This week we review three more webinars, highlight three pieces of creative work – we have had various calls with Agency CEO’s in the UK, we have also caught up with a couple of agencies by Zoom in New York. It’s been a week when many have tried to get on with those always delayed household DIY chores.

1. First up is Mark Ritson’s review of Marketing in Coronavirus and what it means for Marketeers going forward. Mark excellently highlights the serious implications, as well as the important role Marketeers play in term of generating profit and keeping the economy going. Mark lists the different modes that companies are working to, whether a flex, fix, or freeze mode. And goes on to look at the role of changing marketing departments during the crisis. At this point – he sees 2020 as a tactical pinpong match, brands should be taking time out but thinking 2021 as the strategy year when things begin to re-emerge. If you have the time, this is a ‘must watch’ for anyone really.

Here is the Link: https://vimeo.com/405854307/56ea8cdd5d

2. Adweek ran its live webinar on Covid 19 on Tuesday and looked how agencies were coping in the lockdown, there are some interesting comms learnings from the US.

Here is the Link: https://www.linkedin.com/video/live/urn:li:ugcPost:6655856085263536128/

3. One of the more light hearted pieces this week was the Ongoing series ‘marketing in pyjamas’ – watch towards the end, ‘pad of the week’ goes to former Unilever supremo Keith Weed – there is hope for all Marketeers going forward.

Here is the link: https://www.tribegroup.co/marketers-in-pyjamas

There’s space in Our Weekly Review for the Annual Campaign School Report, released today, it’s a ratings we often use when finally shortlisting agencies. https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/school-reports-2020-sibling-rivalry-sparks-change-top/1680078 For those on the up, with an 8 or a 9 well done, for those going down in the ratings, it will be buried on a desk with more important news. Congratulations go to A&E/DDB for toppling AMV BBDO from the annual Nielsen billing league and gaining pole position. In particular, congratulations go to Tammy Einav, who way back worked with me trying to get McCann to the number one slot. Back then she was a New Business Account Manager, now CEO of A&E/DDB in London, she is calmly running the Biggest agency in the UK.

Time for the Work: three brands we highlight this week for producing outstanding work during the crisis, the first is slightly biased, but I do get a shiny seat occasionally, thanks to Joanne.

1. First up, British Airways, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=615KyCRUTnU delivered a great ad this week, created by Ogilvy Uk. Whilst the airline has furloughed 36,000 cabin crew, its still made this spot that tugs at the heartstrings of Britain. Featuring the colleagues in the ad, cabin crew, flight deck and CEO Alex Cruz it shows the optimism of the airline and pride to return to fly. Creatively delivered, they’re doing all they can to support the NHS.

2. We loved the new EE spot, Jeremy Lee called this one out, created by Saatchi and Saatchi, a ‘slice of Bacon’, its shows how EE is gifting unlimited data services to NHS workers. https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/ee-gifts-unlimited-data-nhs-workers-kevin-bacon-fronted-campaign/1679864

3. And we also highlight the Co-Op local heroes campaign, great work produced under the constraints of the lockdown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIZ7AEi465o this ad was created by Lucky Generals.

And finally, last and definitely least, Council meetings go on in Henley, I don’t always get my way. So if you really have nothing better to watch, here is the link to the first ever Full council under Zoom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs0e4Fpi0wY

This Week’s applause goes to Captain Tom Moore, Captain Tom originally planned to raise £1,000 by completing 100 lengths of his 25 metre garden before his 100th birthday on April 30. But his amazing efforts captured the public imagination and the country has taken him to their hearts, donating in their droves – and the cash is still rolling in, £15 million, quite amazing. Here’s his fundraising link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tomswalkforthenhs

With the UK now set on another three weeks of lockdown, social distancing seems to be working, people are getting use to the new way of working, the economy looks set to take a real hit. We continue to seek projects to keep us busy, of any variety, so if you would like to discuss your agency needs for when the lockdown ends, please do get in touch on 07730 431171, or email me above.

Stay healthy, and stay positive, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Kind regards,

Will