Futerra News

Ed at Green Strategy

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:20:50 +0000

Ed will be co-facilitating the dynamic final session of the day at this year's Green Strategy event with Green Monday Chairman Jim Woods. Working with the expertise, insights and experience of the 150+ attendees at the creative disruption event Ed will be helping to pull together the ultimate 'greenprint' for business. It should be an amazing session and hopefully the outcome will help inspire a next generation of sustainability initiatives in business beyond efficiency, house-keeping and incremental improvement and into bold, brave new innovation and transformation. Come along and join in the fun...

Ed in the Guardian

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:05:37 +0000

Following the publication of the WWF/PIRC report on advertising 'Think of me as evil?' last week, Ed has written a response for Guardian Sustainable Business here. It's an important debate that addresses some uncontentious, pervasiveness and ubiquity of advertising, marketing to children etc issues, and some more contentious ones - influence on values, aggregate consumption etc. This is a fascinating and evolving discussion...come and be part of it.

Ed at Behaviour Change for Sustainability National Congress 2011 in Oz

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:41:39 +0000

Developed collaboratively with some of Australia’s most active behaviour change practitioners, thinkers and researchers, the congress aims to help practitioners make real and substantive progress in their work.

On the second day (the 11th) Ed will be presenting a short film entitled ‘Stories, sizzle, salience and social proof - how great creative communications can effectively activate behaviour change beyond the usual suspects.’ The film will be followed by what promises to be a lively Q&A with Dr Tom Crompton, Change Strategist, WWF (UK) via video conference Ben Peackock, Founder, Republic of Everyone Les Robinson, Director, Enabling Change.

You can watch the trailer for the film here and sign up to the event here.

Ed at Communicate

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:56:33 +0000

Ed's off to Bristol tomorrow to Chair a special session on 'Reconnecting Nature & Economics' at the annual Communicate Conference. With a suitably prestigious panel of experts, including a video message from 'Mr Economics of Biodiversity' himself Pavan Sukhdevm, it should be a provocative debate. Follow the fun via Twitter @communicate2011

Lucy Shea Speaking at the IBM Start Summit on the 1st of November

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:33:44 +0000

The Start Summit is an event for exploring and evolving the next generation of sustainable business strategies. The overall theme for the day is “Nudge or push? Engaging the sustainable consumer”. Futerra’s Chief Executive Lucy Shea is a highlighted speaker on the theme “Understanding and influencing the smarter consumer.” at 3pm on today (the 1st of November).

Social media, mobile devices, location based services … today’s consumer has never been so well informed. Information is power, and consumers are now in a stronger position than ever to filter the messages that interest them, and decide what to take notice of – whether it’s information about prices, availability, health and wellness, or the environmental or social impact of products and services. This debate will explore three key questions:

How much do consumers really care about sustainability?
What incentives will be effective in accelerating change?
How do you scale up your sustainability plan to make a significant difference?

During the discussion Lucy will examine the value and importance of sustainability in business and how to scale up your sustainability plans to make a significant difference. You can follow developments through the hashtag #IBMStart.

Ed helps reset retail

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:36:25 +0000

Brilliant Futerran buddy Jimmy Greer is running what will likely be a very lively, creative and radically inventive session at the new Hub Westminster's 'Changemakers Fayre' on Thursday 27th October between 6-7pm. Ed is stepping into assist Jimmy in co-facilitating the session 'Designing a High Street as if the world mattered'. Expect sparks, laughs and all sorts of irreverend social and environ-mentalisation!

Ed Gillespie on Ethics and Effectiveness

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 07:02:09 +0000

A Seminar with Guardian Sustainable Business

On Thursday the 27th of October Ed Gillespie will be delivering a seminar in conjunction with Guardian Sustainable Business entitled 'Ethics and Effectiveness - Communications for Financial Services’.

The financial services sector has faced numerous challenges in recent years; accusations of miss-selling of products, poorly marketed 'green' bank accounts and unclear ethical positioning to name but a few. Yet following the financial crisis consumers are increasingly interested in genuinely ethical banking, but many institutions have failed to capitalise on this new demand.

