Press

CNA Lifestyle

“It is no longer enough for brands to simply sell a product, customers are demanding that they have a purpose – that they stand for something,” he said.

“Masculinity is a huge part of Gillette’s brand, and there is a recognition in this ad that the new generation is reworking that concept of masculinity, and it is no longer the cliche is once was.

Read full article here: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/trending/gillette-metoo-campaign-draws-praise-and-abuse-11128408

The Guardian

Gillette #MeToo ad on ‘toxic masculinity’ gets praise – and abuse Backlash includes call for boycott of P&G, complaining commercial ‘emasculates men’

The advertisement shows men intervening to stop fights between boys and calling other men out when they say sexually inappropriate things to women in the streets.

“We believe in the best in men: To say the right thing, to act the right way. Some already are in ways big and small. But some is not enough. Because the boys watching today will be the men of tomorrow,” the voiceover says.

PR expert Mark Borkowski called the advert part of a “fantastically well-thought through campaign”, adding that it appealed to a younger generation that were very aware of the power of advertising and marketing on society.

“It is no longer enough for brands to simply sell a product, customers are demanding that they have a purpose – that they stand for something,” he said. “Masculinity is a huge part of Gillette’s brand, and there is a recognition in this ad that the new generation is reworking that concept of masculinity, and it is no longer the cliche is once was.”

Read full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/15/gillette-metoo-ad-on-toxic-masculinity-cuts-deep-with-mens-rights-activists

The Guardian

Mark Borkowski, a PR expert who has worked with Michael Jackson, Van Morrison and a host of other stars and brands, believes Murray’s options are vast. “There is almost nothing he couldn’t do next,” he says. “What we look for in PR these days is authenticity and raw emotion, and Murray has got that in droves. Sponsors will be salivating at having him because he is so open and honest and because he is an inspiration to so many people.”

Read full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jan/11/andy-murray-next-pundit-politician-tennis

Talk Radio

Is it clever for the British Army to be targeting millennials in their new recruitment drive? Mark discusses  the campaign with Jamie East on talkRADIO

CBC

‘Duelling duchesses’ and a Game of Thrones script: Why the royal Christmas is under more scrutiny this year

Negative headlines have been swirling around younger members of House of Windsor

Borkowski isn’t surprised by the headlines swirling. “You can interpret a look in whichever way you want to see it,” said Mark Borkowski, a British public relations expert. “The media, particularly the online [sites] who are generating clickbait over this row, will continue to stir this up, because it’s of value to them.”

“As I saw the hype that built around the royal wedding of Meghan and Harry, I thought this spells trouble… this is going to upset the apple cart. “Borkowski sees history repeating itself, particularly as an outsider — Meghan — enters the royal realm.” You’ve got a very modern viewpoint against something that is very much establishment. Kate is very much what you’d expect to be the future queen, and you’ve got this disruptive force within [the family]. It is like a Game of Thrones sort of script.” Any family anywhere in the world has tension, he said. “When there’s a dynasty and when there’s inheritance and when there’s title, when there’s power, all that is a toxic mix,” said Borkowski.

Read full article here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/meghan-harry-william-kate-controversy-christmas-1.4943178

BBC

PR expert Mark Borkowski, who has represented fellow jungle contestant Noel Edmonds, says a number of opportunities await Harry if he chooses to take them.

“Harry Redknapp can do anything he wants now,” he told PA.

“There will be calls coming in for openings, appearances.

“They’ll be thinking ‘What is the next appearance on TV? What is the next opportunity?’

“It’s left now to the agents to try and keep away the bad publicity and keep things going positively.”

Borkowski said it’s important for Harry and fellow big stars from the show like Emily Atack and Noel Edmonds to “exploit” their fame so it’s not short-lived.

“This is the highest-rated TV programme, there are a lot of eyeballs.

“It ends with a very sharp full stop. They quickly go off the radar. But it’s in the power of the big personalities.

“It’s very brief, but it’s millions. It’s millions and millions of pounds from a show like this, for the best one.

