Deborah Wroe It was a desperately sad day for journalism and our town, and of course the 49 staff who lost their jobs, when the news broke on 31 August that The Oldham Chronicle had gone to print for the last time that day after an incredible 163 years and was now in...
Responsible marketing in the post truth era
Breaking news – In Australia ‘Fake news’ has been selected as Macquarie Dictionary’s Word Of The Year. The Oxford English Dictionary announced ‘post truth’ as its choice in November, and the Merriam-Webster dictionary selected ‘surreal’ – both chosen due to a...
The Jack of all trades building approach to marketing
By Deborah Wroe My dream is to build my own eco house. No, you won’t see me on Grand Designs soon. 1) my design is not that grand and 2) I’m camera shy – no really I am. My job has always been to put others in the spotlight whilst I hover in the background and I’m not...
Is Puccini, pop music or peace better for spending the pounds?
By Deborah Wroe ICYMI, which means in case you missed it, (in case you missed it) an Asda store in Cheetham Hill, Manchester Fort is introducing quiet time – a disability-friendly hour for people who feel intimidated or stressed by noise and disturbance. A first for...
Secrets and lies – in defence of PR
By Deborah Wroe I was brought up not to tell lies, so much so that I even struggle with white lies, (A friend: “Does my bum look big in this?” Me: “Er, the blue is more flattering”) so how did I end up in the seedy world of secrets, lies and spin that is marketing and...
Show me the money
By Deborah Wroe This year there have been a disproportionate number of major scandals and horrific stories, some very current and some that happened a long time ago but have only just come to light. For me they have significantly raised the issue of ethics and...
Tight arse Tuesdays and other incentives
By Deborah Wroe Special offers, money off vouchers, early bird prices and happy hour are all incentives to get people to take up your services, sometimes to fill quiet periods, or to get new customers in your door. Tight arse Tuesday is an Australian phenomenon and...
A bit of a tease
By Deborah Wroe ‘Coming soon to a screen near you’…people tend to love the trailers before the main feature at the cinema. They condense a full length film into a few minutes designed to capture your imagination and hook you in enough to make you want to buy a ticket...