Messages from the archive of Rutherford Hall, critical communications strategist
WhatsApp to Stefano: You’re crazy? We don’t want to come anywhere near the CBI. We do critical communications, not necromancy.
WhatsApp to Stefano: They were in trouble long before this scandal. This is just the last straw. You can get over rape charges, especially if you are the Metropolitan Police. Do you think this is what really worries these commercial bodies? No, the Confederation of British Industry is over because a lot of people hate it and big members think it’s a waste of money. Seriously, have you ever been to a CBI event? There are lunar craters with more atmosphere.
WhatsApp to Stefano: The government is also against it because of Brexit. However I have a better idea.
WhatsApp to Stefano: YES. I hear a lot about a new voice in British industry – BizUK is one of those out there. Such a beautiful name, so sparkling, so now. That’s where we want to be, with a voice for 21st century business. A new organization with real business leaders, a “no harassment of staff” policy, and large budgets for corporate affairs. I know a few who work on this.
WhatsApp to Stefano: Exactly. If we can make this work, we’ll connect with every major company and trade group.
From: Rutherford@Monkwellstrategy.com
To SirPeter@Podsnap.co.uk
Mr Peter,
Very good to see you the other day. We are excited about the new grouping. It’s the most exciting development in corporate lobbying since the corporate credit card. I would be very eager to work with you on this. I have some preliminary ideas for a campaign. First, we need to stop the slow trickle of stories, secretly sign up key players, and go on a publicity spree so we can kill the CBI right away. The message is that the CBI is over. It’s toxic, mismanaged, and weightless. You, on the other hand, are the European Superleague of business, taken seriously in the corridors of power. Well maybe not the ‘European’ Super League – in fact we don’t mention Europe at all. But it has all the big teams.
Best Rutherford
“If you don’t understand the wave, you can’t respect it. And if you have no respect for a wave, it’s only a matter of time before the ocean teaches you about it.”
Find me on Strava, KoM Sydenham Hill, PR London to Brighton 3h 37min
To: SirPeter@Podsnap.co.uk
Oh I see. Well, thanks for letting me know. Good luck with the plan
Best Rutherford
“If you don’t understand the wave . . .
Find me on Strava. . .
WhatsApp to Stefano: Disaster. They have already signed IPW Strategy to run their communications. There is only one thing for it.
WhatsApp Rain Newton Smith: Rain, base good to touch. This is a matter of principle for me. More than ever, business needs the CBI. It needs its most powerful voice at the highest table, not many small groups pitted against each other by politicians.
From: Rutherford@Monkwellstrategy.com
TO Rain.newtonsmith@cbi.stillbreathing.org
As promised my first thoughts on the counterattack. I enjoyed the FT interview, floating the name change. What is a confederation, anyway? Is it better than a federation or worse?
Point one. People are canceling the CBI too soon. We have the regional infrastructure, research weapons and contacts. You led the fight for childcare. This new crowd is just a handful of FTSE 100 types with only their narrow interest at heart and who can see ministers whenever they want. You are there for everyone. They are the European Super League, they don’t give a damn about smaller clubs and commercial groups. More importantly, we can’t let government tell business who can speak for them.
But we need a real operation before your EGM. We have to work around the regional members, the smaller businesses, the less glamorous business entities, all those who can’t wait to wear black tie to president’s dinners and won’t meet the chancellor any other way. We need to stop the desertions and get them to endorse your reform plan in that general assembly. We will emphasize the fact that you are the one organization that speaks for all business and for all country. But we need to pull a couple of big names just to silence the media.
And what kind of name is BizUK anyway? It looks like a BBC children’s show. The business needs a serious voice, not a joke name invented by brand consultants.
Best Rutherford
“If you don’t understand the wave . . .
Find me on Strava. . .
WhatsApp Stephen: OK, here we go. So this worked better. How are the guys of our brand doing with a new name? Tell them to keep it classy.
Messages retrieved by Robert Shrimsley
—————————————————-
Source link