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NEWS ARCHIVE

Since 1996 we have helped hundreds of organisations with their brand communication. We consult, train and share our insights on branding. We have two books published and have broadcast our opinions on national television. These are some of our news stories:

Radio Programme

NOVEMBER 14TH 2014: BBC Radio Sheffield - Howard Pressman - Paul Hitchens, spoke on the breakfast show about Sheffield United FC, Brand Values, Ethical Behaviour and Football.

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NOVEMBER 7TH 2014: Channel 5 News: Christmas Adverts 2014 Paul Hitchens, Brand Consultant, reviews the Christmas Brand Impact of the seasons TV advertising with Emma Crosby and Kevin O'Sullivan.

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Radio Programme

OCTOBER 2014: BBC Radio Stoke - Stuart George and Jodie Looker (standing in for Charlotte Foster) - Paul Hitchens spoke to Stuart and Jodie about Rebranding and the implications for Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.

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Successful Brand Managaement In A Week

SEPTEMBER 2014: 'Successful Brand Management - In A Week' was chosen as the Chartered Institute of Marketings's 'Book of the month'. For more information CIM Book of the Month for September

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Successful Brand Managaement In A Week

JULY 2014: 'Successful Brand Management - In A Week' Nominated for the Management Book of the Year Award. - The new guide to Brand Management has been nominated for the Chartered Management Institute's, 'Management Book of the Year Award'. The guidebook written by Paul Hitchens and Julia Hitchens, has been entered in the 'Commuters Read' Section. For more information CMI Book Award

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Radio Programme

JUNE 30TH 2014: HP Sauce is Britains best loved brand : BBC WM - Paul Hitchens, Author of 'Successful Brand Management - In A Week' , spoke to Paul Franks on the Drivetime Show discussing the nation's best loved brands.

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Successful Brand Managaement In A Week

APRIL 25TH 2014: 'Successful Brand Management - In A Week' Published by Hodder & Stoughton - The new guide to Brand Management from Paul Hitchens and Julia Hitchens, founders of Verve. Described by the Chartered Institute of Marketing as 'A handy and accessible step-by-step guide to creating, improving and re-energising your brand'. Available from bookshops including Waterstones and online from Amazon.

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Radio Programme

MARCH 7TH 2014: David Beckham appointed Brand Ambassador for Jaguar Cars: BBC WM - Paul Hitchens, Author of 'Successful Brand Management - In A Week' , spoke to Paul Franks on the Drivetime Show regarding the appointment of David Beckham as Brand Ambassador for Jaguar Cars to China. Paul discusses brand positioning and the leverage of a brand ambassador.

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Radio Programme

JANUARY 21ST 2014: Henderson's Relish : BBC Radio Sheffield - Brand Consultant, Paul Hitchens, spoke to Howard Pressman on the Drive-time Show regarding Henderson's Relish. The iconic Sheffield sauce had been mentioned by an MP regarding confusion over brands with similar packaging and identity.

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news - 2013


NOVEMBER 28TH 2013: BBC News: Cigarette Brand Packaging Paul Hitchens, Brand Consultant, spoke to Annita McVeigh at BBC News following announcements that Cigarettes could get plain packaging in the UK by 2015. Paul discusses the implications for branding.

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Radio Programme

OCTOBER 10TH 2013: Sheffield City Council City Brand: BBC Radio Sheffield - Brand Consultant, Paul Hitchens, spoke to Toby Foster on the Breakfast Show regarding the Council's identity. The logo features the Don Valley Stadium which has reccently been closed and the site is to be redeveloped. Jessica Ennis-Hill, the Olympic heptathlon champion, trained at the famous stadium. Toby asked Paul what these events meant for the brand and the implications for its logo.

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International Therapist Magazine

August 2013: International Therapist - Branding Experts, Julia Hitchens and Paul Hitchens of Verve Brand Consultancy were invited to contribute a two page article and online content for 'The International Therapist' Magazine, Summer 2013 Issue. The article titled 'Brand Value' provides helpful advise for entrepreneurs. The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) is the largest and leading professional association for therapists in the UK and Ireland. With thousands of members offering a broad range of specialisms - from sports and remedial therapies, to complementary healthcare and holistic beauty treatments – the FHT is the association of choice for professional therapists.