What constitutes an ethical bank account? How should this be marketed to consumers? How do you avoid accusations of financial 'greenwash'? The Guardian's half-day seminar in association with Futerra will ensure you have the knowledge, tools and vision to tackle the challenges you face.

The "Ethics and effectiveness" session will enable you to:

Gain an insight into emerging consumer interest, demand and trends in ethical financial services
Appreciate what constitutes ethical substance, not just style, in financial services
Understand the 'Rules' for effective communication of financial ethics
Use the right language to get your message across
Avoid the pitfalls of 'greenwash'
Generate creative ideas on how to achieve 'cut-through' for your messaging in a busy media marketplace
Learn from the best examples in the sector

Who should attend?

CSR managers
Financial product development managers
PR managers
Marketing managers
Internal communications managers

More information can be found here.

Ed goes to EUROPARC

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:45:21 +0000

Co-Founder Ed is off to Bad Urach in Germany (by train, of course, courtesy of the lovely rail-bookers at Loco2) this week to give a keynote at the EUROPARC Conference 2011. Ed's talk entitled "Claws, Paws & the Cause: How Branding Biodiversity can transform your communications" should offer a suitable provocation to the assembled denizens of European conservation and protected areas.

Join Lucy Shea for a live discussion: Sustainability in the apparel industry

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:07:57 +0000

The apparel industry touches millions of lives worldwide. Its complexity and scale means that its social, environmental and economic impacts are huge. Changing the system to enhance its sustainability is a significant challenge.

But what other industry has such potential to make sustainability desirable?
Join Futerra’s CEO Lucy Shea on Guardian Sustainable Business’ live discussion today from 2-4pm GMT (9th of September).

Pose your questions and check out the responses here. Follow Lucy’s progress as she goes Swishing instead of shopping for a year @swishinglucy and here

Natalya Sverjensky in Ethical Corporation

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:17:10 +0000

Natalya Sverjensky has written a piece for Ethical Corporation entitled 'A Sustainable Future: Why Al Gore is Wrong'.

Responding to an op-ed by Gore in Rolling Stone, Natalya argues that sustainability leadership can no longer be restricted to American presidents. Outlining four new ways of looking at the crisis we face, she shows how accepting risk and uncertainty can help us find the sustainable solutions we need.

'Businesses that will be thriving over the next few decades will be those who accept the scale of the risks they face – not merely image-wise, but regarding their very license to operate. Focusing on next quarter’s shareholder return is unlikely to deliver that kind of thinking.'

You can read the whole article here.

Masterclass in Brussels in Collaboration with ON:SUBJECT

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:59:03 +0000

We are running a masterclass on the 19th of September in Brussels in conjuntion with ON:SUBJECT. David Willans will be presenting our 'Sustainability 101' session with Wiebke Herding.

Whether you aim to raise awareness or inspire action, our wealth of experience and hands on approach will ensure you are better equipped to effectively communicate sustainability. You can download the flyer that has costings and more information on the masterclass here.

Futerra at Shambala...

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:29:25 +0000

This weekend sees a gang of plucky Futerrans heading to the legendary Shambala festival to particpate actively in the proceedings. The 'Futerra All-Stars' debating team will be locking horns with 'The Pirate Technics' in the Wonky Cock's (it's a real ale bar on the festival site apparently) 'Devil's Advocate Debating Sessions' on Sunday lunchtime. The motion, that we are of course opposing, is 'This house believes that humans are not fit for purpose'. If you find yourself in a Northamptonshire field come along and join in the fun...

We're recruiting a new Communications Consultant for Futerra London

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:12:05 +0000

We are recruiting for an outstanding communications consultant to join the Futerra team.

The role sits within our newly formed communications team. This team of talented individuals focuses on delivering outstanding content, from crafting messaging for our client’s campaigns, to developing revolutionary creative concepts to drive behaviour change.

The communications team works alongside a dedicated client and brand team who lead and manage projects, as well as business development specialists who drive Futerra’s new business and marketing work. A member of Futerra’s senior management team oversees every project, bringing high-level creative and strategic insight and mentoring the client and communications team.

