Dorset-based reputation management and communications agency, Liz Lean PR (LLPR), is offering Dorset Chamber members an hour of free crisis communication consultancy. The offer has been launched to help businesses understand how to become more prepared in the event of any risk to their organisation.
With the onset of the summer and the school holidays just around the corner, many businesses face new and heightened pressures. With increased pressure on staffing due to holidays and a higher turnover of customers for those working in tourism, the risk of issues is only heightened during peak season.
From a reputational perspective, a crisis is ‘a significant threat to operations which can have negative consequences if not handled properly’. The agency, which has a specifically trained crisis communications team operating 24/7, says that some crises will be bigger than others, but all have the potential to cause financial, reputational, or operational harm to a business – whether that be a media storm, unhappy customers, or uncertainty among employees.
Belinda Rastall, senior account director at LLPR, said: “The reality is that all organisations are vulnerable to a crisis regardless of their size, and such instances can happen more than once. Failure to communicate effectively in the event of a crisis can result in serious reputational damage and commercial impact.
“Too often, businesses are so busy managing the operational aspects of a crisis that they neglect to communicate the situation to their clients, the media, and their employees, leading to an ‘information vacuum’ which is where misinformation and distrust breeds. It’s important to remember that there is no hiding place. Even a small issue can rapidly escalate if not managed properly.”
LLPR has extensive experience in managing issues and crises for business of varying sizes, and has handled major situations such as devastating fires, loss of life, operational failures, product recalls, cybercrime, and reputational impact caused by employee crime. It advises that the first 60 minutes or ‘golden hour’ of a crisis can make or break brand perception – so it’s key that businesses have plans in place to ensure they are able to act swiftly as soon as a crisis strikes.
Creating a crisis communication plan ahead of any potential crisis situation means that when the worst happens, businesses are already geared up to communicate rapidly and effectively under highly pressured circumstances. A crisis comms plan complements an operational plan of action as to how the organisation should manage any arising crisis situations. It also ensures that appropriate communications for all internal and external audiences are considered for a variety of different crisis scenarios – often the most important aspect of protecting a company’s reputation when issues happen, whether they are at fault of or not.
LLPR is offering business leaders the opportunity to gain one hour’s free advice and insight into how they can protect and prepare their business for a crisis, as well as to confidentially discuss any risks and current concerns.
For more information and to book your free crisis communications consultancy hour, please email mail@lizleanpr.co.uk