Fishburn Hedges

Fishburn Hedges has been named the winner in the Corporate Communications category of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) 2009 Golden World Awards, for its work with Shell International.

Shell is at the heart of the complex energy debate, involved in key issues ranging from energy security to carbon management.  Fishburn Hedges’ work for the company is focused on its Special Publics Engagement Programme (SPEP), which incorporates global media partnerships, sponsorships and country-specific activity, all aimed at building awareness and advocacy amongst key decision makers around the world.

Fishburn Hedges has been working with Shell since 1998, and the programme has evolved considerably over the years. In 2008, Shell decided its voice within the programme needed further amplification. Fishburn Hedges supported Shell in developing the concept and introducing Shell Dialogues, a new interactive platform where senior executives openly discuss energy issues with audiences online. In 2008, it hosted a series of successful webchats on subjects ranging from carbon capture and storage to emissions trading. Other highlights on Shell Dialogues included a series of technology podcasts, developed in partnership with EarthSky, in addition to the always-successful face-to-face engagement sessions in association with media partners and other institutions.

Results were impressive. Throughout 2008, Fishburn Hedges’ support and the work of the Shell Corporate Identity team allowed Shell to engage face-to-face with around 1,000 global Special Publics through 23 events across six continents, in addition to gathering 800 active participants online.

Serge Giacomo, head of the Shell Corporate Identity team said: “Our Special Publics Engagement Programme is a key element of our corporate communications mix and is fundamental to sustaining a positive view of Shell among key decision makers and influencers around the world. And we know it works – almost three quarters of those that come into contact with Shell through our partnerships around the world go away with an improved view of our company. Fishburn Hedges has been central to that work for a long time – and this award is well-deserved recognition for the excellent job that they do.”

Rachel Jones, director on the Shell team at Fishburn Hedges said: “We’ve been working with Shell for over ten years and to help enhance Shell’s corporate reputation on an international stage. Innovations such as the Shell Dialogues platform, the reach and quality of global events as well as the seniority of those involved have set this programme apart.”

The team picked up the award at an IPRA prize ceremony in London on Friday 30 October.