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Radio Programme

JULY 7TH 2013: BBC Radio 5 Live: Stephen Nolan - Branding Expert, Paul Hitchens joined Professor Ellis Cashmore, Professor of Culture, Media and Sport at Staffordshire University on the Stephen Nolan Show. They discussed the future for 'Brand Murray', following Andy Murray's historic victory at Wimbledon in the Men's Finals. The young Scotsman is the first Briton to win the Men's title since Fred Perry held the honour 77 years ago.

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EBSummit

MARCH 7TH 2013: Employer Branding Summit: London Paul Hitchens, founder of Brand Consultancy - Verve Interactive Ltd, will be speaking at The Employer Branding Summit. Guest speakers will represent RBS, Talk Talk, RioTinto, Virgin Media, LV+. INFO-LINK

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Radio Programme

JULY 20TH 2012: BBC London: Vanessa Feltz - Paul Hitchens, Author of 'Create the Perfect Brand', was interviewed by Vanessa Feltz on BBC London regarding the new 'London 2012 Olympics' brand. This followed reports of over zealous policing of the brand by local authorities. Paul discussed with Vanessa what it is that makes a 'Perfect Brand'.

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Marketing Week

JUNE 28TH 2012: MarketingWeek Live: Brand Clinic- Paul Hitchens, Author of 'Create the Perfect Brand' hosted a Brand Clinic at MarketingWeek Live 2012 at Olympia. The event was fully booked with a waiting list for cancellations. Paul helped businesses from a diverse range of sectors including: Pharmaceuticals, Fashion Clothing and Retail.

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JUNE 25TH 2012: Channel 5 News: NatWest Paul Hitchens, Brand Consultant, spoke to Tessa Chapman at Channel 5 News about Brand Loyalty following a week in which customers of the NatWest Bank had difficulty accessing their online accounts.

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Fibre 2 Fashion

MAY 23RD 2012: Fibre 2 Fashion : Branding and the textile industry- Paul Hitchens, Verve's Creative Director, was invited to contribute an article on the importance of brands by the leading voice for the textile industry in India - 'Fibre 2 Fashion'. Paul commented that 'The challenge for a growing organization is to manage the brand carefully, so that all staff and suppliers understand their role in fulfilling the brand’s promise. Poor customer service can fatally wound the bond between customer and brand'. Full article - Fibre 2 Fashion

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Institute of Leadership and Management

APRIL 30TH 2012: Institute of Leadership & Management : Effective branding essential- Paul Hitchens, Verve's Creative Director, was quoted by the Institute of Leadership & Management speaking about the imperative of Small to Medium Sized Businesses to invest in their brand strategy. Mr Hitchens stressed the importance of making a good first impression with customers, as "a poorly-branded company may not get the opportunity to prove how good its products and services are". Full article - Institute of Leadership & Management

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Radio Programme

APRIL 10TH 2012: BBC Radio Sheffield: Toby Foster at Breakfast- Paul Hitchens, Author of 'Create the Perfect Brand', was interviewed by Toby Foster on BBC Radio Sheffield regarding the new 'Chesterfield' civic branding. Residents of the historic market town had voiced their feelings about newly branded Welcome signs that omitted the famous crooked spire landmark of St. Mary and All Saints, Chesterfield.

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MailOnline - Masterchef

MARCH 23RD 2012: Mail Online: The Masterchef Effect - Paul Hitchens, Verve's Creative Director, was quoted by the Daily Mail speaking about the impact of brand exposure on the popular TV culinary contest 'Masterchef'. “It is the best kind of publicity as the chef is introduced as an expert in their field and by association endorsed by the BBC. The chef can then use this publicity to promote their restaurant, books and products with the endorsement 'as seen on TV'”. MailOnline

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Guardian Careers

MARCH 13TH 2012: The Guardian: Guardian Careers - Branding - Live Q&A Paul Hitchens, Verve's Creative Director, joined a group of experts on the panel to answer questions for 'The Guardian Careers - Live Q&A' on Branding. He answered questions from the public interested in a career in the industry to help them understand the different roles and how they intertwine to help create and develop household brands. Guardian Careers

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FEBRUARY 1ST 2012: Channel 5 News: David Beckham for H&M Paul Hitchens, Verve's Creative Director, spoke to Dominic Reynolds at Channel 5 News about 'Brand Beckham' on the day David Beckham launched a new venture with H&M. Paul spoke about the personality of the Beckham Brand.

