MIH Solutions has been a leader in the communications and PR sector since 2011, and we’re proud of the positive impact we have delivered for clients over the past decade and more.
Find out more about what we do by browsing our recent news articles.
MIH Solutions selected for NHS consultancy and advisory services for health framework agreement
East Midlands-based strategy, communications and PR consultancy, MIH Solutions, has been appointed as an approved supplier on the NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) Consultancy and Advisory Services for Health framework agreement.
Following a successful tender process the consultancy is now an approved supplier in four service areas: business, leadership, management, governance, structure and strategy; integrated care, healthcare and community care; commercialisation, innovation and transformation; and HR and employment, skills and training.
The framework, running until 2028, provides more than 2,000 NHS and public sector bodies with a legally compliant route to market for the approved provision of consultancy and advisory services.
As well as NHS organisations, the framework can also be accessed by local authorities/LEAs, further and higher education bodies, museums and housing associations.
Jo Yeaman, Managing Director of MIH Solutions, said “The tendering process for this framework was very thorough, and we see our appointment as an approved supplier as a notable achievement. For over a decade, we have been dedicated to delivering exceptional service, satisfaction and value for our clients. This milestone assures our unwavering commitment to excellence and our alignment with public sector principles. We are very much looking forward to working with organisations participating in the framework.”
MIH Solutions seal several new contracts for 2024
MIH Solutions has started the year with a bang, sealing a host of new business which will see the agency work with new clients and continue existing relationships in 2024.
The new contracts will see MIH (which stands for Make It Happen) supporting organisations with projects in the Midlands, London and around the world.
With the PR agency upholding its values of aiming to work with clients to make a positive difference, the East Midlands-based firm has recently formed an agreement to work alongside a humanitarian medical aid charity.
MIH will provide media communications services to support their healthcare work overseas in countries facing crisis.
Closer to home, MIH has been given the green light to continue work with Synnovis for a fourth year running.
Synnovis are a major partnership between SYNLAB, King’s College Hospital and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, performing more than 32 million tests per year within southeast London and further afield.
MIH will continue to support them in what is believed to be the largest transformation of NHS pathology services, which will involve the transfer of its 89 laboratories into a new, single ‘hub’ laboratory with dedicated smaller services remaining on six hospital sites.
MIH is also set to collaborate with South Derbyshire District Council as part of an agreement that will see them develop a PR campaign to help boost trade.
These are just a selection of clients that MIH have confirmed work with this year, with the agency also supporting clients elsewhere in local government, health and motorsport.
Speaking about their busy start to the new year, managing director Jo Yeaman said: “The MIH team is excited about all the projects that lie ahead in the first part of 2024.
“We’ve been extremely privileged to work with some amazing clients already over the last thirteen years and we’re looking forward to continuing that run this year.
“As ever, we’re always looking to work alongside businesses and organisations that align with our values, and the projects we’ll be involved in certainly hit that mark.
“Our amazing team of experts always go above and beyond in everything they do, and I know that they are now looking forward to delivering more great things for our clients.”
Founded in 2011, MIH has spent more than a decade offering a wide range of strategic services, from specialist consultancy and coaching to full agency support for communications, PR, and engagement.
It also has a dedicated production team offering high-quality videography and photography services. To get in touch about what MIH can do for you, head to the Contact page here.
MIH Solutions bags Burton Hidden Gem award for 2023
Christmas has come early for a flourishing PR and communications agency after it was named 2023’s ‘Hidden Gem’ by the Burton & District Chamber of Commerce.
MIH Solutions was recognised for its efforts in giving back to the local community, as well as for hitting high levels of growth - alongside employee and client satisfaction - over the past 12 months.
The Hidden Gem trophy was the fifth of what has been a memorable year for MIH. The company also bagged the Employer of the Year gong at the East Staffordshire & South Derbyshire business awards, two PRCA Dare awards and was named Best Business Strategy Consultancy in the Midlands Enterprise Awards.
MIH Managing Director Jo Yeaman said: “It's been a really special year for MIH and to be recognised alongside some amazing businesses is testament to the talented team we’ve put together here. Everyone works incredibly hard.