“Your opportunities go up 100%, your earnings go up 100%. It’s right at the top.”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-46511266

BBC Radio

Vanessa Feltz

Hear article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p06q7xnt  from 2:23:30

The Guardian

Animal rights campaigners follow a long tradition in PR of capitalising on a quirky place names

Veteran PR Mark Borkowski said publicists have a “heroic heritage” of generating coverage by hijacking a city or town with a quirky name. “This was first deployed by the arch-publicist Jim Moran back in the 50s. He used Fleatown, Ohio, to launch a chemical which could eradicate animal mites. Hell in Michigan was the test bed for a quit smoking campaign. Intercourse, Pennsylvania, was the unfortunate city to launch a prophylactic,” he said.

He said stirring up controversy and angering Peta’s opponents was an easy way to gain coverage. “I am sure those who enjoy ribbing the woke vegans will generate ink and commentary giving the subject a wider discourse. All light and shade in search of a debate.”

Read full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/nov/23/how-hapless-wool-got-blanketed-by-petas-shock-publicity

In a 2006 interview with lads’ mag Loaded, Noel revealed how he had woke up one morning and decided to take his Ford GT40 out for a spin in his birthday suit.

He said: “I thought I’d take it out for a breather, the poor thing was stuck in its stable and needed exercise.

“I remember arriving at a roundabout horrendously fast, I almost didn’t stop.”

The revelation angered road safety chiefs at the time, leading Noel’s agent Mark Borkowski to say: “This happened 20 years ago when he woke up early one morning, stark naked and wanted to drive.

Read full article here: https://www.thesun.ie/tvandshowbiz/3417151/noel-edmonds-boasted-about-driving-his-sports-car-at-186mph-while-naked-at-4-30am/

The Irish Sun

Top PR guru Mark Borkowski told us how Toff would be “snapped up” by companies to be the face of their brands.

She has since gone on to present segments for This Morning, written her own book, Always Smiling: The World According to Toff, and hosted backstage coverage for the National Television Awards.

Read full article here: https://www.thesun.ie/tvandshowbiz/3424553/im-a-celeb-winner-will-have-to-hand-over-a-third-of-their-earnings-to-the-show-when-they-leave-the-jungle/

Sputnik News

The deal, according to brand specialist Mark Borkowski could be worth millions. “I would think it would be on a par with what the London Underground has done. It could be worth millions,” Borkowski told the Standard. “Resources are stretched so let’s hope it is a multi-million pound success for London.”

Recent dramas including Bodyguard has helped make the “sexiness” of the brand Mark Borkowski said.

Read Article Here: https://sputniknews.com/europe/201810311069389884-london-met-clothing-label/

Daily Mail

PR expert Mark Borkowski, who has worked with stars from Michael Jackson to Sir Cliff Richard, predicted the new range could make millions in foreign experts.

‘It’s that image you have for Beefeaters, Bobbies, telephone boxes and the Routemaster buses. It’s the Downton Abbey effect, the projection of the Olympics,’ he said.

‘I don’t think you’ll see floods of Londoners buying their cuddly Met plod toy with their uniforms.’

Read Article Here: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6333733/Londons-Scotland-Yard-hopes-make-millions-expanding-range-branded-goods-sale.html

The Independent

Branding experts said the Met’s licensing deal could potentially be worth millions of pounds, but predicted Britons were unlikely to snap up the London force’s wares.

“I think it has more of a hope to succeed as a foreign export,” public relations guru Mark Borkowski told the Evening Standard. “It’s that image you have of Beefeaters, Bobbies, telephone boxes and the Routemaster buses.”

He added: “I don’t think you’ll see floods of Londoners buying their cuddly Met plod toy with their uniforms.

“If you think about NYPD or LAPD – I don’t think people in New York or Los Angeles have the same sort of romance about that police force.”

Read Article Here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/met-police-merchandise-clothes-sale-branded-budget-cuts-scotland-yard-a8610856.html

York Press

Publicist and strategist Mark Borkowski said Rahul Mandal’s victory was of the “zeitgeist”.

