Latest news
Sticks and stones
Whoever said “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me” didn’t really understand how the world works. I’ll never condone violence, but today, thanks to the ease with which anyone can post an unkind remark or wage an unrelenting bullying campaign, thousands of people can behave in the most appallingly violent way. […]
Students have designs on diversity
If you’re not 6’ tall, can’t fit into a size six dress, don’t have upper arms like Cara Delevingne’s and you’re over 50, you might be convinced that today’s fashion, well even yesterday’s, isn’t really for you. Well, thanks to the pioneering work of All Walks Beyond the Catwalk, an initiative that challenges the fashion […]
Sainsbury’s Christmas ad – friend or foe? Friend.
There was a major breakout of baa humbugs and “who do they think they ares?” when the Sainsbury’s christmas television commercial aired during The X Factor. My daughter, a researcher in the advertising industry was, like the vast majority of us, completely blown away – I mean that in the most positive way – by […]
Great Expectations
I’ve had the privilege of working with Colchester Institute for the past few months and, during that time, I’ve got to know the new Principal and Chief Executive Alison Andreas… and it’s been an education. She’s a one-woman powerhouse and force for good. If you were to ask Alison what she likes best about her […]
Brand news!
For many years I’ve had the privilege of working with the amazing brand identity consultant and designer, Louise Dyer, founder of Dart Design in Colchester. Today our relationship become a little more formal, as I have now joined the team! I’m still going to continue working in PR-led marketing communications as Sharon Morrison Communications but, […]
Torture figures and they’ll tell you anything.
When Essex University PhD student, Feifei Bu, recently disclosed the findings of her research study, we were led to believe that high achieving women tend to be the first born. Statistically these ‘first born women’ are more ambitious and well-qualified than their siblings Do you believe that’s the case? As the second born of four […]
Think differently – visit Schiphol Airport!
Lorsque vous apprenez que vous êtes atteint d’un cancer, il est très difficile de réaliser complètement ce qui vous arrive. Que vous soyez jeune ou vieux, marié ou célibataire, les réactions sont les mêmes partout dans le monde: incrédulité, peur, refus… Votre cerveau refuse de comprendre et ne veut pas assimiler la majeure partie des […]
Oscar winners and losers
We all know it’s the winning that counts not the taking part, so I can understand the disappointment that some actors must be feeling right now. Worthy winners don’t usually win, but this year I think there must be few people who could argue that any bad decisions have been made – apart from the […]
If you want to save money this winter, fill your freezer with cardboard
It’s Energy Saving Week soon (21-25 October), and that’s roughly when I start wishing I’d taken care of all those draughty problems in my behemoth of a home during those long hot summer months. I really can do little to warm it up as it’s a listed building, which doesn’t mean it can’t be warm […]
Why the UK should take tips from the German car industry
The UK car industry was once one of Germany’s biggest competitors; now it has become one of its biggest assets, says author Dominic Sandbrook. How did Germany accelerate away? Forty years ago, Germany’s biggest carmakers were putting the finishing touches to a product that would change their image forever. The Volkswagen Golf is one of […]