“We hope the Hidden Gem award means we’re not so ‘hidden’ in the future – our aim is to continue to grow our client base and make a positive difference for everyone we work with, as well as to the local community.”
In line with MIH’s core values, the business has made it a priority to ensure members of its team – which is now 13 strong – enjoy working for the agency and receive all the support and development they need to thrive. It recently implemented a health and wellbeing circle – led by employees – to help gain an understanding of the needs and wants of staff, with a focus on ensuring individuals can achieve a good work-life balance.
MIH has undertaken a significant volume of work with clients over the last year to deliver a range of strategic campaigns and brand launches, all of which have received wide praise. This year also saw MIH expand its sponsorship offer to nurture young sporting talent in motorcycle racing and cricket, as part of its commitment to giving back to the community. The business is now the main partner of Dunstall Cricket Club’s junior section and has its own MIH superbike race team, in addition to its continued sponsorship of the Asian Professionals Network Association (APNA).
The experienced team at MIH offers a variety of different services to companies. These range from promotional campaigns and social media management to crisis handling, media training and strategic development.
To find out more about MIH, visit www.mihsolutions.co.uk
MIH Solutions scoops 2023 Employer of the Year gong
PR and communications agency MIH Solutions has scored a victory in the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Business Awards 2023, being crowned Employer of the Year.
The Burton-based firm has steadily grown its team from three permanent members of staff (with interim support) to 13 full-time staff over the past five years and was commended by the judges for continuing to put employee wellbeing at the forefront of its operations.
It isn’t the first time that MIH – which stands for ‘Make it Happen’ – has been recognised at the popular awards ceremony. In 2022, it was named Small Business of the Year, with videographer Charlie Hayes also ‘highly commended’ in the Young Employee of the Year category.
MIH Company Director Jon Beech was delighted to add another trophy to the business’s growing collection. He said: “We’ve strived to create an environment here at MIH that can allows our team of talented and creative staff to really thrive and flourish. To be recognised for doing so is amazing. I’m delighted to play my part in that, and it remains a pleasure to work with so many fantastic individuals.
“As a business, we are determined to continue making great strides forward in relation to employee wellbeing.”
Over the past 12 months, MIH has turned a keen spotlight on keeping its staff happy and healthy. As well as introducing an employee assistance programme, a health and wellbeing circle – led by employees – was established to gain insight into needs and challenges, to ensure high standards of workplace health and wellbeing, and to drive best practice across the organisation.
The group organises regular activities and events, and acts as a two-way communication channel between the senior leadership team and wider team on topics relating to wellbeing and inclusion.
This year also saw MIH expand its sponsorship offer to nurture young sporting talent in motorcycle racing and cricket, as part of its commitment to giving back to the community. The business is now the main partner of Dunstall Cricket Club’s junior section and has its own MIH superbike race team, in addition to its continued sponsorship of the Asian Professionals Network Association (APNA).
The experienced team at MIH provides a variety of strategic communications and PR services, ranging from organisational vision and strategy development to change programmes, social media management and media and promotional campaigns.
The winners of the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Business Awards 2023 were announced at a Gala Awards Evening at Burton Albion Football Club’s Pirelli Stadium on 9 November.
To find out more about MIH - and for a light-hearted look behind the scenes of the business - head to our Vimeo channel here.
Caught on camera: cricket club bowled over by sponsor’s video offer
An award-winning PR and communications agency is helping a cricket club to reach out to a new generation of talent – all through the power of video.
MIH Solutions has created a short film that celebrates the success of Dunstall Cricket Club’s junior section, as part of a 2023 sponsorship agreement between the two organisations.
The two-minute video has given the club a platform to share its aspirations around introducing the game of cricket to a growing number of children, regardless of age, gender, background or ability.
One major area of focus is increasing female participation – Dunstall already has two girls playing under-11s county cricket and is in the throes of establishing a ladies’ team.
MIH Solutions Managing Director Jo Yeaman, who founded the South Derbyshire business in 2011 and now runs it with fellow Director Jon Beech, said: “We were compelled to work with Dunstall through our passion to give back to the local community, and as an extension to the sponsorship we already offer to some of motorcycle racing’s most promising rising stars, fuelled by Jon’s interest in the sport.