With Brexit and Trump, and the news full of terrible stories, there is something about this winner that epitomises what people are craving – niceness, people to be kind, genuine and authentic,” he said.

“There’s no narcissism. His win just falls into that zeitgeist.

“That cliche used in reality shows, ‘you don’t know how good you really are’, that Simon Cowell line, Rahul is that person.

He said Rahul “will be hoovered up by many brands” and could go into anything from restaurants to food lines.

“M&S, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s would want him on board because he’s a great ambassador for kindness and care,” Mr Borkowski said

“He’s a million-pound brand without a shadow of a doubt. If he plays his cards right he could make multi millions over years. Brands don’t want some difficult prima donna.”

He said Rahul should get on Instagram but warned: “I think he’s too nice for Twitter. I think the trolls would chew him up. ”

As well as India “he has potential for America … he’s global”, Borkowksi said.

He added: “The problem is, with fame brings massive pressure and it will be whether or not he has the temperament and ambition to be as big as he might be. ”

Borkowski said of complaints about Rahul’s win: “That is what you’d expect. It won’t damage him.”

Read Article Here: https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/leisure/showbiz/17191555.great-british-bake-off-winner-rahul-could-make-millions-says-expert/

Evening Express

Great British Bake Off winner Rahul could make millions, says expert Publicist and strategist Mark Borkowski said Rahul Mandal’s victory was of the “zeitgeist”. “With Brexit and Trump, and the news full of terrible stories, there is something about this winner that epitomises what people are craving – niceness, people to be kind, genuine and authentic,” he said.

“There’s no narcissism. His win just falls into that zeitgeist. “That cliche used in reality shows, ‘you don’t know how good you really are’, that Simon Cowell line, Rahul is that person.
The trolls would chew him up.

He said Rahul “will be hoovered up by many brands” and could go into anything from restaurants to food lines.

“M&S, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s would want him on board because he’s a great ambassador for kindness and care,” Mr Borkowski said.

“He’s a million-pound brand without a shadow of a doubt. If he plays his cards right he could make multi millions over years. Brands don’t want some difficult prima donna.”He said Rahul should get on Instagram but warned: “I think he’s too nice for Twitter. I think the trolls would chew him up. ”

As well as India “he has potential for America … he’s global”, Borkowksi said.

He added: “The problem is, with fame brings massive pressure and it will be whether or not he has the temperament and ambition to be as big as he might be. ”

Borkowski said of complaints about Rahul’s win: “That is what you’d expect. It won’t damage him.”

Read Article Here: https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/lifestyle/entertainment/great-british-bake-off-winner-rahul-could-make-millions-says-expert/e as big as he might be. ”

Irish News

Great British Bake Off winner Rahul could make several million pounds “if he plays his cards right”, an industry expert has predicted.

“With Brexit and Trump, and the news full of terrible stories, there is something about this winner that epitomises what people are craving – niceness, people to be kind, genuine and authentic,” he said.

“There’s no narcissism. His win just falls into that zeitgeist.

“That cliche used in reality shows, ‘you don’t know how good you really are’, that Simon Cowell line, Rahul is that person.

He said Rahul “will be hoovered up by many brands” and could go into anything from restaurants to food lines.

“M&S, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s would want him on board because he’s a great ambassador for kindness and care,” Mr Borkowski said.

“He’s a million-pound brand without a shadow of a doubt. If he plays his cards right he could make multi millions over years. Brands don’t want some difficult prima donna.”

He said Rahul should get on Instagram but warned: “I think he’s too nice for Twitter. I think the trolls would chew him up. ”

As well as India “he has potential for America … he’s global”, Borkowksi said.

He added: “The problem is, with fame brings massive pressure and it will be whether or not he has the temperament and ambition to be as big as he might be. ”

Borkowski said of complaints about Rahul’s win: “That is what you’d expect. It won’t damage him.”

