Over the past year, public speaking has become a much bigger part of my professional life. As Chair of CIPR Midlands, I’ve found myself opening events, introducing speakers, leading discussions and representing the region at industry gatherings. Alongside that, I’ve contributed through my role on the Local Area Advisory Board for Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, […]

Mention PR and you often witness a sea of blank faces… In this piece written for for CIPR Influence, Tillymint founder, Alison Gallagher-Hughes, examines whether the public relations industry needs greater promotion and whether practitioners should be more evangelical about conveying PR as a critical business function. The article explores • the responsibility PR practitioners […]

In this article originally written for CIPR Influence, Tillymint founder Alison Gallagher-Hughes, examines whether Jane Austen’s novel Persuasion can also teach today’s PR professionals lessons in influence, reputation and communication. Two centuries may separate us from Jane Austen’s world of drawing rooms, social calls and muslin gowns but the principles of persuasion so masterfully explored […]

It’s time to plan! Alison Gallagher-Hughes, founder of Tillymint Marketing & PR explores why planning is crucial for marketing budget cycle in this article written for Brickwork Bulletin. From aligning strategy and delivery  mechanisms to engaging specialist partners, early preparation helps businesses allocate resources effectively, evaluate performance and build stronger marketing foundations for the year […]

Earlier this year, Tillymint founder, Alison Gallagher-Hughes, stepped into the role of Co-Chair of CIPR Midlands and six months in, found herself reflecting on what the experience has really involved. From widening participation and refreshing the volunteer pipeline, to balancing ambition with the reality of a tight regional budget, it’s been a period of energy, […]

  In today’s digital age, getting your website seen is no easy feat. With search engine algorithms constantly evolving, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. That’s why we, at Tillymint Communications, have created a free downloadable SEO guide packed with actionable tips to help you optimise your website and boost your search engine rankings. […]

Imagine you’re on a road trip: your car breaks down. Would you call a bus driver to fix it?  They may be competent at driving but navigating the roads doesn’t make them an expert mechanic. The same applies to marketing communications (marcomms). Being skilled in using social media tools or creating eye-catching posts doesn’t make […]

Paws for thought – that’s the advice from Tillymint Communications to pet businesses considering a rebrand or creative design project. The marketing communications agency, which specialises in working with the pet industry, believes a good brief is the cornerstone to success and has created a free downloadable guide to help kickstart the process. It is […]

The visual representation of your brand can have a significant impact. Graphic design is not just about creating visually appealing images; it is a strategic tool that communicates your brand’s values, distinguishes your products in the marketplace and drives customer engagement. So, when commissioning work from a marketing or design agency, a clear and comprehensive […]

In this article, originally published on Brickwork Bulletin, our founder Alison Gallagher-Hughes, examines how customer service can set businesses apart from thcir competitors. Some years ago, I started a contract with a leading UK plumbing manufacturer. Among the early meet and greets was an introduction to the MD. Eager to impress, I expressed delight about […]

We really love watching theatre in the round. It is a truly immersive experience which pulls you into the performance and gives you a different perspective. In the same way, we believe that marketing and public relations activity should be undertaken with the same 360º view. Only by looking at our needs holistically, ‘in the […]

When is the right time to start doing PR? Think of a steep hill. You want to get to the top. What do you have to do to get there? If you are driving a car, you would just press your right foot onto the accelerator, increase your speed a little and start the ascent. […]

When it comes to marketing building products, providing potential customers with a reason to buy is as important as any other selling point around the product itself. Specification, technical capability and functionality are all key elements but demonstrating understanding of your customer’s needs and applying context are also critical. This allows us to communicate on […]

Is it worth devoting time to writing a blog in 2021? The answer is undoubtedly yes. Although, social media has replaced or replicated standalone publishing platform requirements in many cases, a definitive blog can still hold its own. The power of social media also brings opportunities to promote and amplify your channel, not just provide […]

The pet industry is a growth market – internationally, and within the UK, where 45 per cent of households own a pet. Comprising of food, veterinary, grooming and accessories (food and veterinary taking the lion’s share), our love of animals in the UK is expected to see the value of the pet care products and […]