The latest Richmond Events’ business panel report on the brand is now available. Headline findings include:-

• Marketing is the department primarily responsible for developing the brand within 66% of organisations, with a further 24% leaving charge to the MD/CEO.
• In terms of influence over the brand, marketing leads the way with 48%, followed by sales 27% and the MD/CEO 18%. 17% of the panel feel all departments have equal influence over an organisation’s brand.
• 90% of the panel feel brand reputation is very important to their organisation, however only 68% say they measure it. 
• Of those that do the most popular measurement tools are customer focus groups 46%, competitor analysis 42% and social media tracking / analysis 39%.
• The panel feels 47% of their department have high engagement levels with the brand, compared to only 32% of the wider organisation and the same figure (32%) for their customers.
• 72% of the panel feel there is a slight mismatch between what their customers and what their employees think of their brand. However 70% feel their own perception of their brand is similar to their customers’ perception.
• In terms of the importance of their organisation’s brand reputation to the panel personally, 26% say it’s essential - they’ll only work for an organisation with a strong brand, whereas 57% say it’s very important – a key factor as to where they work

For a copy of the full report please contact David Clark.
 

The annual economic outlook survey from the Richmond Events’ Business Panel is now available. Headline findings include:-

• Government’s handling of the economy: 3% rate the government’s handling of the economy as very good, 44% as acceptable, 41% could have been better and 8% as shocking.
• Interest rates: the panel predicts interest rates will be at (average) 0.8% in 1 year’s time and 1.65% in 3 years’ time.
• Growth: Not a single respondent expects the economy to grow significantly over the coming year, whilst 30% expect it to grow marginally. A further 52% expect it to stay much the same as it is now, whilst 16% expect it to shrink a little and 2% shrink a lot.
• Headcount: 25% of organisations have increased headcount over the last year. The number who have reduced headcount, and may do so again, has fallen slightly: 34% to 31%.
• Turnover: just under half expect their turnover to increase, with a further third expecting it to remain the same. As a result, those who feel their turnover will probably reduce comprise only 13% of the panel.
• Profit: Less than half the panel feel their organisation’s profit will increase in 2013, slightly down from last year. 14% feel their profits will fall this year - 5% less than last year. 4% are undecided.

For a full copy of this free report, please contact David Clark.
 

• The overwhelming majority of the panel whole heartedly feel the UK still needs a public service broadcaster.

• By far the highest proportion, over ½ of the panel, are also happy with the current compulsory licence fee.

• Asked whether the recent happenings had eroded some of the public’s trust of the BBC the panel mainly agreed; 41% saying yes and 31% feeling partially.

• In terms of the panel’s attitudes towards the recent happenings at the BBC, 67% opted for disappointed 6% shocked and 4% angry. However 18% say it hasn’t affected their opinion which is still positive.

• Just over ½ of the panel support the renewal of the BBC charter. However, whilst a further ¼ also support its renewal it is dependant on the BBC rebuilding the public’s trust over the next few years.

• Of all the aspects that the BBC offers, the panel rate radio and international news the highest.

• The majority of the panel get their regular intake of news from the internet than the TV.

From 10th-13th October 2012, over 250 senior marketers, agencies and industry experts joined together on board the Aurora to debate hot issues of the day, forge new partnerships and develop personal networks.  

Over the course of 2 days and 3 nights they participated in 2,276 meetings, attended numerous conference sessions and developed both their personal and business knowledge.

This event review covers just a few of the forum's highlights. To view the report please follow the link. 

If you would like any further details please get in touch – dclark@richmondevents.com

The Marketing Forum 2012 – key facts

Here is an overview of who attended the 20th annual Marketing Forum. 

 Organisations’ average annual turnover – £580m             
 Average number of employees – 12,857
 Average organisations’ marketing budget – £84.7m
 Average personal marketing budget – £8.3m
 Average number of employees working in marketing function – 125

 Top areas of responsibility for discussions at the event 
o Advertising / creative
o Digital
o Brand
o Communications
o Customer Insight
o Marketing consultancy
o Content marketing

Don't take our word for it...
Hear it straight from our customers who attended in 2012...
 
A great concept and although intensive, a very worthwhile use of time with some interesting speakers, meetings and workshops whilst remaining fun. Good way to network and meet other like minded people from within the industry that can help meet various business challenges, and all on a Cruise ship! Superb.
Head of Direct Marketing, O2

Superb and very beneficial. A lot of good highly relevant supplier contacts made and follow up meetings made.
Commercial & Marketing Director, David Lloyd Group

"Great opportunity to step out of the detailed pressures of running a big department with clear targets and put my head up to look forward. Articulating my challenges helped to clarify my thinking also saw some great ideas to take back and do."
Director of Supporter Marketing, The Woodland Trust

"Fantastic 2 days great use of time to see a number of potential suppliers, and find what you need as well as learn something from them and the conference sessions."
Interactive Marketing Programs Manager, Xerox UK

Full - on onslaught of ideas, people & networking opportunities.    A launch pad for invigorating "The day job" and being the best leader i can be.
Marketing Communication Manager, Ericsson Ltd

Fantastic experience.  Very intense which meant that a lot of work actually got done. Unlike other conferences/Marketing events the suppliers did not waste time, valued time of others. I would ideally like to have a busier speed working event the next time
Head of Online Marketing, Groupon UK

Very tiring, but great way to meet suppliers and take time away from the office to consider new ideas and ways of working.  Keynote speeches were particularly inspiring.
Head of Marketing, Best Western Hotels