes and chocolate to cheering, nowadays you can find a blog on almost anything...and countless companies have a blog.

Three steps to effective stakeholder communications

alan.gorham@bigpartnership.co.uk (Alan Gorham) — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 14:31:49 GMT

Building something? The kind of thing that’ll have the neighbours up in arms? Or cheering from the rooftops? Either way, you need to listen to the Joneses, writes BIG account director Alan Gorham.

Decades of bad press about ‘cowboy builders’ has coloured the opinions of many when it comes to trusting the people who build our homes, offices, and leisure venues. This is bad for business, and entirely unnecessary.

#BestGamesEver?

charlene.sweeney@bigpartnership.co.uk (Charlene Sweeney) — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 10:46:07 GMT

A year on from the Commonwealth Games, BIG Account Director Charlene Sweeney examines the legacy for business.

It’s hard to believe amid the current weather conditions, but a year ago Scotland was basking in temperatures higher than mainland Europe, and Glasgow was on the world stage as the 2014 Commonwealth Games got underway.

Why we love infographics

isla.hopkins@bigpartnership.co.uk (Isla Hopkins ) — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 10:01:05 GMT

In the first of a two-part blog series, BIG designer Isla Hopkins discusses why infographics should be a crucial part of your brand or business.

Human beings are a visual species. We absorb visual information faster and more easily than any other form of communication, which makes visual content in marketing smart business. With the rise in popularity of sites such as Instagram and Pinterest, data visualisation can make a huge impact, blasting key information and stats to an audience in a fun, creative and engaging way.

Tips for creating an effective infographic

isla.hopkins@bigpartnership.co.uk (Isla Hopkins ) — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 10:03:43 GMT

Welcome to the final instalment of our two-part infographic blog series. BIG designer Isla Hopkins wraps up her lesson on all things infographic with some tips on how to make yours stand out. If you missed last week's post, you can view it here.

Our brains love visual information. In fact, 90% of the information we remember is based on visual impact. We are drawn to read something that is aesthetically pleasing, infographic is a great way to instantly engage your audience and share ideas and knowledge easily.

A partridge amongst the pigeons: how Chris Eubank helped Hostelworld stand out

patrick.baxter@bigpartnership.co.uk (Patrick Baxter) — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:17:00 GMT

BIG senior account executive Patrick Baxter looks at some of the lessons businesses can learn from one of this year's strangest news stories...

It’s the cult news story of the year so far: Chris Eubank doesn’t understand the link between him and youth hostels.

TripAdvisor - how to avoid criticism

katie.burnett@bigpartnership.co.uk (Katie Burnett ) — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 13:57:07 GMT

BIG senior account manager Katie Burnett talks about the dos and don'ts for brands and businesses on TripAdvisor.

OK, so the headline was linkbait…because avoiding criticism is just not possible. As a clever old Greek man once said ‘The only way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, do nothing and be nothing’.

A night to remember: six reasons for hiring an events team

megan.mcintosh@bigpartnership.co.uk (Megan McIntosh ) — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 12:13:18 GMT

BIG events coordinator Megan McIntosh discusses why you should hire an events team instead of going it alone.

With dinner party and awards season almost upon us, there’s bound to be a few shindigs in your diary. You might even be thinking of planning your own event. Whatever the occasion, hiring an events professional can take a huge weight off your shoulders and allow you to simply enjoy it.

Music lessons

allan.buchan@bigpartnership.co.uk (Allan Buchan ) — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 12:07:56 GMT

BIG Senior Account Director Allan Buchan asks if we can learn any lessons about marketing communications from how we purchase music.

Pop quiz: “What’s your main way of buying music?”

LinkedIn - Is it just Facebook with a tie on?

lucia.fella@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lucia Fella) — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 13:35:26 GMT

Digital Account Manager, Lucia Fella, gives us an insight into how LinkedIn can help your career, regardless of your industry.

Somebody recently said to me that they thought LinkedIn was “Facebook for people in suits and ties”. I had to respond to that, while there are a lot of profile pictures with men in formalwear, LinkedIn does offer more than just the opportunity to share a professional picture. Here’s why...

