LATEST NEWS
Preparing for Fashion Match 2012
MHW is delighted to be working with Fashion Match for its glitzy 2012 event - this time to be held in May at Newcastle's St James' Park.
Sports stars, pop stars and some of the North's top chefs came out in force for the inaugural event in October 2011 to support this charity event, which raised more than £100,000 for four charities.
MHW helped promote and secure widespread regional and national media coverage for Fashion Match, possibly the largest charity event of its kind in the region, which took place at Newcastle Falcons ground.
Players from Newcastle United and the Falcons paraded down a spectacular catwalk runway, showcasing the autumn/winter collection of international designer brands from luxury fashion retailer Cruise.
X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke provided entertainment for the night while top chefs Terry Laybourne, Kenny Atkinson, David Kennedy and John Williams of The Ritz London created knock-out food for the event.
In 2011 Fashion Match raised funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care, the Adopt a School project, Newcastle United Foundation and Children North East.
MHW becomes EEIF affiliate
MHW has become an affiliate member of the Energy and Environmental Industries Forum (EEIF).
The EEIF is a new network aimed at helping businesses, organisations and agencies in the energy and environmental industries to meet, connect, trade and grow. It is a networking organisation created exclusively for businesses operating in the low carbon environmental goods and services (LCEGS) sector in North East England.
It provides a wide range of member services to encourage connections, knowledge-sharing, opportunities and growth across the industry.
Wayne Halton, director at MHW, said: "We are delighted to be involved with this exciting new organisation. We already have strong credentials within the sector and look forward to helping other member companies with any PR and communication requirements."
MHW is among a small group of affiliate partners, through which corporate, educational, community and public sector members can access a range of business products and services at a preferential rate.
Other affiliate partners include accountants Kinsey Jones, commercial law firm Muckle LLP, RMT accountants and Rutherford Wilkinson, independent financial advisers.
Gene breakthrough for cancer tests
MHW recently helped launch a new genetics test for hereditary breast cancer - developed by NewGene, a specialist molecular disagnostic company based in Newcastle upon Tyne.
NewGene, jointly owned by Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University, has developed advanced gene sequencing methods that not only reduce the time that women have to wait for their results but also cut the costs associated with carrying out the test.
MHW was appointed to devise and implement an international media relations campaign for the launch of the new test, early in 2011. This involved targeting health professionals and cancer specialists as well as raising awareness in the UK among the general public.
A phased PR programme resulted in the generation of widespread, positive coverage of the scientific breakthrough both online and via traditional media. TV, radio and national newspapers including the Daily Mail all picked up on the story. Importantly there was extensive coverage in the specialist media serving the health, oncology, genetics and medical science sectors.
The campaign attracted direct sales enquiries and interest in NewGene's laboratory testing services from UK healthcare trusts and medical organisations from further afield.
MHW is now developing further campaigns to promote other NerwGene services to specialist markets.
Trade and technical wins
MHW's reputation as a leading business-to-business and technical PR firm has been reaffirmed following the appointment by two UK market leaders.
Apex Wiring Solutions, which has overseas offices in the Middle East and is expanding into the Far East and Australia, has appointed MHW to support its position at the forefront of the international modular wiring systems market. The consultancy will promote the time and cost savings benefits of its technology to electrical contractors, specifiers and end users.
MHW will also be providing PR and marketing support to Apex for the launch of its new range of industrial connectors, which are being introduced later in 2011 to the UK sector.
SMH Products Ltd, the UK's leading manufacturer of asbestos handling equipment, has also brought in MHW to raise awareness of its new technology designed to improve the handling of hazardous industrial materials.
From its head office operations in North East England, the company runs a network of eight branches across the country providing asbestos handling equipment for major operators in the oil and gas, petrochemical and industrial sectors.
Both accounts will see MHW working closely with the UK's specialist trade media along with online news channels to gain exposure for their products and highlight the work they are doing for customers.
Professional firms sign-up MHW
Two high profile professional service sector firms in the North East have turned to MHW for support - for quite different services.
