These last few weeks, as the country adjusts to life in lock-down, have been an interesting time for us all.

Change can be difficult to embrace and for many, separation from loved ones and disruption to daily routines, has proven incredibly hard.  That’s particularly true of people for whom community groups are a real lifeline.

It’s one of the reasons we have been so pleased to support the Do Your Thing Choir Connective in its effort to raise valuable funds for the NHS.  The choir is more than just an incredible vocal group but a community that has provided much comfort to those who have experienced loss or hardship, and discovered the healing benefits of song.

When the lock-down commenced, organiser Liz Taylor knew what a negative impact the absence of practice meets would have on many of its members and, challenged by friend and choir member Carolynne, set about organising a virtual performance of Heather Small track, Proud, to bring together members online and raise funds for the NHS.

The result was incredible, with over 60 members of the choir from across Greater Manchester united in harmonious song.  We were pleased to be asked if we might help raise awareness of their efforts and of course we said yes.

We’re thrilled to see that funds have trebled since the story first broke.  Do Your Thing Choir Connective, you should be Proud.

You can read more about the choir’s efforts on About Manchester & Manchester Confidential.

The doors to Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester may be temporarily closed but that doesn’t mean the creative fun has to end.

As the leading family attraction prepared to ‘lock down’ with the rest of the nation this month, we were pleased to get to work adapting the attraction’s communications strategy, with a focus on inspiring and delighting LEGO fans across the region.

#LDCBuildAtHome, a series of virtual build workshops imagined by The Strong Agency and led by Legoland Discovery Centre Master Model Builder, James Windle, has done just that, with thousands of families tuning in from the comfort of their home to participate in the builds.

The campaign, devised and delivered in just seven days, has been such a success its been confirmed to run twice a week throughout April, with LEGO fans young and old invited to join in every Tuesday and Thursday at 3pm.  Those interested in joining in the fun, should simply visit the attraction’s Facebook page on the outlined dates and times.

Activity has driven incredible media coverage too, with James positioned alongside internet sensation Joe Wicks!  To follow is just a handful of the many highlights:  Evening Standard   /  Shortlist   /  Manchester Evening News   /   Manchester’s Finest   /   About Manchester   / Liverpool Echo   /   Manchester Wire.

Read more about our work here or to discuss your leisure and attractions pr & marketing communications needs get in ouch with Jules at [email protected].

In a week that’s been dominated by hard news, we’ve been proud to share a little good, with news that The Strong Agency has been appointed by Merlin Entertainments.

The retainer contract sees Strong work with the leading business to promote it’s two incredible Manchester attractions – SEA LIFE Manchester and Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester.

Work is already underway with plans for Sea Life Manchester’s exciting new feature, Snorkel with Sharks, in development.  The agency will also promote the attractions’ annual programme of events.

Speaking on the appointment, Jenn McDonough, General Manager Manchester Cluster, Merlin Entertainments, said: “We’ve worked with a number of partners over the years, but none have grasped the business quite in the way that Jules, and now The Strong Agency, does.  She has a proven track record for delivering creative and strategic campaigns that meet our business objectives, and we’re delighted to work together.  We know we’re in good hands.”

The appointment is a significant win for the agency and plays to our key strengths.   Thanks to PR Week, Prolific North & Response Source for covering the news.

For further information on The Strong Agency’s clients or to view a selection of our impactful work see here.  To discuss your leisure and attractions PR & marketing communications needs get in touch at [email protected].

Strong client, El Gato Negro Tapas, celebrated this week as the leading tapas restaurant picked up two accolades at the prestigious Oliver Awards.

Open little more than four months, it’s a notable achievement for the Leeds restaurant, with El Gato Negro Tapas awarded Best World Restaurant and Best Overall Restaurant.   It was also highly commended in the Best Newcomer category.

Speaking on the night, Chef Patron & Creative Director, Simon Shaw, said: “It’s great news, we’re really chuffed.  To be awarded not just one but two accolades after such a short period of trading is incredible.

“It’s a privilege and humbling to be recognised by your guests and industry peers, and a brilliant achievement for the team.”

The Oliver Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of the best in the business in Leeds’ flourishing food and drink scene, and saw 16 accolades presented on the night.

We’re incredibly proud to work with the team and to have the opportunity to document and promote El Gato Negro’s continued growth and success.

To find out more about The Strong Agency’s work in the hospitality sector,  including clients across the UK, please see Strong Work, where a selection of case studies can be enjoyed.

(Images credits: Allan McKenzie/YPN)

This week, after an incredible run of client launch events, we paused to announce one more – our own.   On Monday March 2nd we raised a glass to the official launch of The Strong Agency, and what an occasion it has been.

We’ve been blown away by the response enjoyed and are grateful to everyone that has taken the time to get in touch and wish us well.  If you missed the announcement you can read about it on PR Week,  Prolific North or Response Source,.  You can, of course, also follow us here for all our latest news.

Popular Mediterranean tapas restaurant, Canto Manchester, has introduced a new autumn / winter menu and it’s warming hearts and souls.

Featuring a range of new dishes including popular and returning best-sellers, we’ve had the pleasure of unveiling the new seasonal menu to the media and inviting reviewers to sample Head Chef Gomes’ own personal favourites.  The response has been as incredible as the food, with widespread praise and coverage for the Ancoats restaurant, including kind words from Frank Lampard who, in a recent interview with The Sportsman, cited the restaurant as “his favourite place to eat in the entire world, well, Manchester.”

Located in the heart of Cutting Room Square, Ancoats, Canto has established itself as one of the fashionable district’s key destinations.  With lots of exciting developments in the pipeline we’re looking forward to 2020.

For further news on Canto Manchester or to make a reservation, visit www.cantorestaurant.com call 0161 870 5904.  Canto is the sibling restaurant of El Gato Negro, the acclaimed Spanish tapas restaurant founded by Chef Patron and Creative Director, Simon Shaw.

For more news on The Strong Agency’s extensive work in the hospitality sector visit Strong Work or to discuss your PR & marketing communications needs get in touch with [email protected].

The UK’s favourite Italian chef and star of hit ITV shows Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip, and Italian Escape, has opened his latest restaurant on bustling Temple Row, Birmingham – Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant.

Occupying a prime position in the heart of the business district, right next to The Ivy and San Carlo, the 165-cover restaurant, is impressive and features a striking 25m marble eat at cocktail bar, beautiful open plan restaurant and 15m open kitchen.

We were pleased to work with the team to promote the launch, landing a four page exclusive in OK! Magazine alongside widespread feature coverage.  Highlights include a six-page spread in leading lifestyle title Style Birmingham, features on BBC Midlands and Birmingham TV, a brilliant write up on I Choose Birmingham and extensive business and lifestyle articles.

Serving real Italian food, made as it should be, Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.  All dishes are made from the finest seasonal ingredients, sourced from the best Italian and UK suppliers.

Reservations can be made by email at [email protected] or by phone at 0121 633 3636.

For further news on The Strong Agency’s work with Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant see our case studies featured under Strong Work or to discuss your hospitality marketing and communications needs get in touch with [email protected].