Donoghue boosts BIG’s growth plans

lauren.gaston@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lauren Gaston ) — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 08:06:53 GMT

Scotland’s largest PR and digital marketing agency, The BIG Partnership, has continued its recruitment drive with the appointment of marketing industry stalwart Mike Donoghue as business development director.

BIG at #DigitalDay2015

allan.barr@bigpartnership.co.uk (Allan Barr) — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 14:49:40 GMT

Last year was the inaugural Marketing Society Scotland’s Digital Day – a half day session held in Skyscanner’s offices in Edinburgh. Such was the popularity of the event, #DigitalDay2015 was transformed into a full day programme, with breakout sessions and some of the top players in the industry coming along to impart their knowledge to the audience of Scottish marketeers.

Volkswagen Scandal: It’s the customers that count

alex.barr@bigpartnership.co.uk (Alex Barr) — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 08:49:22 GMT

In the wake of 1.2 million UK Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda customers receiving a letter this week confirming their cars have been affected by the emissions test rigging scandal, BIG founding director Alex Barr looks at the importance of communicating properly with your customers during a crisis.

Don't get lost in the Black Friday crush

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 11:07:14 GMT

Guest blog by Darren Jackson, Retail Solutions Director APS Group.

Black Friday has become one of the most important days in the shopping calendar for retailers, all looking to grab a slice of the £1bn worth of sales estimated to be made on this previously unknown date. Here, guest blogger Darren Jackson from retail sales engagement specialists APS Group shares his tips on how brands can make the most of it, whilst protecting their reputations.

The BIG Partnership increases intern pay to voluntary living wage

lauren.gaston@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lauren Gaston ) — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 11:33:33 GMT

Call for communications industry to eradicate unpaid internships.

The BIG Partnership has announced all interns will now be paid the voluntary living wage of £8.25 per hour.

Tell it like it is: the basic principles of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

iain.muirhead@bigpartnership.co.uk (Iain Muirhead) — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 13:47:36 GMT

Online storytelling is a changing game, writes BIG Senior Account Manager Iain Muirhead. Here’s how to check if your website copy is as sharp as it should be.

How do you tell your story?

If you have a product to sell, a cause to champion or news to share, you’ll almost always need to find the right words. The trouble is, the right words aren’t what they used to be.

The golden years of PR are just ahead

edward.casson@bigpartnership.co.uk (Ed Casson) — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 15:19:52 GMT

Ed Casson, senior account manager in BIG's Liverpool office, talks about how a recent CIPR event reassured him about the future of PR.

I’ve always been a fan of the humble newspaper – they fold up nicely, aren’t small enough to lose, don’t run out of battery and have helped to pass the time on many a dull train journey.

PR predictions for 2016

bryan.garvie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Bryan Garvie) — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 16:36:31 GMT

BIG Director, Bryan Garvie, highlights his three key predictions for PR in 2016.

Since we’re now knocking on for mid-January, many New Year resolutions will have given way to the pre-Christmas status quo and an inability to walk past a Snickers. I’ve already stopped pretending to want to get back into running.

Making a Murderer: the rise of the virtual jury

jodieleresche@bigpartnership.co.uk (Jodie Le Resche) — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 14:22:18 GMT

BIG senior account executive, Jodie Le Resche, discusses how Netflix hit TV programme, Making a Murderer, has formed a virtual jury.

If, like me, you are one of the many thousands (if not millions) of people who have been glued to their TV screens watching the Netflix hit, Making a Murderer, it will come as no surprise that this 10-part docu-series has become something of a talking point.

Hoover up the market: don’t let a lack of brand identity leave a vacuum in your business

iain.muirhead@bigpartnership.co.uk (Iain Muirhead) — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:32:42 GMT

BIG senior account manager, Iain Muirhead, tells us why it's more important than ever to build an engaging brand identity.

Ever ridden a jet ski in a onesie, filled a jacuzzi with bubble wrap or used velcro as a chapstick?

So no one told you Friends was gonna be that great... (aye right)

duncan.fisher@bigpartnership.co.uk (Duncan Fisher) — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 14:21:10 GMT

BIG senior account manager, Duncan Fisher, highlights the importance of delivering marketing campaigns with conviction…

OH. MY. GAWD.

