Mark My Words

Given the small budget relative to the extensive publicity the move has received, some have written it off as just another virtue-signalling (or vice-signalling if you disagree) stunt in the government’s ongoing struggle to address this complex issue. But its origins and implications raise some critical questions. The whole campaign comes hot on the heels […]

In the life of King Charles, a man overshadowed by his existence, the recent revelation of his battle with cancer is another step on an enigmatic journey. It also demonstrates his wish to be open in a world clamouring for authenticity. The previous monarch would not have declared a serious health issue. Stoicism and distance […]

People are asking me what possessed Rishi to announce his proposed vaping ban exclusively on LadBible. It’s such a baffling comms strategy that I can only guess. Despite serious concerns about the health hazards of children vaping, the policy itself isn’t an easy sell. Before becoming mired in culture war skirmishes, Rishi had signalled a […]

My old mucker and ex Borkowski pixie, Paul McEntee, posted something that sparked a reflection on the ever-evolving world of comms. In today’s dynamic realm of hashtag#PR and media, the magic recipe for success isn’t found in a PRCA handbook; it’s crafted with equal parts creativity, agility, and a dash of maverick spirit. While taking […]

Navigating public challenges and conflicts requires a pragmatic mindset, especially in the spotlight. I’ve witnessed the power of practical solutions and compromise in my 40-year career in the media and public relations industry.Like any of us, even those in the public eye, we sometimes find ourselves entangled in prolonged disputes. Embracing pragmatism means prioritising resolution […]

These days, it’s not uncommon for corporate entities to issue apologies and admit mistakes, but the statement from Fujitsu’s European boss, Paul Patterson, is significant. It explicitly acknowledges their involvement in errors and their impact on innocent individuals. This could be considered a notable ‘mea culpa’ in the context of corporate PR.

Accountability seems swift and relentless in the era of cancel culture, where reputations can crumble at the speed of a tweet. A single misstep, a whispered rumour, and one can be brought down in seconds. No one is too big to fail, no mistake too small to go unnoticed.The Post Office Ltd scandal paints a […]

In a world rife with political intrigue and controversy, this morning’s news serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing debate around U.S. immigration challenges and the disqualification of the former President from the Colorado presidential ballot under the 14th Amendment. What’s striking is that despite these legal actions and establishment decisions, Donald Trump’s popularity […]

I am deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of my radical mentor, Philip Hedley—a risk-taker who believed in a small-town dreamer with wild publicity ideas. His generosity and visionary rule-breaking transformed lives and taught me about the essence of risk and trust. His historical legacy, pioneering diversity and inclusion before it became a […]

The ongoing scrutiny surrounding the Sussexes isn’t beneficial. It’s a black hole. In Tinsel Town, negativity isn’t embraced; hence the millions poured into the image management industry. Negative press is detrimental. When they initially decided to step away from the royal family, it garnered both support and criticism from key Hollywood influencers. While seeking more […]

In today’s fast-paced world, the Israel-Hamas conflict risks fading from public focus amidst global distractions. While the world yearns for resolution, the relentless stream of updates can induce a sense of powerlessness, numbing us to the ongoing human tragedy. Despite the escalation of violence and the breakdown of the Israel-Hamas truce, grassroots groups remain committed […]

In the ongoing Royal saga, the specter of Harry and Meghan subtly haunts the launch of Omid Scobie’s latest insights on the British Monarchy, a narrative intricately tied to their confidant, Scobie. His book ‘Endgame’ triggers renewed interest in the tumultuous Royal Household. Some view it as a critique amid the clamor for exclusive details.Amidst […]

In the tumultuous seas of our information age, where deep fakes and propaganda challenge the very essence of truth, our approach to understanding takes on heightened significance. Recent tragic geopolitical events, such as those in Gaza and Ukraine, underscore the urgent need to reflect not just on what we know but on how we acquire […]

Great host Mark Phillimore, Senior Lecturer on the Master Programme in Public Relations at the University of Greenwich and a wonderful foil Rob Mcgibbon, author and journalist. Brilliant coordination Debbie West Chair CIPR Podcast Editorial Board”I have an expression which I use all the time, which is everything is different, everything’s the same. It is about […]

 Bill, a cherished client of Borkowski for over two decades, was not just a client; he was a remarkable showman with an unparalleled understanding of how to produce great nights out.Bill’s love for the theatre was limitless, and his fiery passion knew no bounds. As a producer, he fearlessly pursued the creation of memorable evenings […]

Let’s talk about the importance of curiosity and inquiry in the age of the Digisphere. In his book “A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas,” bestselling author Warren Berger emphasizes the profound significance of maintaining a constant sense of curiosity. This curiosity becomes especially crucial in a world where our […]

I have been contemplating the cost of fame as media darlings fall from grace. In our epoch, the sprawling media matrix has transformed into an elaborate stage where entertainers deftly wield the tools of the digital age to amplify their performance. Society becomes entangled in this grand spectacle of entertainment and ostentation as one digital […]

Strip away the rest of the rhetoric, and we are left with a simple soundbite that will form the basis of his pitch for another term in government:“Proportional, pragmatic and realistic.”Here is a leader, Sunak would have us believe, who will eschew populist headlines in favour of beneficial policies that do not disrupt people’s lives. […]

I’ve been asked by some people what counsel I would have given Jordan Henderson amidst the fallout from his interview with The Athletic after moving to play football in Saudi ArabiaFrom my perspective, one can argue that Jordan Henderson’s PR nightmare case raises questions about the values and principles individuals should uphold, especially those in […]

Greenpeace’s recent return to the fight against Big Oil has sparked a significant reaction, with their viral film, “Total Pollution: A Dirty Game,” making waves. The video shows a packed rugby stadium drowning in oil as the kickoff whistle blows, protesting Total Energy Corp sponsorship of the Rugby World Cup.This creative approach aims to draw […]