In the know February

In the know
fresh newsletter February 2016

Editors welcome
Guest editor:
P hilippa
Cassidy
Happy New Year everyone, well I can’t believe that it is 2016
already and it certainly feels like January has flown by with
the amount of live delivery that has been going on.
By the time you are reading this
it will be February and I hope that
those of you who set themselves
New Year’s resolutions have stuck
to them or at least pretended to.
New Year’s resolutions have a
long history. Apparently, the
Babylonians pledged to return
borrowed objects and repay their
debts at the start of each year,
while the Romans kicked off
January by making a vow to
the god Janus (from whom
the month takes its name).
That’s centuries of potential
for broken promises.
So, if that’s you, don’t
feel too bad about it –
it’s in our genes!
Top tips for succeeding with your
resolutions and ‘fresholutions’
are to make sure you have set
yourself realistic goals, don’t set
too many, keep track of your
progress and don’t just forget
about them.
All easier said then done, I know,
I do it every year and always get
to February and think ‘never mind’,
but this year I have promised
myself to try harder…
As I said, January has proved to
be just as busy as expected with
pitches landing for Allied Bakery
among a number of exciting new
business meetings, as well as live
delivery on our inaugural
automotive event for Hyundai,
events for Mothercare, M&S,
Dixons Carphone and NAS,

“ I have no
doubt it will
be a successful
year for all
of you.”
Philippa Cassidy
Head of Exhibitions
plus exhibitions for Click, Abbott
Vascular, Pertex and W.A Cloth.
That’s not to mention all the
ongoing delivery and internal
work that happens alongside this.
Wow, I’m exhausted already!
In this issue of ITK you will find
out more about the Hyundai and
Mothercare events, an insight into
to the crazy worlds of Suzy and
Beedo as well as those regular
features you have grown to love,
so take 5 mins with a brew and
take a peek.
2016 is definitely shaping up to
be a busy one and with the passion
and enthusiasm that everyone has
bought into this new year I have no
doubt it will be a successful one
for all of you.
Here’s to a fabulous 2016.
Philippa
“Set yourself
realistic goals,
don’t set too many,
keep track of your
progress and
don’t just forget
about them.”

In the spotlight
What is your day-to-day role
within fresh?
I am one of the Senior Account
Managers on the Co-op Experiential,
Press & Colleague team (along with
Pippa), so I support Jas across the
account as well as managing the rest
of our lovely team.
Where abouts in the office do
you sit?
Upstairs near the kitchen, which is
handy but also torture when other
people decide to make toast at 3pm!
I have a lovely view of Vicky’s face
opposite and the business park out
of the window.
Every issue we’re
chatting to a
fresh face to
see what makes
them tick.
This month…
Suzy
Woods
Do you drink tea, coffee,
or something else?
Always, always, always coffee in the
morning, but I try and limit it to 3 a
day…and never after 3pm…unless I
am onsite, which doesn’t count!
What do you get up to in your
spare time?
I am a big music fan and like to
go to gigs when I can. I always lie
when asked this question and say
“I am currently learning to play the
guitar”… when in reality it is in the
corner of my flat covered in dust! But
the thought is there! In the last few
months I have got into spin classes
(Jas’ influence), which to my surprise
I am actually really enjoying!

What do you normally do
for lunch?
I try and be good and bring
something home cooked as much as
I can! When I am being naughty I will
go to a greasy café or to The Griffin.
How long have you been a
member of the fresh team?
I have been at fresh for 16 glorious
months – it has absolutely flown by!
What is the first thing you do
when you get into work?
Every morning without fail the first
thing I do is un-peel my home-boiled
egg. It’s become a bit of a running
joke in the office and the smell isn’t
always welcomed!
Has anything interesting
happened to you recently?
I am in the process of buying my first
house – which I think is interesting
but probably no one else does! It
does tend to consume you and I am
trying my best not to be a complete
mortgage-bore.
Where is your favourite place
to visit?
My parents have a house in Anglesey
which I love spending time in as
it’s so peaceful and surrounded by
beautiful landscape. I try and get
there as often as I can.
Do you have a nickname?
Unfortunately my nickname is
Boozy, which I like to argue is purely
because it rhymes with Suzy, and not
for any other reason…ahem.
Do you have any pets?
Nope, have rented for the last
few years so it hasn’t really been
an option.
What is in your pocket or bag
right now?
Far too much stuff! As I write
this I am on my way to London
to help on the Mothercare event
and I have packed everything but
the kitchen sink.
What music do you like?
I like a lot of music, but in order
of preference I would say Indie,
Psychedelic Rock and Northern Soul.
Then everything else!
What is your favourite thing
about working at fresh?
I know everyone says this, but it is
definitely the people! I am inspired by
someone within fresh at least once a
day, and I’m constantly grateful to be
surrounded by such talented, lovely,
supportive people (I know…vomit…
but it’s true!).
In the
spot
light
New
insight
into fresh
business
Show
me
yours
Photo
box
From
my little
corner
Charity
Update
In the
chair
Forward
thinking
fresh
Friday
winners