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JANUARY 30TH 2012: Channel 5 News Paul Hitchens, Verve's Creative Director, spoke to Lance Santos at Channel 5 News regarding the 'TOWIE' effect. Financial reports indicated that the reality TV show 'The only way is Essex' had encouraged sales of cosmetic products worth £1.4 billion to the British economy.

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news - 2011

INWI - Kiosk - Casablanca

DECEMBER 12-13TH 2011: INWI: Brand Communication Programme - Casablanca Verve's founding partner, Paul Hitchens, delivered an interactive Brand Communication Programme for Moroccan Telecom Brand - INWI. Working with the head of marketing and senior professionals from across the organisation, he guided them through their brand messaging and internal communication. INWI - http://www.inwi.ma

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Business Conference

NOVEMBER 23RD 2011: Businesss Studies Conference Paul Hitchens, Brand Consultant and founding partner of Verve, was guest speaker at the AQA A2 Business Studies Conference in London. Paul spoke about what constitutes a brand, why organisations need one, and factors governing brands including the implications of a recession, valuation, culture, strategy, identity, touchpoints, champions, ambassadors, standards and protection. For more information - http://www.philipallanupdates.co.uk

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Paul Hitchens attended the IBM Summit for sustainability

NOVEMBER 1ST 2011: IBM Summit 2011 - Paul Hitchens represented Verve and joined delegates debating the issues regarding consumers’ behaviour and sustainability. Speakers included Tim Smit founder of the Eden Project, Richard Reed of Innocent and Mark Earls Author of Herd. For more information about this initiative: IBM Start

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CMI Management Book of the Year Awards

OCTOBER 17TH 2011: CMI Management Book of the Year Award The book receiving the most online votes this year for the CMI Management Book of the Year Award E-Book category was 'Create the Perfect Brand' by Paul Hitchens and Julia Hitchens with 30% of the public's vote. The results will be passed to the judging panel for this category to inform their selection of the shortlist, which will be announced at CMI’s national conference in London.
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Magazine Brand Article

SEPTEMBER 12TH 2011: Institute of the Motor Industry Paul Hitchens, was quoted in MIM - the Motor Industry's 'Motor Industry Magazine'. Paul was asked to comment on how taking your brand seriously can help to attract more business in a challenging business climate. His full contribution can be read at - http://t.co/i3CcSgD

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Verve - Create the Perfect Brand 1st Anniversary

AUGUST 27TH 2011: 'Create the Perfect Brand' Book is 1 year old! 'Create the Perfect Brand' the Guidebook to Branding by Verve's founders, Julia Hitchens and Paul Hitchens, was first published on August 27th 2010. It has been an exciting twelve months with media coverage, interviews and appearances on ITV London Tonight, BBC Radio, The Independent, Management Today and nominations in two categories for the CMI Management Book of the Year Award 2011/12. The book is available in Print and Digital formats from. Amazon and Amazon Kindle Store

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CMI Book Awards

JULY 29TH 2011: Chartered Management Institute - Management Book of the Year Award 'Create the Perfect Brand' has been entered in the new E-Books category for the prestigious Management Book of the Year Awards. The event is held in association with the British Library. The book has also been entered in the Practical Manager category. Winners will be announced on February 6th 2012. CMI Book Awards - Website

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CMI Book Awards

JUNE 20TH 2011: Chartered Management Institute - Management Book of the Year Award Julia Hitchens and Paul Hitchens are proud to announce that their book 'Create the Perfect Brand' has been entered in the prestigious Management Book of the Year Awards. The event celebrates the very best in the field of management writing and is held in association with the British Library. The book has been entered in the Practical Manager category. Winners will be announced on February 6th 2012. CMI Book Awards - Website

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New Business

JUNE 16TH 2011: EN Magazine - The Magazine for Entrepreneurs In the June edition of EN Magazine - 'Create the Perfect Brand' by Julia Hitchens and Paul Hitchens gets a great book review. The Editor, Stuart Anderson, writes that "it comes recommended" and describes the contents as "exploring the different elements that make up a brand, how they are constructed and, probably most important of all, why having a strong, consistent brand actually matters to your company".