“We’ve learned quickly about the incredible time and effort that Dunstall dedicates to its junior players. We have also been impressed by its efforts to drive diversity, equality and inclusion at a local level at what is a critical time for the sport in this area.
“Our production team has done a fantastic job on the video, which we hope will reach, engage and inspire even more families to discover cricket at what is a warm, welcoming and professionally run club.”
Dunstall CC junior section co-ordinator James Benstead, who works for MIH as a Senior Communications and Engagement Specialist, said: “We’re able to offer junior players some of the best facilities and opportunities in the local area, with more than 100 youngsters regularly involved in cricket at The Deer Park this summer.
“Though our focus is always on fun and participation for all, we’re also extremely proud of the fact that we nurture talent and put children on the way to fulfilling their potential. Four of our former juniors have gone on to play professional cricket in the past five years, with George Scrimshaw even making his full debut for England in recent weeks.
“We’d like to thank MIH for the fantastic video, which is a real showcase of what we’re all about as a club and the passion we have for growing our great game.”
Founded in 2011, MIH – which stands for ‘make it happen’ – offers a wide range of strategic services, from specialist consultancy and coaching to full agency support for communications, PR and marketing. It also has a dedicated production team offering professional videography and photography solutions.
MIH Solutions can be found online at www.mihsolutions.co.uk, on Twitter (@MIHSolutions), LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/mih-solutions-make-it-happen) and Instagram (@mih_solutions).
Based near Barton under Needwood, just outside Burton-on-Trent, Dunstall runs several senior teams and competes at the top level of local amateur league cricket. It also runs social events throughout the season and new members are always welcome.
More information is available online at www.dunstall.play-cricket.com or by emailing dunstallcc@hotmail.com
The video, ‘Cricket for everyone – an introduction to cricket at Dunstall,’ can be found on YouTube here.
PR agency bags awards double thanks to its work with NHS
A year-long programme carefully designed to engage staff and rejuvenate an NHS Trust has led to an awards double for the agency behind the campaign.
MIH Solutions was presented with both the Employee Engagement and Public Sector gongs at the prestigious PRCA DARE Awards 2023 for the Midlands region, following its work with Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust.
MIH – which stands for ‘make it happen’ – designed events, newsletters and online workshops, gathering feedback from more than 1,000 individual staff as well as service users, carers and the voluntary sector, despite the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic and several lockdowns.
Using innovative virtual engagement tactics, MIH helped to co-create a new vision, core purpose, strategic priorities and organisational values for a Trust that serves one million people.
Jo Yeaman, Managing Director at MIH Solutions, said: “We are thrilled to have won these awards for our work with the NHS – an institution which of course means so much to so many of us.
“There was an amazing buzz across the whole of CWPT, and involving staff and stakeholders in the development of the Trust’s new vision and brand engendered a sense of passion, pride and ownership.
“As ever, our success was down to the talent, innovation and dedication of our team who are so passionate about all our clients.”
Mel Coombes MBE, Chief Executive of CWPT, said: “MIH expertly guided our leadership team through the development and launch of CWPT’s new vison, core purpose, strategic priorities and values, and the supporting launch and communications activities have truly brought our ambitions to life.”
The PRCA is the world’s largest professional PR association and its DARE Awards are held annually in eight regions across the UK. The Midlands ceremony took place at Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens.
As a regional DARE winner, MIH Solutions – which specialises in strategy, communications, PR and change – will now be entered into the PRCA DARE Grand Prix Awards.
More information about MIH Solutions, the services it offers and its work with CWPT can be found online at www.mihsolutions.co.uk
MIH sponsorship offer strengthens opportunities for young cricketers
An East Staffordshire cricket club has been bowled over after striking a partnership deal with an award-winning PR and communications agency.
MIH Solutions has become the main sponsor of Dunstall Cricket Club’s junior section for 2023, an arrangement that will help Dunstall to deliver further on its mission of providing year-round training and playing opportunities to young players of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Based at The Deer Park, renowned as one of the most picturesque grounds on the circuit, Dunstall currently has around 70 junior players on its books and caters for youngsters aged five to 19 across all soft and hard-ball formats.