Did you see it? The most anticipated television moment in the past decade? You must have. But for those who didn’t…

It’s time to “get a kilt and cut aboot!”

lauren.gaston@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lauren Gaston ) — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 11:46:29 GMT

Today BIG launched the Kiltwalk’s video campaign, featuring this hilarious video from one of the UK's finest stand-ups, Kevin Bridges.

7000 hours in just over a minute: how a time-lapse video helped Loganair unveil first aircraft upgrade in renewal programme

lauren.gaston@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lauren Gaston ) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 09:26:47 GMT

This week, our client Loganair revealed the first of 13 Saab 340 aircraft to be transformed through the airline’s £3.5 million investment programme.

Five “guaranteed” ways to make your social media posts go viral

lucia.fella@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lucia Fella) — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 14:11:28 GMT

BIG digital account manager, Lucia Fella, highlights five things you should be doing to engage more people on social media.

Okay, so the title is a bit tongue in cheek but now I’ve got your attention, let’s begin.

How we helped charity client say 'neigh' to cancer...

lauren.gaston@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lauren Gaston ) — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 10:23:51 GMT

Ahead of next month’s Grand National event, Aintree racecourse was inundated with hundreds of equine racers – but these fine steeple jumpers were of the two-legged, rather than four-legged, variety.

BIG shines light on subsea company

lauren.gaston@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lauren Gaston ) — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 14:56:22 GMT

We may be the largest PR and digital marketing agency in the UK outside of London, but this year’s Subsea Expo in Aberdeen demonstrated that we can help clients reach far beyond Blighty’s shores.

Empty shop is full of opportunity for Glasgow charity

lauren.gaston@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lauren Gaston ) — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 10:15:17 GMT

In aid of this year’s #passitonweek, BIG helped Glasgow’s top shopping destination, the St. Enoch Centre, boost awareness of its Empty Shop – an initiative led by Zero Waste Scotland.

UFC packs a punch on social media

Lindsay.ackers@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lindsay Ackers) — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 08:06:13 GMT

BIG senior account executive, Lindsay Ackers, explains how social media engagement by fans and fighters has propelled the Ultimate Fighting Championship to global fame.

UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) started in 1993 as a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) organisations. In those 20 years the sport, which is headed up by businessman Dana White, has propelled itself to the 13^t^h most popular sport in the world and the 8^th best spectator sport (according to sport news company Total Sportek and analysts Biggest Global Sports).

Big to power Glasgow Science Centre's public relations

sophie.mead@bigpartnership.co.uk (Sophie Mead ) — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 13:03:33 GMT

Glasgow Science Centre, one of the UK’s foremost scientific institutions and visitor attractions, has chosen BIG to assist its communications efforts for the coming year.

Glasgow rugby players kilt up for Hearts and Balls

sophie.mead@bigpartnership.co.uk (Sophie Mead ) — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 10:23:28 GMT

Ahead of the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk on Sunday, BIG brought the Glasgow rugby community together to encourage fans to don their tartan. It was all to support Hearts & Balls, a rugby charity which supports players who suffer life changing injuries.

Is the death bell tolling for AVE?

laura.berry@bigpartnership.co.uk (Laura Berry) — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 15:06:13 GMT

BIG senior account manager, Laura Berry, discusses the declining value of AVE and explains which evaluation measures are key.

A.V. E. Three little letters that make PR professionals shudder the whole world over.

Despite the fact that leading industry bodies have had the death bells tolling for AVE as a valued form of PR measurement for some time now, the pesky little acronym (short for advertising value equivalent) is still clinging on.

When a celebrity dies, sharing isn’t always caring

gregor.hollerin@bigpartnership.co.uk (Gregor Hollerin) — Mon, 02 May 2016 12:39:41 GMT

BIG senior account manager, Gregor Hollerin, talks about the dangerous territory of celebrity deaths for brands on social media.

There are an unprecedented amount of celebrities dying. Whether that’s actually true, or it’s because there are now more celebrities than ever before, would require analysis from somebody a lot more left-brained than I.

Kids give new rugby skills a try at St. Enoch Centre

sophie.mead@bigpartnership.co.uk (Sophie Mead ) — Wed, 04 May 2016 13:53:12 GMT

After a gruelling match against Italian outfit Zebre on Friday night, Glasgow Warriors spent Bank Holiday Monday at St. Enoch Centre demonstrating their rugby skills to local kids and encouraging more of them to get involved in the sport.