Read Article Here: http://www.irishnews.com/magazine/entertainment/2018/10/31/news/great-british-bake-off-winner-rahul-could-make-millions-says-expert-1473833/

The Times

It doesn’t have quite the same ring as the NYPD but Scotland Yard is ready to try to follow the New York Police Department by using its name to sell branded clothes and trinkets.

“I think it has more of a hope to succeed as a foreign export.
“It’s that image you have for Beefeaters, Bobbies, telephone boxes and the Routemaster buses. It’s the Downton Abbey effect, the projection of the Olympics. I don’t think you’ll see floods of Londoners buying their cuddly Met plod toy with their uniforms.

Read Article here: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/does-it-come-with-stripes-metropolitan-police-launch-clothing-range-qfdp5vg5f

Standard

PR guru Mark Borkowski, who has worked with everyone from Michael Jackson to American Express, said the deal could be worth millions.

He told the Standard: “I think it has more of a hope to succeed as a foreign export.

“It’s that image you have for Beefeaters, Bobbies, telephone boxes and the Routemaster buses. It’s the Downton Abbey effect, the projection of the Olympics. I don’t think you’ll see floods of Londoners buying their cuddly Met plod toy with their uniforms.

“If you think about NYPD or LAPD – I don’t think people in New York or Los Angeles have the same sort of romance about that police force.

“I would think it would be on a par with what the London Underground has done. It could be worth millions. Resources are stretched so let’s hope it is a multi-million pound success for London.”
He said Jed Mercurio, the television writer behind Line of Duty and Bodyguard had helped to stir up the “sexiness” of the brand.

Read Article here: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/scotland-yard-flogs-its-line-of-merchandise-to-fans-worldwide-a3975261.html

Middle East Eye

Advertising experts say the charm offensive will have cost Saudi Arabia a tidy seven-figure sum for the billboards and the brains behind them. They would have paid the same rates as those of major corporate brands for the three-day blitz, with https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/saudi-crown-prince-launches-ad-blitz-promote-london-visit/1458702 more than $1m has been spent.

When asked for his best guess, British PR agent Mark Borkowski said: “A lot of money… an-eye watering amount of money. The people I think are involved – they don’t come cheap.”

Whatever ones position on Saudi, the bigger issue may be the expectations that such a massive campaign sets up, said Borkowski.

“When you engaged in this type of PR, you can’t just switch it off. You are now running a marathon every day of visibility and you are in the public domain,” he said.

“It is now on the radar and commentators like me and other people will be very interested to find out what is the next stage on this.

“Of course if the rather interesting modernisations going on stalls, stops, isn’t successful, then that is going to be very difficult for a PR company to contain.”

Read more here: http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/prince-charming-million-dollar-saudi-splurge-london-ad-offensive-1127970144

BBC

It started with a kiss… Strictly contestant star Seann Walsh and dance partner Katya Jones hit the headlines after being caught kissing in public.

What does this mean for such a big TV show?

PR guru Mark Borkowski told the BBC that it’s not necessarily bad news for the show.

“If you’re cynical about it, it’s good news for the show. It’s provoked a huge debate and provided the papers with a huge story to keep interest in Strictly going.

“The BBC won’t make a fast decision, there’s a vacuum at the moment [so there’s] lots of room for media speculation [to fill the gap].

“All publicity is good publicity – apart from the obituary notice!”

However, the prognosis for Walsh and Jones isn’t so rosy, he says.

“It’s an absolute disaster for Seann, I would be very surprised, since the intervention of his girlfriend, if they can keep him on [the show]. I suspect they [Strictly] might leave the decision to the last possible moment.

“I don’t see how they can carry on with the routines. Seann was improving, he had a glint in his eye and Shirley liked him. For those not very well-known celebs [like Seann], it’s usually a huge lift for their career, it’s like being promoted into another division. But he’s got himself relegated before the season’s halfway through.

He adds: “It’s potentially bad news for Katya – whether she’ll be kept on, who knows?”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-45795844