The Newcastle PR consultancy has been appointed by expanding regional solicitors practice Gordon Brown Law Firm LLP to help reposition the firm and promote its two core services of commercial and private client work.
The main focus will be raising awareness of the brand and corporate reputaion through an extensive regional and specialist media relations campaign.
In addition, MHW will be working with a design partner to create and promote a new brand identity; this will include developing new marketing collateral along with a new website.
Wendy Peffers, marketing manager from the law firm, said: "MHW is a perfect fit for Gordon Brown. We were impressed by their strong corporate and professional service credentials along with the multiple services they could offer. We have definitely made the right choice."
MHW has also been appointed to provide tailored consultancy services to the Newcastle office of investment management firm Brewin Dolphin.
Fiona Norbury, head of regional training and competence for Brewin Dolphin, said: "It has been a great opportunity for some of our key staff to gain some real 'hands on' training at MHW. We are pleased to be working alongside a local company with a great reputation that can provide us with such a comprehensive programme."
Partnership with Live Theatre
MHW has linked up with nationally recognised Live Theatre under its corporate partner's scheme.
The deal is mutually beneficial, providing some valuable private sector cash and support for the Newcastle theatre while giving MHW a unique platform to entertain clients and play an active role in the regional cultural scene.
Live Theatre, established in 1973, is different to many other theatres in the region and UK, not simply for its challenging productions and education work but for its writing and development of new talent.
Live is recognised as one of the country's leading new writing theatres and has gained a strong reputation for the way it finds, nurtures and develops regional talent.
MHW already has strong links in arts and culture; for the last three years the agency has helped promote the NewcastleGateshead Art Fair; has undertaken pro-bono work for the Holy Biscuit; and has undertaken PR for The Balman Gallery and previously The Biscuit Factory.
MHW launches world technology first
A North East engineering design specialist has pioneered new technology for the grinding of bulk raw materials into fine powders, which will bring significant recycling and production benefits to a range of global industries.
International Innovative Technology (IIT) has appointed MHW to launch and promote its new milling technology to UK and overseas markets.
MHW project managed a successful launch event at the firm's Gateshead head office where national and overseas suppliers, partners and sales prospects were shown the technology first hand.
The new technology is expected to be used by grinding mill operators worldwide as well as other minerals' processors, cvonstruction and waste recycling operators because it can be used to grind down traditionally hard materials much more efficiently.
MHW, chosen for the task because of its extensive trade and technical credentials, has developed a PR and outline marketing campaign to build brand awareness and help drive IIT's sales effort domestically and overseas.
New look for top NE property agent
Leading North East independent chartered surveyor and property agent Bradley Hall has appointed MHW to help promote its regional expansion and develop a new corporate identity.
Bradley Hall - with operations in Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland - is opening new offices, developing its commercial and residential markets and creating further jobs.
MHW, working with creative specialists Some People Design, helped establish a modern, bright new corporate identity to reflect the firm's ambitions. Some People changed the identity from its traditional red, blue and white colours to a more forward looking design.
MHW has been involved in the successful promotion of the relocation of the two Durham sites into a single unit in the city's New Elvet area. The planned opening of a new office in Grey Street in the heart of Newcastle's financial and professional district will also be supported with PR.
Neil Hart, director of Bradley Hall, said: "We engaged MHW to help with PR as we embarked on our expansion. The service has been professional and impressive. Our account is handled at director level and this is refreshing compared to previous PR firms we have used. Our profile in the area has undoubtedly increased in the North East."
As well as media relations and events, MHW is also producing a new customer newsletter for the firm.
Website brush-up for UK paint company
A company which specialises in painting iconic bridges and some of the largest warships ever built has turned to MHW to brush up its online marketing activity.
Gateshead-based industrial services specialist Pyeroy, which is currently painting the Forth Rail Bridge - the ultimate paint job - and the Royal Navy’s new generation of aircraft carriers among many other projects - briefed MHW to develop and manage a new website following a review of its online services.
