Kent journalists’ worst moments
We asked Kent journalists to describe the worst or most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to them in their jobs. We got such a variety of answers – from the genuinely traumatic to those that made us gasp or laugh out loud.
October, 2023 more
PR goes beyond the press
Effective public relations is much more than simply media relations – the value of a press release goes beyond just sending it to the media. It’s about utilising the reach of all available channels to communicate with your target audience(s) and key stakeholders.
August, 2023 more
Is my news really newsworthy?
Erica Jones, Account Director at Kent-based PR, marketing and public affairs agency Maxim, considers when something is – and isn't – news.
June, 2023 more
What are FAQs and why do I need them?
Frequently asked questions can be a valuable business tool, writes Maxim Account Director Erica Jones, if you take the time to prepare and share them.
November, 2022 more
Look after your personal brand
These days your personal brand can be just as important as an organisation’s, whether you’re a national figure or simply a business person trying to get on with an everyday job, according to Rachel Knight, Director at Maxim.
September, 2022 more
Don’t over-complicate your message
Erica Jones, Account Director at Kent-based PR, marketing and public affairs agency Maxim, explains the importance of press releases and how to use them.
July, 2022 more
Maxim ensures story is on the right track for publicity
A fundamental basic of public relations is getting the story to the media in the most efficient and effective manner. Andrew Metcalf, Director of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim, explains more and shares a recent success story, which demonstrates why PR is more than “just” a press release.
April, 2021 more
How do you secure positive press coverage during a pandemic?
Having a sense for what makes news is fundamental to achieving positive press coverage. Combined with longstanding media contacts and an ability to write a press release, great PR – like great comedy – is also about the timing, says Andrew Metcalf, Director of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim.
March, 2021 more
Difficult times for business publications
The demise of a publication that for many years was an integral part of the regional business community gives Andrew Metcalf, a Director at Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim, cause to reflect.
August, 2020 more
Big public backing for Biggleston Yard, Canterbury
Securing public support for a £30m Kent city centre investment to support the project team’s path through the planning process is one of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim’s latest success stories, writes Andrew Metcalf, the Director who led the community and stakeholder engagement activity.
August, 2020 more
Successful bid strengthens Maxim client
Raising awareness of what an organisation does, and how it makes a difference, can help secure influential advocates and have a major impact on the success of a business. Maxim director Andrew Metcalf considers a case in point, client NIAB EMR
July, 2020 more
Top tips for becoming a valued media spokesperson
The media is constantly on the lookout for credible spokespeople to respond to enquiries, often resulting in interviews in print, on radio, and on television. Andrew Metcalf, Director at PR and marketing agency Maxim, offers some advice on becoming – and proving yourself – a valued spokesperson for the media.
March, 2020 more
Getting your message across
Sometimes words need to be serious, other times they need to be friendly and relaxed. Erica Jones, account manager at Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim, considers the importance of language when sharing your story.
February, 2020 more
What is a video press release?
A video press release, or a video news release, is filmed as a news report to then be issued to the media. Much like the written version, a video press release should be produced in a style that will make it easy for the media to use.
August, 2019 more
Adventure golf putts media management to the test
An ambitious client project saw Account Manager Erica Jones of PR and marketing agency Maxim juggling TV stations and interviews in an intense day of filming. Here she explains why even when the story is effortlessly spread, there’s still a lot of work to be done.
August, 2019 more
RBLI enlists Maxim for centenary push
2019 sees Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) celebrate 100 years of improving lives every day, and Maxim has been recruited by the military charity to help mark the milestone.
February, 2019 more
In praise of the humble pun
Is the pun soon to be a thing of the past in the world of PR, its demise hastened by the onward march of search engine driven content?
August, 2018 more
Wetherspoons calls time on social media
Is the decision from Wetherspoons' Tim Martin to call time on social media a cynical ploy to simply cut costs at the budget pub chain, or are the likes of Twitter and Facebook going a little flat for some brands? Andrew Metcalf and Rachel Knight of PR and marketing agency Maxim give their views.
April, 2018 more
Free Kent on Sunday pays ultimate price
For the first time in more than 15 years, there was no edition of Kent on Sunday this weekend after its owners, Archant, took the decision to close it. Andrew Metcalf looks back at the rise, and unfortunate fall, of the award-winning newspaper.
December, 2017 more
Bluebird story flies
Maxim helped secure national media coverage for client Markerstudy Leisure and its venue Bewl Water when Sir Malcolm Campbell’s restored Bluebird K3 was rolled out for a public test day.