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Radio Programme

JUNE 10TH 2011: BBC Radio Cumbria - Dan Chisholm The Lake District Cheese Co. is a new award winning cheese brand that is due to launch with a cinema campaign nationwide. Drive Time Presenter Dan Chisholm interviewed Paul Hitchens live on BBC Radio Cumbria on Friday 10th June. Listen to Paul explain the value of authentic branding.

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New Business

MAY 30TH 2011: The Independent - National Newspaper David Crookes, Journalist asked Paul Hitchens for his opinion on the rise of the Coffee Shop as a Business Venue ... "When you look at Starbucks as a brand, it has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and something of a can-do attitude that makes it no surprise that the company would encourage people to work at its branches," says Paul Hitchens, the creative director of brand consultancy Verve. "And when you consider the name is taken from Moby-Dick [Starbuck is the coffee-loving first mate on Captain Ahab's ship] there is a creative, literary link to the company." The Independent: Thirsty work

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MAY 26TH 2011: ITV London Tonight - New City The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is bidding for City status in the Queens Diamond Jubilee Year. Piers Hopkirk, ITV London Tonight Correspondent asked Paul Hitchens how he would promote Tower Hamlets as London's potential third city ... "I would concentrate on the people, it has a rich and vibrant culture. Tower Hamlets is the core of the original East End and is the heart and soul of London". Paul added " It is the home of some incredibly potent and strong icons of London's identity".

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New Business

APRIL 4TH 2011: Start Your Business Magazine - Issue 55 Are we not all guilty of judging a book by its cover? There are many businesses that have a fantastic product or service but the visual presentation lets them down. A business may not get the opportunity to prove itself and its image becomes a stumbling block to brand success. Potential customers need to ‘get’ the brand in an instant. It is not easy to do this, as branding is so much more than a logo – service, environment, colour, imagery, etc. Your brand should be mirrored in every part of your company, from the product or service, to the environment, people and culture. Paul Hitchens writes about how to create a perfect brand for ... Start Your Business

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New Business

MARCH 15TH 2011: New Business - Branding on a budget If you're a start-up writing your first business plan, then you will need to watch your finances carefully as you take the first steps to launch your brand. The following advice from Verve's Paul Hitchens is for building a brand on a budget and appears in 'New Business' the online magazine for startups and entrepreneurs . New Business

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MT Today

MARCH 11TH 2011: Management Today - MT Expert's Ten Top Tips: Building a brand on a budget Paul Hitchens, Verve's Creative Director explains how creating a perfect brand depends first and foremost on great products and services. MT Experts Ten Top Tips

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Mansion House

FEBRUARY 23RD 2011: Mansion House - Rt Honourable Lord Mayor and His Excellency The Chinese Ambassador Paul Hitchens attended the City of London IOD luncheon at Mansion House. The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor, Alderman Michael Bear is a veteran of the engineering and construction industries. He spoke passionately about the three C's, voicing concern for Commodities and Cash but balanced with great hope and optimism for this nation's Creative ability.

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FEBRUARY 2011: 'Crafted 2010-11 Launch Party Wednesday 2nd February - Julia Hitchens and Paul Hitchens of Verve attended the Arts & Business Crafted 2010-11 Launch Party at Gieves and Hawkes. Ten craft businesses have been accepted onto the second year of the 'Crafted mentoring programme – an initiative which matches craft businesses with leaders from the luxury sector and which has already provided valuable opportunities for a new generation of craftsmen to access new markets... Arts & Business

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Create the Perfect Brand

JANUARY 2011: 'Create the Perfect Brand' is now available on Apple iBook and Amazon Kindle Store From January our book has become available for digital download in Apple iBook and an eBook edition of the book is now available from Amazon Kindle Store . The paperback edition can be purchased from most retailers including The Chartered Institute of Marketing's Book Shop.

