Definition, the rapidly growing, Leeds-headquartered brand experience and communications group, has created The Brand Protector, a multi-disciplinary crisis communications division.
Definition says it has made the move in response to the growing need for organisations to prepare for and handle complex issues that threaten operational, financial or reputational risk.
The Brand Protector combines the diverse range of expertise and experience within the group’s portfolio of consultancies into an integrated, specialist team. This spans former national and international journalists, digital media and search specialists, internal communications experts, as well as consumer sentiment and customer engagement consultants.
The development comes as the range of potential threats that organisations must consider in their business continuity and risk management strategies – and where effective and timely communications are vital in mitigating the most damaging repercussions – is expanding.
According to research by the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (ICAEW), in its ‘Risk in Focus 2023’ report, business continuity, crisis management and disaster response are among the top ten dangers. Others include, cyber security, political uncertainty, climate and environmental impacts, legal and regulatory change, corporate governance and supply chain issues.
Additionally, the Business Leaders Survey carried out by 3Gem earlier this year, suggested that the number of businesses with plans for identifying and tackling reputational risk had dropped by nearly 15 per cent compared to December 2021.
The Brand Protector team claims it can develop and test comprehensive crisis communications plans and toolkits and provide a rapid response facility when a crisis does occur, delivering calm and considered advice on a 24/7 basis.
Louise Vaughan, Definition Group chief client officer, said: “A crisis can be multifaceted and require a multidisciplinary communications approach to ensure that critical messaging across the full internal and external audience spectrum is both efficient and effective. We are handling increasing numbers of requests for help on crisis communications and reputation management and are currently advising organisations in the legal, health, education and social care sectors.
“Because of the different but complementary communications skills within our family of consultancies, each a leader in its own specific field, our Brand Protector team can provide organisations facing complex and potentially damaging situations with an integrated service and a singular focus, rather than a client having to manage separate and competing agencies.
“Done well, communications can help mitigate the most damaging impacts of a crisis and actually enhance corporate reputation; done badly they can make a difficult situation infinitely worse.”
Definition’s new division comprises senior and highly experienced professionals with crisis communications experience acting for clients in professional and financial services, fintech, life sciences, food and drink, retail, education, charities, manufacturing, sport, leisure, logistics, automotive and construction. Many also have held in-house executive responsibility for managing high-profile crises.