September, 2017 more
Ad blocking puts content in the spotlight
With nearly one in seven British adults using ad blocking software, marketers are turning back to content to help them connect their brands with consumers, writes Andrew Metcalf, director of Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim.
April, 2017 more
Freebies: Good marketing tool or a waste of money?
There’s something about the word free that draws people in, but do we actually need, want or use those items we’ve hastily grabbed? Erica Jones from Kent PR and marketing agency Maxim looks at the benefits or otherwise of the free gift.
November, 2016 more
Protecting your reputation in a crisis
Any organisation, no matter how well run, can face a potential public relations crisis. How the situation is handled can make a significant difference to its impact.
September, 2016 more
Tips for taking photos for the press
A good picture can tell – or even sell – a story so as a PR agency Maxim always advises clients to use a professional photographer whenever possible. But what if you don't have the time or the budget?
September, 2016 more
‘We’re the Superhumans’ sees Channel 4 take Olympic gold
It seems Team GB’s performance in the media league table helped deliver for the BBC during the Olympics. However, with the nation’s broadcaster having the rights and being ad free, what impact has that had on the success of advertisers?
August, 2016 more
Politician defends a journalist – shock horror
Does it matter if someone is offended by a reporter’s line of questioning? Andy Rayfield, account director at Kent PR and public affairs agency Maxim, says he believes journalists have every right to ask probing questions
June, 2016 more
How to prepare to face the television cameras
Being interviewed by the media can be a daunting experience, being interviewed on film can make it even more nerve-racking. Erica Jones of PR and marketing agency Maxim offers some advice to help you get it right.
May, 2016 more
Last minute rush secures bumper awards entries
Proving journalists love an impending deadline, 57 per cent of the 147 entries for the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards were submitted either the day before or on the closing date for submissions.
April, 2016 more
New Day for newspapers?
With the demise of the print edition of The Independent and the arrival of a new newspaper named New Day, Andrew Metcalf considers the ever-changing media landscape.
February, 2016 more
FIFA scandal undermines brand of beautiful game
News of arrests at FIFA’s headquarters in Geneva by FBI agents sent the media into a frenzy of activity, calling into question the reputation of the beautiful game. Football fan Andy Rayfield considers some interesting questions.
May, 2015 more
Web award for Maxim?
Maxim is a finalist in the first Kent Digital Awards which organisers say received ‘an outstanding number of entries.
May, 2015 more
All about Awards – from publicising to entering
It’s important for businesses to shout about their achievements which is why Kent PR agency Maxim encourages clients to get involved in award schemes. Account Director Andy Rayfield explains our role.
April, 2015 more
New client is a #lidlsurprise for Maxim
We all know ranking high on Google is good for business, but having a good enough website to keep prospective clients – and the work capability to live up to your promise – are equally important. Fortunately, Maxim had all three when we recently landed a little project with a big name.
October, 2014 more
PR skills put to the test in local newsroom
As the media is constantly changing it is vital for PR agencies to keep up to date with how journalists work. Rachel Knight, account director at Maxim, spent the afternoon in a busy newsroom to soak up the atmosphere.
August, 2014 more
PR has to be earned - it’s not free
There is no such thing as free PR. Businesses who think that PR is free rarely, if ever, get the full benefit of it as a way of building trust and engaging with their customers.
June, 2014 more
How does PR link with digital?
Andrew Metcalf has recently spoken about the relationship between PR and digital at Digital in Kent and West Kent B2B. Here he outlines the lifecycle of a news story, from first tweeted rumour to full press coverage.
June, 2014 more
A Barnes-tormer of a PR disaster
Asked by BBC Radio Kent to join them in the studio, Maxim’s Andrew Metcalf watched as the Kent & Medway Police & Crime Panel quizzed Ann Barnes on the reasoning behind her decision to take part in the now infamous C4 ‘Meet the Commissioner’ programme. He then went on to give his views live on air on her performance.
June, 2014 more
Taking pride in your work
Seeing your newspaper or magazine in the shops can be an exciting achievement for a young journalist, Erica Jones remembers her first publication day and its continued presence during her new career in PR.
April, 2014 more
How to create great content
At the recent Digital in Kent conference Andrew Metcalf hosted a workshop about writing great content. Here, he sums up the main points from his speech.