The club has a long and proud history of developing and honing talent, with Derbyshire County Cricket Club and England Lions fast bowler George Scrimshaw just one product of its junior pathway. Nick Potts (Derbyshire), Reeve Evitts (Worcestershire) and current first team captain Callum Brodrick (ex-Derbyshire) all spent their formative years at Dunstall before making the move into the professional game.
MIH Solutions Managing Director Jo Yeaman, who founded the South Derbyshire business in 2011 and now runs it with fellow Director Jon Beech, said: “We are passionate at MIH about giving back to the local community and nurturing talent wherever we can. We already sponsor some of motorcycle racing’s most promising rising stars through Jon’s interest in the sport, and we are excited to be able to extend our support to Dunstall.
“We have heard first-hand about how dedicated the club is to enabling its junior players to flourish and we are proud to be playing a small part in helping to make that happen.”
Founded in 2011, MIH – which stands for ‘make it happen’ - offers a wide range of strategic services, from specialist consultancy and coaching to full agency support for communications, PR and marketing. It also has a dedicated production team offering professional videography and photography solutions.
Dunstall CC junior section co-ordinator James Benstead, who works for MIH as a Senior Communications and Engagement Specialist, said: “At Dunstall we pride ourselves on offering young cricketers some of the best facilities and opportunities around, and our junior membership continues to grow year on year.
“MIH Solutions is a fantastic small business whose values align closely with the club’s, particularly around striving to make a positive difference and always giving our best, so we couldn’t be more pleased about working together.
“Dunstall continues to invest heavily in the next generation of sporting talent and we can’t wait for the season ahead.”
Dunstall CC Chairman Derek Noakes said: “We are delighted to have secured a partnership with such a progressive company as MIH. We thank them for their support, confident that this will enable us to strengthen our offering even further for all members of our junior section - both current and future - drawn from the local community.”
MIH Solutions can be found online at www.mihsolutions.co.uk, on Twitter (@MIHSolutions), LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/mih-solutions-make-it-happen) and on Instagram (@mih_solutions).
Based near Barton under Needwood, just outside Burton-on-Trent, Dunstall runs several senior teams and this year will compete at the top level of local amateur league cricket, having secured promotion to the Derbyshire Premier League in 2022. It also runs several social events throughout the season and new members are always welcome.
More information is available online at www.dunstall.play-cricket.com or by emailing dunstallcc@hotmail.com
Networking celebration as growing business (belatedly) toasts first decade
An award-winning PR and communications agency has marked its move to new, larger offices with a successful business networking event.
MIH Solutions welcomed more than 50 clients, partners and friends to its HQ at Bretby Business Park, where Councillor Paul Dunn, the Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council, performed an official opening.
The event doubled up as a belated celebration of MIH’s 10th anniversary, which actually fell during the COVID pandemic and so meant that the business’s original plans for a large-scale gathering were scuppered.
Managing Director Jo Yeaman, who founded MIH in 2011 and now co-owns the business with fellow Director Jon Beech, said: “An event of this kind has been on our drawing board for some time and, having expanded the team and then moved to larger offices at the start of 2023, it felt the right time had finally come.
“MIH has come a long way over the past 12 years and we’ve worked with some fantastic clients from both the public and private sectors. It was wonderful to welcome some of those who’ve shared our journey to our new offices, just to pause, catch up and say a heartfelt ‘thank you.’
“We’re grateful for all the amazing people we’ve met and the wide support we’ve received. It has allowed us to flourish as a business and to give something back to the community by focusing on our sponsorship and social value work, both of which are so important to us.”
Hosted by Dave Bryon, the Director of the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Business Awards, MIH’s networking event featured entertainment from TV magician Paul Roberts, as well as guest speakers Andy Gilbert, Founder and Managing Director of Go M.A.D. Thinking, and Jagtar Singh OBE, Chairman of Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust.
Visitors were also greeted by two superbikes, a nod to MIH’s role as title sponsor for motorcycle racing team Hand Racing and its support for a host of internationally renowned racers.