The work involved redesigning the website to reflect Pyeroy’s new corporate image and included the addition of new sections to improve the quality of information provided to customers. The site will be updated regularly with project news and company developments – as well as latest vacancies.
The website development complements MHW’s ongoing PR and marketing support services provided to Pyeroy and also reflects the increasing amount of digital marketing MHW is undertaking for clients.
Best ingredients for restaurant celebration
One of Tyneside's most popular restaurants, an institution among corporate and private diners, chose MHW to help promote its 20th anniversary.
Vujon, which has served high quality, award-winning Indian cuisine from plush premises on Newcastle's Quayside since 1990 wanted to maximise the anniversary, which coincided with a big investment in the restaurant, the appointment of its first executive chef and the launch of a new-look menu.
MHW organised a successful celebratory event and undertook a burst of regional media activity comprising food reviews, promotions and news articles.
PR director Wayne Halton and colleague Lauren Robinson were also tasked with improving online visibility and rankings on restaurant review sites.
Elsewhere, links and partnerships were established with business network organisations to start spreading the word and reputation of Vujon among a key audience.
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Furniture retailer appoints MHW
Sofaitalia.co.uk, initially established as a web-based business from headquarters in County Durham three years ago, recently opened the first of a planned network of 15 or more furniture stores across the country within the next five years.
MHW's early task is to promote the first store on Portrack Lane, Stockton while continuing to push the online business.
Leading the account is MHW director Wayne Halton supported by executive colleague Lauren Robinson. They have developed an integrated promotions campaign which includes media relations, competitions, and retail partnerships along with in-store promotions and limited advertising.
Sofaitalia.co.uk is a mid to top-end specialist Italian leather sofa retailer offering a unique and exclusive range of stylish designs not available elsewhere. The ambitious company hopes to open another couple of sites within the next six months.
Apprentice company gets ministerial launch
Ministerial backing was one of the key ingredients behind MHW’s successful launch of a new apprenticeship company which made the front pages of the region’s business press and featured on TV and radio news.
MHW was appointed to manage media relations for the North East Apprenticeship Company (NEAC), which was launched February 2010 in Gateshead by Iain Wright MP, Minister for 14‐19 Reform and Apprenticeships at event attended by business leaders, trade unions and training providers.
NEAC will make it easier for businesses to employ apprentices while boosting the number of young people taking up apprenticeships in the region.
In addition to TV and radio coverage, the MHW team, led by account director Andy Bruce, ensured news of the launch was read by people in the region’s influential newspapers including The Journal, Chronicle, Evening Gazette and Sunderland Echo.
Kim Davies, NEAC project director, said: “MHW not only delivered what was promised but exceeded expectations. We were extremely pleased with the extent and quality of the media coverage, which helped cement the success of the launch and raise our awareness.”
Driving Sevcon along road to success
MHW is gearing up to put an international electrical vehicle component manfufacturer in the fast lane to success.
The multi-service agency has been appointed to raise awareness of Sevcon and its products nationally and internationally.
US-based Sevcon, which has its UK headquarters on Gateshead's Team Valley, is one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of micro processor based controls for zero emission electrical vehicles.
The MHW team will be led by director Ian Watson with day-to-day support from account director David Swinburne. Work will include a national and international media relations campaign along with a rebranding exercise and the production of new marketing materials.
MHW is the smart choice
MHW has won a competitive pitch to handle PR for Smarter Choices, a sustainable transport initiative that aims to reduce congestion and carbon emissions in Tyne and Wear.
Smarter Choices, funded by Nexus and the five local authorities of Tyne and Wear, will work with MHW to promote sustainable modes of transport in the area and encourage people to use the car less and make fewer journeys by considering other alternatives like public transport, cycling and walking.
Promoting affordable art
For the second year running MHW successfully promoted and helped to organise the NewcastleGateshead Art Fair, held at the iconic Sage building, on October 1-4.
Working closely with events management company Benchmark Communications, MHW helped design the marketing plan which comprised press, online, radio and some outdoor advertising along with a national specialist and regional media relations campaign.