You are a creative, charismatic individual – bringing with you broad communications experience as well as specific PR and social media experience, gained across a range of corporate and consumer-facing campaigns. Knowledgeable and passionate about sustainability, you are keen to use your experience to accelerate your career in an entrepreneurial, driven environment.

This is a rare chance to make your mark in one of the most innovative and forward-thinking communications consultancies in the UK. In exchange for your hard work we will enable you to develop your talent through a highly personalised development and training plan.

Introduce yourself by sending a CV and one page outlining why you’d be great for the job and how you’d be a good fit for Futerra, to sara@futerra.co.uk

Please have it reach us by 19^th August 2011 (we know you always meet even the tightest of deadlines!)

Skills

Passion for sustainable development and marketing and communications
Excellent understanding of PR and its role within the communications mix
Excellent understanding of and proven experience in using social and digital media across a range of platforms
Strong knowledge of media landscape and excellent media contacts, keeping abreast of current trends and developments in the field
Knowledge of, and a passion for, sustainable development. Keeping a finger on the pulse of sustainability communications
Ability to accurately brief out and conduct research
Developing ability to analyse and extract insights from research base
Flair for developing creative solutions based on research insights
Excellent copywriting skills
Facilitation and public speaking expertise
Ability to motivate and manage others, including suppliers

Roles and responsibilities

Projects

Work closely with client leads to develop outstanding content which helps us deliver award-winning campaigns
Work closely with creative and strategic leads to develop campaign concepts and strategies
Use your PR and social media expertise to develop and deliver PR and social media campaigns
Gain experience in converting prospects and building long term client relationships
Ensure your work is of excellent quality, delivered to budget and deadlines

Business Development

Assist team in developing content for new business pitches and presenting it in pitch meetings
Maintain and build relationships with past and current clients
External relations, including confidently representing Futerra at conferences and events, giving presentations and networking

People management

Manage interns as required, including setting objectives, delegating and overseeing project work, evaluating placement and feeding learning into intern programme
Manage junior consultants and other team members to support the delivery of content on projects, delegating as directed by project manager and strategic or creative lead

Futerra

Assist in team budget and client management by completing daily timesheet
Contribute to Futerra’s ongoing development
Support the Head of PR and Business Development team on Futerra PR and marketing – eg: Swishing, Futerra news, social media

Targets

Time spent on billed client work: 75%

Time spent on Futerra work: 25%

The Biggest Sustainability Game In Town

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:59:19 +0000

Over 1.3 billion people will be touched by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London. This is an historic opportunity to accelerate sustainable behaviour change. To help you harness that potential Defra have sponsored Futerra’s new report Games Theory in support of their ‘inspiring sustainable living’ agenda.

Download Games Theory: Using the power of sport for pro-environmental behaviour change

The guide reveals:

New learning and stories from previous Olympic Games, World Cups and other major sporting events
Clear audience, message and tactical principles specific to the Games
Helpful checklists for your environmental and social change campaigns

This Thursday 4th of August at 3pm (GMT)

Games Theory Webinar

Joining the debate:

David Willans, of Futerra

David Stubbs, LOCOG’s Head of Sustainability

Defra’s Sustainable Development Programme’s 2012 Team

Please call us for printed copies of the report, details of the webinar, or to discover more about the research.

Join David Willans for a Behaviour Change Webinar

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:34:14 +0000

With 1.3 billion people watching, the Olympic and Paralympic Games presents a unique opportunity to drive environmental behaviour change.

The UK Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) has commissioned Futerra to identify how best to seize this opportunity. Games Theory – due to launch on Monday 1^st August - is the result. Games Theory, is a practical, evidenced based guide containing 19 principles to help you design and deliver your communications to achieve environmental behaviour change at large scale events like the Games.

Join our expert panel on the 4^th of August at 3pm GMT to learn more about Games Theory and to discuss the challenges and opportunities for environmental behaviour change at the Games. The panel will include David Willans, Futerra’s Communications Director, David Stubbs, LOCOG’s Head of Sustainability and a member of Defra’s Sustainable Development Programme’s 2012 team.

You can sign up to the webinar here.

Futerra at the Asylum...