The event was used as an opportunity to raise money for those affected by the devastating earthquakes in southern Turkey and north-west Syria, with the total pledged now nearing £600. Anyone wishing to donate can do so via MIH’s JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/page/mih-solutions-1677490401192
Mr Beech said: “There are more exciting times ahead for MIH thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team.
“We are passionate about our clients and are always thinking about how we can add value over and above the work we are doing for them. That’s what makes MIH so special.”
More information about MIH Solutions – which was named Small Business of the Year at the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Business Awards 2022 – is available online at www.mihsolutions.co.uk
You can also follow the business on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
MIH puts teen been bikers in fast lane towards achieving their dreams
A South Derbyshire business is helping a motorcycle race team to build on its history-making exploits by extending a sponsorship deal into 2023.
Seventeen-year-old Katie Hand, of Hand Racing, became the first female to lift Thundersport GB’s prestigious Superteens championship in 2021, cementing her reputation as one of the best young riders in the business.
Her progression and step up in class has been fast-tracked by the support of MIH (Make It Happen) Solutions, a strategic communications, PR and change consultancy based just outside Burton-on-Trent, and whose colours adorn the chassis of Katie’s stylish Yamaha R3.
Now, MIH has pledged additional backing for the upcoming season, allowing Hand Racing to add Finley (Fin) Arscott – widely regarded as one of the sport’s most exciting young prospects – to its ranks.
MIH has been the title sponsor for Katie and her team since 2021, inspired by company Co-owner and Director Jon Beech’s love for motorcycling and the business’s passion for supporting both young talent and women in sport.
Jon said: “Katie continually exceeds our expectations and now, with Fin on board, it promises to be one of the most exciting years we’ve ever had on the track. They are two superb riders, with the motorcycling world at their fingertips.
“We’re delighted to be playing our part in helping them to fulfil their undoubted potential and are relishing the many opportunities the partnership continues to provide for us as a business.”
Fresh off the back of her success in the HEL Performance British Junior Supersport Championship in 2022, Katie – from Caistor in Lincolnshire – is again set to compete in the British Superbike support races, while 21-year-old Fin – from Lifton, in Devon – will ride the Yamaha R6 in the Pirelli National Junior Superstock Championship.
In a further exciting development, both Katie and Fin will be fully backed by Yamaha UK in their roles as part of the new Macadam academy, a venture set up to nurture and develop young talent in the cut-throat world of top-flight motorcycle racing.
Katie said: “We’ve managed to achieve what were some ambitious goals over the past couple of seasons, mainly thanks to a combination of hard work and the support of what is a fantastic team.
“I’m living out my dream and much of that has been made possible by MIH. Not only have they been with us every step of the way, but the specialist coaching, mentoring, communications and PR support provided by Jon and the team has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
“I’m very grateful and look forward to more exciting times ahead.”
Fin triumphed in the No Limits Racing Pirelli Super Series 600 Championship in 2022, in what was only his fourth competitive season.
He also achieved several top 10 finishes in the National Superstock Championship, supporting the British Superbike Championship.
He said: “I am so happy to be riding for MIH Solutions and Hand Racing this year. The time I have spent with the team already is giving me confidence that I am in the right place.”
British Superbike racing starts in April, with testing throughout February.
Founded in 2011, MIH offers a wide range of services, from specialist consultancy and coaching to full agency support for communications, PR and marketing. It also has a dedicated production team offering professional videography and photography solutions.
‘Make It Happen’ crowned winners at East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Business Awards 2022
East Midlands-based MIH Solutions has been crowned Small Business of the Year at the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Business Awards 2022. The organisation, which specialises in strategy, communications, PR and change, was also a finalist in the customer service category; and the company’s videographer, Charlie Hayes, was ‘highly commended’ in the Young Employee of the Year category.
Despite the challenges presented by the COVID pandemic, MIH, which stands for ‘Make It Happen’ has achieved a number of recent strategic business successes that secured it the gong. Growing the team from three permanent members of staff (with interim support) to fourteen in-house members of staff in less than four years, and making substantial increases in the average contract values secured were just two key achievements. The company has also taken the opportunity to develop and grow young talent, and is proud to have placed more than three young people into apprenticeship-level or developmental roles, with two already having been promoted within the team.