The age of screenshotting: one wedding planner feels the wrath of social media.

caitlin.boag@bigpartnership.co.uk (Caitlin Boag) — Thu, 19 May 2016 13:59:28 GMT

BIG account executive, Caitlin Boag, discusses the lasting damage that can be done to business following outbursts on social media.

You may be aware of a recent almighty social media meltdown at the hands of a wedding planner at Balgonie Castle, Fife, which resulted in a series of unfortunate (online and offline) events.

BIG is buzzin' with Manchester office launch

Thu, 26 May 2016 12:46:00 GMT

BIG has made further in-roads in the North West with the launch of a new Manchester office and the appointment of two senior staff.

BIG wins £350,000 of new business despite downturn in Aberdeen

lauren.gaston@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lauren Gaston ) — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 13:05:00 GMT

BIG's Aberdeen office has secured new client wins worth over £350,000 in a strong first half to the year, despite challenges in the regional economy.

Award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar gets BIG website makeover

lauren.gaston@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lauren Gaston ) — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 12:34:00 GMT

Foodies and fans of the multi award-winning and globally-renowned Anstruther Fish Bar and Restaurant can now enjoy a visual treat in the shape of its new website, after hiring BIG to completely transform it.

Confessions of an online shopper

alice.ritchie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Alice Ritchie) — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 14:11:46 GMT

BIG senior digital marketing manager, Alice Ritchie, shines a light on the dynamic and addictive world of online shopping.

It’s Monday morning and I’m rather excited.

Why? Well, I’m actually on the edge of my seat because my delivery driver, Brian, is arriving at the office between 11:37 and 12:37 with the dress, boots, statement necklace and questionable slogan tee I ordered last night in bed.

Gotta catch em’ all: how small businesses can capitalise on Pokémon Go

jennifer.degnan@bigpartnership.co.uk (Jennifer Degnan) — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 13:45:16 GMT

BIG Senior Account Executive, Jen Degnan, discusses how the game that has taken the world by storm could mean big benefits for small businesses.

“I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was”…whether you’ve been reciting this privately in your head or singing it fearlessly in public, you have probably caught on to the latest app taking the smartphone world by storm – Pokémon Go.

BIG signs up to the Scottish Business Pledge

lauren.gaston@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lauren Gaston ) — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 14:23:44 GMT

Today BIG announced that it has signed the Scottish Business Pledge, the Scottish Government’s new voluntary code for companies.

Taylor-made censorship - Does Instagram’s new tool jeopardise freedom of speech?

lucia.fella@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lucia Fella) — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 09:59:46 GMT

BIG senior social media manager, Lucia Fella, discusses the latest move by Instagram allowing Taylor Swift to hide negative comments and what this might mean for conversation on social media.

Unlike many around the globe, I have never watched an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Euros 2016: a digital debrief

rochelle.adie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Rochelle Adie) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 08:25:27 GMT

BIG Senior Digital Marketing Executive, Rochelle Adie, analyses how the digital landscape was used throughout the Euro 2016 tournament and which brands made a big impact without seeking major sponsorship deals.

The harsh reality about the Euros is that many countries will not remember it fondly, other than the winners Portugal, and perhaps underdogs Wales and Iceland (and this isn’t just the opinion of a girl).

Athletes: how much do they really help brand sponsors flex their muscles?

michael.scobbie@bigpartnership.co.uk (Michael Scobbie ) — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 10:20:43 GMT

BIG senior account executive, Michael Scobbie, dicusses what brands should consider before asking athletes to sign on the dotted line of a sponsorship deal.

With Wimbledon and Euro 2016 just gone and the Olympics underway, the world’s elite athletes are front and centre. Though if you’re a corporate sponsor of an athlete in Rio, you’re well-advised to keep schtum until the Games are done.

BIG announces Malcolm McPherson as non-exec chair

Wed, 10 Aug 2016 13:38:55 GMT

BIG has appointed leading lawyer and businessman, Malcolm McPherson, to join its board as non-executive chair.

