Water UK.
– Water UK – the industry body for embattled English Water Companies, has launched a PR counter-offensive today after reports that it had overseen over 300k sewage spills in ’22 while making eye-watering profits. This slick exercise in corporate crisis response has successfully established the Water Companies’ narrative on prominent media platforms but also highlights […]
In times of crisis and catastrophe, I’ve witnessed the importance of facing reality head-on
It’s akin to standing on the edge of a cliff, unaware of the impending storm. The looming disaster patiently waits, ready to strike, while those in power remain lost in denial. But embracing the truth, no matter how difficult it may be, is the crucial first step towards averting catastrophe. It grants us the strength […]
Speed kills
An aphorism ingrained in our minds. This week, the news agenda gained momentum through tabloid media narratives, fueling debates on Twitter. From the Holly and Phil estrangement to the King receiving honey from David Beckham, the cacophony of chatter drowned out something profound: ideas and insight.Each incident triggered angst, echoing the diverse passions of the […]
As we approach the coronation, the communications challenges facing Charles III are becoming more apparent.
Today’s reporting on YouGov’s most recent poll shows a slight but definite slide in monarchism and a rise in republicanism and apathy in the UK.Tracked against a similar poll from September 2022, overall support for the monarchy has fallen by 9%, while support for an elected head of state has risen by 6%.These figures aren’t […]
Mark’s Words on Linkedin – Mary Quant
As a fashion designer in the 1960s, Mary Quant was a true trailblazer who introduced new styles and designs and revolutionised how fashion was marketed and branded. Here are some examples of how Quant pioneered a modern, youthful approach to PR, marketing and branding:Making fashion accessible to young women: Quant created designs that were affordable […]
My thoughts in the Telegraph on the passing of Len Goodman. The last great showman: Why Len Goodman’s passing marks the end of an era.
“This old guard didn’t become famous overnight thanks to a TikTok, a reality show or a sex tape,” says branding and PR expert Mark Borkowski. “They rose through the ranks because they were bloody good at what they did and they were grateful and gracious when they found success because it didn’t come overnight. They […]
Mark’s words on LinkedIn – Labour party ad
“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”As we slide inexorably from the everyday chaos of political peacetime into the unbridled melee of a British general election campaign, Kier Starmer and the Labour leadership would be wise to take heed of the adage.Labour’s election strategy of courting voters outside its progressive metropolitan […]
Mark’s words on LinkedIn – Donald Trump’s arrest in NY
The ex-POTUS understood how to manipulate chaos to build his cult. Donald Trump’s strategy during his term in the White House was to sew tribal division, piggyback on conspiracy theories and paint himself and his supporters as victims of injustice to such an extent that his base became radicalised. As he was turfed out of office, […]
Mark’s words on LinkedIn – Succession
NOW TV has made an earnest effort to imbue UK publicity for acclaimed corporate tragicomedy #Succession with the show’s spirit.After manifesting a real-life sequel to a character’s dalliance with Scottish football, Succession’s final series was introduced with a fittingly over-the-top junket starring Brian Cox at the London Stock Exchange.It was a nice vanilla photo opportunity, Cox is […]
Mark’s words on LinkedIn – Gary Lineker “1930s Germany” scandal’s reputation fallout
The Guardian asked me to comment on the Gary Lineker “1930s Germany” scandal’s reputation fallout. Here are some less truncated thoughts: Gary Lineker is on safe ground; it’s been a generation since he retired from playing football. He still comfortably represents the most formidable blend of (men’s) footballing pedigree with televisual competence and charisma in […]
Mark’s words on LinkedIn – Police handling of Nicola Bulley case
Nicola Bulley’s family are enduring an unimaginable tragedy and deserve better than the treatment they have endured at the hands of the police and the media. Those responsible for the police’s communications must take their share of responsibility.Even considering limitations on what they can share with the public, the police seem to break another cardinal […]
Mark’s words on LinkedIn – Prince Harry’s documentary and upcoming release of ‘Spare’
As the dust settled around Harry and Megan’s Netflix documentary there was a feeling of stalemate; those who thought them attention-seeking Hollywood wannabe egomaniacs found enough dirt to entrench that point of view, and those who thought them innocent victims of outdated, prejudiced hegemony felt there was enough justifiable grievance in there to vindicate that point of […]
Mark’s words on LinkedIn – Victor Lewis Smith
I am still in deep shock after issuing the news about the death of Victor Lewis Smith to the Press Association earlier today. I first met Victor in 1985. He has been a constant maverick producing iconic work as a TV producer, writer and satirist. I am still struggling to come to terms with losing […]
Mark’s words on LinkedIn – Harry and Meghan’s Netflix documentary
Not a great morning for the Royal Family and their troupe of PR wranglers. Although the Netflix #MeghanandHarry documentary redefines hagiography, this self absorbed reality confessional is straight out of the Kris Jenner play book. The tragic couple seems to be consumed by their own hubris. Nevertheless it will be a hit in US – certainly thrusts a […]
Mark’s words on LinkedIn – Annie Liebovitz’s photo of Ronaldo and Messi for Louis Vuitton
There’s a fascinating discussion around Annie Liebovitz’s photo of Ronaldo and Messi for Louis Vuitton. The symbolism of the image is brilliant; a chess match between football’s two grandmasters atop a trophy case containing the world cup. Ronaldo, the personification of a self-assured, single-minded purpose; Messi, studious and analytical, weighing up all the options. The chess board […]
Mark’s words on LinkedIn – Government messaging on austerity
In some ways the return to austerity is being messaged cleverly. The level of cost-cutting being trailed will have a human toll and a political cost, earning the ire of both the anti-tax right and the anti-cuts left. However, not so long ago Cameron and Osborne won a majority from a similar platform, and this […]
Mark’s words on LinkedIn – the world cup in Qatar
The world cup in Qatar is quickly turning into the #pr equivalent of Pandora’s Box.Hosting such a major event is a significant soft power exercise itself, but one that totally backfired for Qatar. From allegations, including by the US DoJ, of ‘buying’ votes during the tender to host the tournament – a subsect of a wider corruption […]
Mark’s words on LinkedIn – 2022 Arts Funding Massacre
Sending solidarity and sympathy to anyone who has fallen foul of the 2022 Arts Funding Massacre. But there’s a lesson and a warning here too. We’ve had a government that has been nakedly hostile to the Arts in most of its guises throughout twelve years in power. During that time, the industry has had ample […]
Mark’s words on LinkedIn – Matt Hancock entering ‘I’m a Celebrity…’ 2022
If Boris Johnson leaves a legacy on British politics, it will be his decimation of the notion that senior public servants must be serious people.Matt Hancock going on ‘I’m a Celebrity…’ is the perfect case study, but it’s unclear whether his motivation for entering the jungle is more about personal fame or a circuitous route […]
Why there will be no more Great Men
‘I’ve had enough’ asseverated Tory Grandee, Sir Charles Walker, seemingly close to tears. ‘I’ve had enough of talentless people’. Speaking to the BBC hours after the resignation of the Home Secretary, and hours before the resignation of the Prime Minister, his words struck a chord internationally.Even before Liz Truss slashed the record for the shortest-serving […]