MIH Solutions also brought home the International PRCA Award earlier this year for their PR campaign, which supported South Derbyshire District Council in encouraging more visitors back to the towns of Swadlincote and Melbourne. Both towns are close to MIH’s central offices at Bretby Business Park near Burton on Trent, and the team was delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Council to support other local businesses.
Talking about the award, Jo Yeaman, Managing Director of MIH Solutions said, “I am so very proud of the team here at MIH and would like to thank each and every one of my colleagues. It is a pleasure to work with so many talented people, and it’s an added bonus that we all get on so well – possibly down to our commitment to recruiting, and only working with, people and organisations who share our core values. MIH is passionate about fostering the talent and skills of our team to create a well-rounded delivery capability for clients, and I am delighted that our very own Charlie Hayes was recognised for the amazing progress he has made since joining us last year.
“Our standards are indisputably high, and the award is a reflection of our collective hard work and dedication to delivering truly outstanding results for our clients. We are fortunate to work with a host of clients whose belief in our capability to deliver the exceptional has helped to fuel our business growth. We have big plans for the future and look forward to making more great things happen for our clients and for those who work with us.
The experienced team at MIH provides a variety of strategic communications and PR services, ranging from organisational vision and strategy development, change programmes, social media management, media and promotional campaigns, staff and stakeholder engagement, crisis handling, media training, stakeholder management.
The winners of the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Business Awards 2022 were announced at a Gala Awards Evening at the Pirelli Stadium on Thursday 10th November.
For a light-hearted glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes at MIH please go to: https://vimeo.com/648536555
The death of Her Majesty The Queen (21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022)
We live in a world of change. Technology, climate, politics – it often feels that nothing ever stays the same.
Working in the PR and communications industry, we know better than most how the prospect of change can prompt a sense of trepidation with which businesses, organisations and individuals struggle to cope.
That’s why the death of Queen Elizabeth II – our longest-reigning British monarch and the one constant, reassuring presence throughout an entire lifetime – has been felt so keenly by us all.
For more than 70 years, Her Majesty has served the United Kingdom and Commonwealth with steadfast dedication, distinction and dignity, winning over the hearts of millions.
Since the announcement of her passing at the age of 96, and in keeping with the mood of the nation, there has been a deep sense of sadness at MIH Solutions. The Queen meant so much to so many and, until she was gone, it seems none of us knew quite how much.
The Chief Executive Officer of one of our clients is a former serving member of the armed forces and revealed how he had been fortunate enough to meet Her Majesty on several occasions.
“She was everything you would like to imagine her to be,” he told us. “Unbelievably humble, kind, considerate and, above all, she had a fantastic sense of humour that quickly put those in her presence at ease.”
There is little new to add to the many incredible tributes that have already been paid, but it feels only right to join those across the globe in sending our thoughts, prayers and condolences to the Royal Family at this solemn and momentous time for our nation.
We hope the legacy of our Queen continues to unite all people and offer hope through change, in the way she surely would have wished.
Rest in peace, Ma’am.
PR specialist triumphs on the international stage
A PR agency whose work was instrumental in supporting a South Derbyshire town centre’s post-pandemic recovery has been honoured with a coveted industry award.
MIH Solutions, a PR and communications consultancy based just outside Burton-on-Trent, was victorious in the Strategic Communications category of the global PRCA Platinum Awards 2022.
The exclusive awards programme recognises and celebrates the very highest standards in public relations, offering organisations and individuals the opportunity to benchmark their work against the leading practitioners and teams from around the world.
MIH, which stands for ‘Make It Happen’, was rewarded for its efforts on ‘Discover Swadlincote’, a digitally focused PR and marketing campaign designed to re-energise the town centre in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. Following receipt of a Government grant to boost the local economy, MIH was commissioned by South Derbyshire District Council to help create a buzz around Swadlincote’s winter events calendar and promote it as the safe, exciting and thriving town to visit, shop and eat that it is.
Jo Yeaman, Managing Director at MIH Solutions, said: “We are delighted to have won the PRCA’s international Strategic Communications Award and are honoured to have beaten off some pretty stiff competition.
