Hull PR agency nominated for top industry award
September 24, 2009
Bluestorm PR has been nominated in the category ‘Best Use of Media Relations’ of the CIPR PRide Yorkshire and Lincolnshire awards for their work with North-West pie icon, Holland’s Pies.
Holland’s Pies appointed Bluestorm to run their PR drive in July last year, with the brief to re-engage the pie eating public of the North-West with the Holland’s brand. To do this, Bluestorm came up with the idea of a ‘Pie Panel’ of handpicked master tasters from across Holland’s North-West heartland, who would help to test and develop the product range. Potential candidates were asked to tell the company in 50 words why they should become a pie taster, before a shortlist of finalists was invited to Holland’s factory for a number of rigorous taste tests.
The campaign ran for three months and instantly captured the attention and imagination of both the public and media. Over 1000 applications were received from hopeful pie fans afar afield as New York, Islamabad and Oslo, whilst the story was covered extensively in the North-West, and was even featured on BBC News 24, BBC Radio 2’s Chris Evens show and in multiple national newspapers.
Julie Leydon, Director of PR at Bluestorm said:
“We’re obviously delighted to have been shortlisted for an award. The team worked incredibly hard on Pie Panel but the results for Holland’s were well worth it. Having our work recognised at an industry level really is the icing on the cake. The Pie Panel was the start of what continues to be an extremely successful partnership with Holland’s.”
Neil Court-Johnston, MD of Holland’s Pies said:
“The ‘Pie Panel’ concept addressed negative feedback we had received and turned it into positive news, thus reminding customers about Holland’s and ultimately driving sales. At the same time it has provided us with a valuable team of people who we continue to turn to for advice about our products, allowing us to reinforce our ongoing commitment to quality. We can look toward the future with confidence and will continue to work with Bluestorm to grow our business”.
Ann Mealor, CIPR Acting Director General said:
“This year more than ever, consultancies and organisations entering the PRide Awards want to spotlight their achievements while boosting morale – and being a PRide finalist does just that. There were nearly 1500 entrants this year and having gone through rigorous judging, to reach the shortlist is a great achievement and I offer my congratulations to all those who have reached this stage of the competition.”
Bluestorm is a full service Marketing and Design agency based in Hessle. Founded in 2000, Bluestorm has witnessed continual growth, from two people to just under 30, with over 80 active accounts. In addition to advertising, PR, graphic design and web development, the agency can offer a full range of integrated marketing communications services and support.
Photo caption: Bluestorm PR (l-r): Julie Leydon, James Merrylees, Craig Lazenby, Barnaby Patchett, Sarah Roustoby