Kanye West - coming soon to an IKEA near you?

emma.glacken@bigpartnership.co.uk (Emma Glacken ) — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 14:56:23 GMT

BIG account manager, Emma Glacken, touches on Kanye West's latest bid to collaborate with IKEA and discusses how, when chosen wisely, collaboration can make for successful campaigns.

Poor Kanye West has needed a break from all the Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift Snapchat drama of late. So, he did what every normal person does when life gets too much and took a trip to IKEA.

Why we shouldn’t mourn the death of organic reach on Facebook

lucia.fella@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lucia Fella) — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 17:16:49 GMT

BIG senior social media manager, Lucia Fella, explains how brands can use Facebook to target specific demographics as organic reach declines.

It’s no secret that it’s increasingly difficult for brands to get organic reach on Facebook, due to algorithm changes that took effect at the end of 2014. With Facebook’s latest announcement, content from friends and family will be prioritised in the News Feed, meaning that brand pages will fall even further down the pecking order.

Jings, crivvens! BIG opens fifth Scottish office in Dundee

sophie.mead@bigpartnership.co.uk (Sophie Mead ) — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 16:14:00 GMT

This month BIG continued its expansion across the UK with the opening of an office in Dundee - its fifth in Scotland and seventh in the UK.

BIG’s breakfast with Press Association Scotland’s political editor

jamie.barclay@bigpartnership.co.uk (Jamie Barclay) — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 14:12:32 GMT

In the wake of the US election outcome, it proved an opportune time for BIG to welcome the Press Association Scotland’s political editor, Katrine Bussey, as the guest speaker at our latest media breakfast briefing.

Remote Year - Part 1 - Malaysia

kirsty.kirkhope@bigpartnership.co.uk (Kirsty Kirkhope) — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 14:32:48 GMT

Digital Account Manager, Kirsty Kirkhope, reflects on her first stop in Malaysia on her year abroad remote working...

For those of you who didn’t get the memo in September I packed up all my pens, notepad, laptop, general gubbins and moved to Kuala Lumpur under a programme called Remote Year. Remote year essentially allows carefully selected applicants to travel the world, share knowledge, meet like minded professionals and, most importantly, continue to work for their current employer in 12 different locations across the world.

Remote Year - Part 2 - Thailand

kirsty.kirkhope@bigpartnership.co.uk (Kirsty Kirkhope) — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 09:51:23 GMT

Digital Account Manager, Kirsty Kirkhope gives us an insight into the second placement of her Remote Year - Thailand.

As part of my Remote Year programme, where I am fortunate enough to be traveling with digital marketing professionals to gain insight into different B2B marketing techniques around the world, I’ve just spent a month in Thailand.

Remote Year - Part 3 - Cambodia

kirsty.kirkhope@bigpartnership.co.uk (Kirsty Kirkhope) — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 08:51:32 GMT

Digital Account Manager, Kirsty Kirkhope says you can dream BIG in Cambodia in the third installment of her Remote Year blogs...

Three months into my remote year and feeling suitably cultured in Cambodia after visiting more temples than I ever thought possible. In the capital, Phnom Pehn, I can’t help but feel incredibly inspired by the drive of the Cambodian people, who are deservedly seeking some respite from the country’s recent suffering. This comes in many forms but most relevant to this blog is the country’s development in technology, particularly internet and mobile usage.

The role of real communication in tech, automation and Artificial Intelligence.

jamie.barclay@bigpartnership.co.uk (Jamie Barclay) — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 10:00:16 GMT

BIG Account Manager, Jamie Barclay, discusses what he learned from the recent ScotlandIS Tech Trends event, and how the role of communication is key in technology, automation and Artificial Intelligence.

Media demand for insight into robotics, digitalisation, med-tech, galactic flights, and numerous other areas in the field of technology has increased considerably over the last year. And no wonder, a lot is happening.

Big in £600,000 new business boost

lauren.gaston@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lauren Gaston ) — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 17:08:16 GMT

Big Partnership is celebrating a raft of new business worth more than £600,000.

Big Partnership Sports Team Adds Herald Journalist

lucia.fella@bigpartnership.co.uk (Lucia Fella) — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 16:43:13 GMT

Big Partnership has boosted its sports expertise with the recruitment of Herald journalist Graeme Macpherson.