“We are based at Bretby Business Park, very close to Swadlincote. Several members of our team are from the local area, so we were passionate about making a positive contribution to local businesses and supporting a community which we know well and is close to our hearts.
“By working closely with the Council, and in spite of a modest budget, we pulled out all the stops to celebrate the many gems that Swadlincote has to offer, resulting in businesses reporting a major upsurge in footfall in the lead-up to Christmas 2021.
“Our success was down to the talent, innovation and dedication of our team. They are passionate about all our clients and are always thinking creatively about how we can add the most value for them, no matter what the challenge.”
The international PRCA Platinum Awards ceremony was held in London, open only to award-winning or recently shortlisted PR agencies and professionals. MIH made the cut after its success in the PRCA Dare Awards’ low budget campaign category for the Midlands region, again for its work on Discover Swadlincote.
The 10-week campaign involved creating a strategic social media plan, media management and engaging the local community, as well as the production of three promotional videos showcasing Swadlincote’s shopping, dining and tourism offerings.
Mike Roylance, Head of Economic Development and Growth at South Derbyshire District Council said: “We have found MIH to be very creative and responsive to our requirements. Working to a tight timescale, they were able to create a structured marketing programme which has had a great impact.”
Town bucks COVID trend as sculpture trail provides Christmas trade boost
Businesses in Swadlincote have thanked the thousands of people who chose to keep it local this Christmas after recording a hugely positive festive trading period.
Despite the increased reliance on online shopping as the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt, many independent traders in the South Derbyshire town have reported a major upsurge in footfall throughout November and December.
They have credited the positive impact of The Snowman™ and The Snowdog sculpture trail, which arrived in Swadlincote on 20 November and helped to draw in visitors from across the Midlands and beyond.
The 20 sculptures, which enjoyed an eight-week stay until 16 January, were dotted all around the town centre as part of a specially designed walking trail which has captured the imagination of people of all ages.
A month-long programme of festive activities in the town centre also played its part, with everything from a giant snow globe and Santa letter-writing workshop to live music and ice sculpting pulling in the crowds.
An open-air environment and the work of two specially appointed COVID wardens helped to ensure that shoppers remained confident that their safety would be maintained while bagging a bargain in person and supporting the high street.
Dawn Ramsell, of family-owned Baumgartners Jewellers in Midland Road, said: “It has been absolutely wonderful. The Snowman™ and Snowdog trail was a brilliant way to get people walking around the town and the programme of events was fantastic too, with something new and exciting to look forward to every weekend.
“After such uncertainty caused by the pandemic, it was lovely to see so many people flocking to town, with so many smiling faces. Swadlincote was buzzing and felt like the exciting little town at Christmas that I remember as a girl, and it was lovely to enjoy that with my own family.
“I would like to say a big thank you and well done to everyone who helped to make it happen.”
Tina Holmes, owner of Stan’s Pals pet deli in Midland Road, said: “The events were brilliant. Before the sculpture trail arrived, we were worried that Christmas just wasn’t going to happen. The sculptures made people smile and that was needed during such difficult times.”
Councillor Kevin Richards, South Derbyshire District Council’s Leader, said: “The Council is committed to supporting local businesses and The Snowman™ and The Snowdog sculpture trail has brought so many people into Swadlincote town centre over a prolonged period from 20 November to 16 January.
“The feedback we have received from local businesses has been overwhelmingly positive and we will take all of this on board when we plan events in future.”
The Snowman™ and The Snowdog sculpture trail was brought to Swadlincote by South Derbyshire District Council in partnership with Wild in Art and Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House UK), supported by Welcome Back funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The Council was also responsible for putting together the festive activities programme using the Welcome Back Fund, which has been established to support and promote the safe and successful reopening of the public environment for local trade and tourism, including running publicity campaigns and assisting with events that will boost footfall and encourage people back into high streets, thereby supporting local businesses.
MIH Solutions – a strategic communications and PR agency based on the Bretby Business Park near Burton upon Trent – was appointed by the Council to provide marketing expertise to promote the trail and the district’s town centres more widely.