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news - 2010 archive

Start Your Business Magazine

Paul Hitchens, Creative Director of Verve: "Brands stand for something that is relevant to their customers. They add value to their customers lives and return value to their investors".

DECEMBER 2010: Start Your Business Magazine Paul Hitchens, Verve's Creative Director has contributed an article to the December issue (No.52). The featured article, 'The lessons start-ups can learn from Superbrands' looks at the qualities that attract brand loyalty ... [START YOUR BUSINESS MAGAZINE PDF ].

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DECEMBER 2010: Director Magazine Paul Hitchens, Verve's Creative Director was recently interviewed by The Institute of Directors Magazine 'Director'. The featured article, titled 'All you need is love' asks the question - How do Superbrands retain their loyal supporters following a crisis?

Director Magazine

Paul Hitchens, Creative Director of Verve: "One of the world's most popular tattoos is the Harley Davidson logo. Can you think of a brand that people love so much that they want to permanently ink it on their skin?".

Paul Hitchens told 'Director' Magazine, "Superbrands make such a strong connection with their customers that you value them as a friend and, like your best friend, you will forgive them a few transgressions". For the full article ... [IOD - DIRECTOR MAGAZINE ].

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30th NOVEMBER 2010: Make-A-Wish Verve is proud to be associated with a new annual Golf event in support of the Make-A-Wish Charity. This is a wonderful charity that grants magical wishes for children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses. To date it has granted over 5,000 wishes and provided uplifting support and relief for countless families across the nation. Verve donated their brand consultancy services and created an event identity for the annual Golf Day.

Make-A-Wish

Karen England, Director of Fundraising, Make-A-Wish Foundation UK: "It was a pleasure to work with Verve.  They have communicated the strong brand values of Make-A-Wish by designing a unique logo and brand identity for our Annual Golf Event with which we are delighted".

The Golf Day Event will be organised by Corporate Hospitality and Event Organisers Viva Esprit. Verve created the Viva Esprit brand in April 2010. Working with the company's founders, we created a brand strategy that included the new name, strapline and ethos.

Viva Esprit

Paul Fenton, Managing Director, Viva Esprit: "We challenged Verve to design an eye catching new corporate identity. Paul & Julia paid detailed attention to our teams initial requirements and created a brand that embraces our unique company culture. We were delighted with their work which immediately played an important role in winning us new clients!"

The new Viva Esprit brand was implemented by Verve through the marketing materials and website design. [VIVA ESPRIT ].

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1st NOVEMBER 2010: House of Commons Meeting with Jonathan Lord MP, Conservative MP for Woking following Prime Minister David Cameron's call on Britain's 'doers and grafters, inventors and entrepreneurs’ to 'get this economy going.' As many as 10,000 new small businesses could be launched by next year with Government plans for a New Enterprise Allowance, that will give financial and mentoring support to unemployed people who want to start their own business.

Jonathan Lord MP

Jonathan Lord MP, Conservative MP for Woking: "You are both passionate about brands and branding and I wish you continued success with your book".

Julia Hitchens and Paul Hitchens met with their local MP to discuss how their new book 'Create the Perfect Brand' explains how to harness the power of branding used by global brands and big organisations and apply this knowledge to new businesses and SMEs.

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26th OCTOBER 2010: MSI Global Alliance International Conference MSI is an international association of independent professional firms. Julia Hitchens and Paul Hitchens from Verve were speakers at this years conference held at the InterContinental Hotel Park Lane. Their subject was the value of the MSI brand to its members and clients. [MSI GLOBAL ALLIANCE ].

MSI Conference

James Mendelssohn - Chief Executive MSI Global Alliance: "Thank you for your input... it was a great session and the informal feedback was extremely positive".

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27th AUGUST 2010: Book Launch The new book is available from August 27th. 'Create the perfect brand - Teach yourself' is written by Verve's founders Julia Hitchens and Paul Hitchens. It is published by Hodder Education and is now available from Amazon, WHSmith, Waterstones, Tesco's and in over 20 countries worldwide.

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