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:37:23 +0000

No we haven't finally gone completely mad. Our very own Co-Founder Ed is compereing an event down in Cornwall at the Asylum, an amazing pop-up theatre in a field (see cool pictures here), on the evening of Monday 25th July. Organised by Kneehigh theatre company and our good buddy the legendary Chris Hines, the evening is called 'Global Cornwall' and will feature musicians, poets, comedians and campaigner Peter Tatchell.

It should be a brilliant night and you can get tickets here. Come and join us!

Futerra in PR Week...

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:58:15 +0000

Co-Founder Ed is in industry bible PRWeek today commenting on the efficacy of a recent Coca-Cola CSR initiative. You can read the full article and Ed's erudite analysis of the campaign via this handy little link right here.

We're recruiting a new Client Director in the US!

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:58:09 +0000

Futerra is Europe’s leading sustainability communications agency. For over ten years we have been helping some of the world’s biggest businesses integrate sustainability into their brand.

We are growing our unique and effective approach in the US, and are looking for an exceptional Client Director to lead the development of outstanding client relationships.

Based in New York City, you will be a key player in establishing our brand within the US market. You bring to the table your passion for sustainability, knowledge of the communications sector, and your skill for securing clients. Ideally from an agency background, you can demonstrate your talent for managing an impressive client portfolio.

With the support of our UK team, you will be the driving force of key client accounts in the US, along with the implementation of the business development strategy. In our expanding sector you already have the ability to identify trends and potential new markets. You are also able to spot remarkable talent to grow the client team, and you inspire the best in others.

We offer a competitive package and the chance for you to make a real impact on sustainability.

To apply, please send your resume and a covering letter detailing the key contribution you will make to the Futerra brand in the US to jeff@futerra.co.uk

Application deadline: 2 August 2011

Futerraâs Harriet Kingaby on the Guardian Live Chat: Improving Higher Eductationâs green credentials

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:11:42 +0000

This afternoon, Futerra Consultant Harriet Kingaby will be part of a panel on the Guardian Higher Education (HE) Network’s live chat on improving the HE sector’s green credentials. The chat will run from 1pm until 4pm, and is open for everyone to drop in to follow the discussion, and participate in the debate.

A recent report from the Higher Education Academy on first-year student attitudes towards, and skills in, sustainable development, found that "sustainability concerns are important to students in selecting their university." This evidence suggests that, as competition to attract students in the new HE market intensifies, a university's sustainability policy could give it an advantage over other institutions.

As students gain power as fee-payers, are universities doing enough to respond to their ethical concerns? And in light of current financial challenges, is a greener agenda realistic? The panel will be exploring answers to these and many other questions.

Harriet will be joined by:

- John Bailey, Sustainability Projects Officer, Greenwich University

-Iain Patton, Chief Executive, Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges

- Robert Abrams, Environment and Ethics Executive, Swansea University Students Union

- Harry Fraser, Project Officer, EcoCampus

- Patrick Bailey, Pro Vice-Chancellor for environment and sustainability, Keel University

- Rob Bristow, Programme Manager, JISC

- Dr Alastair Robertson, Head of Policy and Partnership, Higher Education Academy

- Louise Hazan, climate change campaigns & communications manager, People & Planet

You can follow the chat from 1pm here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/higher-education-network/blog/2011/jun/22/green-league-table-live-chat

Letters to leaders â Gucci sells a green lifestyle

info@futerra.co.uk (Futerra Sustainability Communications Ltd) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:54:10 +0000

Solitaire Townsend’s fourth Letter to Leaders published yesterday is to the Chairman and CEO of Gucci, Robert Polet. In it, she challenges Gucci to transform its business model into one that maps out a vision of sustainable and desirable lifestyles.

Being the world’s most coveted luxury brand means that Gucci is in a unique position to do this. “You need to go beyond designing sustainable products, you need to design sustainable desires”, writes Solitaire.

Because “when it comes to sex, status and desirability, Gucci has our number.” It has the potential to not only transform its own brand, but transform the nature of global consumerism, without losing its aspirational pull.

Gucci can even put sustainability front and centre in the brand it already has: Solitaire concludes, “Your ‘Forever, Now’ slogan is a superb definition of sustainability. Time to deliver it.”

You can read the latest Letter to Leaders on the Guardian Sustainable Business website here.