Communication network pulls together to build resilience

Some of the UK’s leading communications professionals have signed up for a weekly video conference to share advice and ideas around the economic and business implications of Coronavirus.

As the UK clamours to adapt to the shifting commercial landscape, and with non-essential contact guidance issued by the UK government, virtual network marketing agency, Pimento, brought together 75 of its agencies with professional services of communication consultants – including HR, finance, legal, debt management and business consultants – for an hour-long video conference last week. Buoyed by its success, virtual meetings will now take place every Wednesday from 11am – 12pm – with a different theme to be discussed each week.

Setting the tone for discussion, Pimento polled its network of 5,500 media professionals to understand how the industry was adapting – as well as its fears. While most were no strangers to working from home, there was a sense of trepidation around the unknown.

Addressing the issues raised, Clarion, Reality HR, Redfin, Paul Woolley Consulting, Escalate, Premier Recruitment and Pimento People spoke to the viewers during the most recent call, before answering a Q&A which covered several areas of concern.

Stephen Knight, Pimento founder and CEO said: “As with any personal or professional community, there is a lot we can do together if we share and respond as one. The sector needs to support itself at a time where advertising spend is – understandably – being cut and our own clients are suffering.”

“As teams switch their focus to PR, more direct comms, webinars, marketing automation and a strong push on social media in order to maintain that place at the table, we wanted to ensure Pimento members supported each other through these unprecedented times”.

“Pimento was set up as a virtual agency network some 16 years ago. We have no offices and have used technology from day one to manage our business, so we wanted to use our wealth of experience – as well as our network of advisors – to support those making this transition for the first time.”

Following the success of the webinar, Pimento will host weekly workshops every Wednesday morning at 11am, with up to five advisors speaking during each.