March, 2014 more
Time called on newspaper photographers
As one newspaper group announces it is phasing out photographers it's increasingly important you provide a good quality image with your press release. We offer some tips to get your picture past the editor
February, 2014 more
How to prepare for a media interview
Imagine you have an interview with a journalist that could have a positive impact on your business, or perhaps mitigate the damage of a negative story – how should you prepare? Kent PR agency Maxim provides some top tips.
January, 2014 more
How a newsroom works
Reporters and editors are relatively well known, but what’s the difference between a spell checker and a sub-editor and how do the three roles work together? Maxim’s Erica Jones, a former sub-editor, explains the goings on in a newsroom.
December, 2013 more
Quick action secures press coverage
We are often telling clients that being flexible helps to secure press coverage and it is always nice to see that piece of advice being acted upon.
November, 2013 more
A taste of Digital in Kent
Marketing was high on the list of topics for discussion at the second Digital in Kent conference. Out short film gives an overview of what we learnt.
October, 2013 more
Timely challenge to influence Vatican
When Pope Benedict XVI surprised the world and resigned there was a rare opportunity for Roman Catholics seeking changes within the church to voice their opinions, spark debate and try to influence his successor. Find out how we helped.
May, 2013 more
Manston goes global
Kent knows it is now connected to the world thanks to new twice-daily flights from Manston Airport to award-winning hub Schiphol, in Amsterdam, with Maxim playing its part by working with the county’s media to shout about the good news.
April, 2013 more
A dozen gems from Digital in Kent
Rachel Knight shares her thoughts on some of the points that were made at Digital in Kent - a conference that covered SEO, PPC and social media.
April, 2013 more
My week with the wonderful Maxim team
Student Vita Vents spent a day a week with us over a couple of months, enabling her to gain a wider variety of experience than she would have in a single week. She shares her thoughts on her time at Maxim.
March, 2013 more
Death of the deadline confirmed
With the unrelenting march of the smartphone and tablet, the great British public is getting a growing proportion of its news digitally. As a result, the deadline is now well and truly dead.
March, 2013 more
Print versus online press coverage
Do you ever think about where your company news appears? Rachel Knight, Account Director at Maxim, considers the issues of print versus online.
February, 2013 more
Keep calm and communicate
We have many years’ experience working with clients to promote their good news. However, companies also need to prepare for the prospect of an event which could damage their hard earned reputation. Here are 10 issues to consider when managing a crisis.
January, 2013 more
Avoid shooting the messenger
Social media and digital marketing are not yet delivering the perfect solution for building relationships with customers. But is it too easy to start blaming the messenger rather than the message?
January, 2013 more
'Thank you' reaffirms self-belief
There are occasions in an agency’s life when all the hard work you put in is more than worth it. Recently Maxim had one of those moments - read all about it here.
January, 2013 more
A poor brief is pants
Appointing a PR and marketing agency: where do you start? The first, and most important thing to do is develop and agree a brief, which is realistic, deliverable and above all is consistent with your company’s broader business plan.
December, 2012 more
Return on investment
Appointing the agency is relatively easy, but the hard work’s only just begun. The challenge is how to translate news into column inches and tangible new business.
August, 2012 more
Maxim meets the Mighty Eagle
More than 100 of the world’s major media outlets covered the launch of Angry Birds Activity Parks recently, making it one of Maxim’s most successful projects to date.
June, 2012 more
Ten questions to ask your prospective PR agency
You’ve spent hours developing the brief, despatched it to a number of prospective agencies, read their proposals and shortlisted the lucky three, or four, for interview – but what questions should you ask them when you see the whites of their eyes?
June, 2012 more
PR and Press - are we really so different?
It's the perennial question asked of journalists who leave the 'sanctity' of the newsdesk to join a PR agency: Why have you sold your soul and turned to the ‘dark side’? With many of the team at Maxim being former journalists we’re very aware of the 'them and us' attitude.
February, 2012 more
'Off the record' - does it really work?
Many believe that verbally agreeing with a journalist that their comments will be ‘Off the record’ means they won’t be quoted, and therefore will be protected. However, that’s not the case in today’s 24/7 news world, and arguably never has been.
February, 2012 more
Crisis comms must have sound foundations
Excellent communication with customers, stakeholders and investors is central to good crisis management. But too often now, poor comms delivery is being used as a smokescreen to avoid addressing much more serious business issues.
October, 2011 more
Snow joke for commuters
It has become obvious that the UK simply cannot deal with the amount of snow that has fallen recently. We look at how quickly a reputation can be damaged.
December, 2010 more