New insight into fresh business
“Heaven must’ve
… or, how new Sales Angel Ruth
was recruited
(Please read in Movie Trailer v/o stylee)
In a world where finding new clients can often seem like an
impossible dream, sometimes you just need your prayers to be
answered from above.
So when we received the wonderful news that Sales Ark Angel
Katie – the Mother of all Sales - would be winging her way
mat-wards this year…
Deputy Sales Ark Angel Becky knew it was time to call for
back-up and so the team pulled together and made it their
business to get the best for New Business, of course, when
you want the best, you have to use the best, so that meant
calling on the services of the commission-free, LinkedIn-based
recruitment solution.
MattyHire
“I’d already approached Ruth earlier last
year before our recent recruitment freeze
but then wasn’t the right time for her –
when I went back towards the end of the
year, Ruth was ready to rock’n’roll
(& be interviewed too)” said Matty
Mattie’s timing couldn’t have been any
more perfect! I hadn’t been in the country
longer than a few days after 6 weeks
travelling when Matty graced my LinkedIn
box. I had been looking for a ’fresh’ start
and the opportunity to be part of an agency
where people were passionate about what
they did & creative as a team.” said Ruth

sent us an angel”
The brief was to find someone to work alongside Becky in a fresh stylee, but with
no need for micro-managing, instead a macro opportunist with enough airmiles already
under their Angel wings, more than able not only to hit the ground running but fly off
with some clients for fresh too.
There then followed the usual thorough fresh interview process, not only for Ruth but
also a series of her competing unsuccessful candidates either lassoed from LinkedIn or
hi-jacked (with permission, obviously!) from other teams’ interviews and recruitment
agencies. But it was Ruth’s magical mix of face-to-face presence, relevant premium
agency skillsets and of course her professional singer status (the showbiz angle so
important in sales) that won her through to the final stage. But with her appointment
just before Xmas, unfortunately the drama had only just begun.
“I pride myself on keeping fit & healthy and after 2 years
of not even a cold, s*ds law, I was devastated to contract
a nasty virus which made me lose my sight just before my
start date! I had to trade my Fireblade (motorbike) for a
guide dog!“
In the
spot
light
New
insight
into fresh
business
Show
me
yours
Photo
box
From
my little
corner
… and so with the New Year came new hope and Ruth was no longer down(s), but happily
& healthily joined her New Business colleagues, ready to earn her wings – so join us now
in wishing Ruth & the new look New Business team all the best for a prosperous 2016!
(cue angelic chanting-type music to sign off )
Charity
Update
In the
chair
Forward
thinking
fresh
Friday
winners

Show me yours
Here’s the
truth about
our recent
fresh success
stories:
Mothercare
and Hyundai
Mothercare Leadership and
Trading Conference
For the second time running, fresh was appointed
to produce the Mothercare Leadership and Trading
Conference – and this time it was held at the mighty
Twickenham Stadium, the home of English Rugby.
Over 400 delegates attended the event and this time
it was bigger and better than ever with delegates flying
in from all over the world. The day started with morning
presentations from the leadership team with delegates
then attending breakout sessions in the afternoon for
Clothes, Toys and Home and Travel. Once again we
had the very successful supplier expo increasing from
6 stands to 23 stands, which the delegates thoroughly
enjoyed. The day was rounded off with an amazing
fashion show featuring some of the key product lines
for Spring/Summer 16 and featured a very special and
top-secret fashion designer – all will be revealed soon!
Moving onto the evening and fresh turned Twickenham
into a nightclub for the evening – Club M. We also
produced a memorable gala dinner and awards,
rounded off with a great disco to get everyone on
their feet. It was another fantastic event with the
client commenting:
“I want to thank you and all the team at fresh for your
tremendous hard work yesterday. We’ve had amazing
feedback from the exec and delegates alike - seems we
blew them away! I guess planning starts shortly for the
next one... thinking caps on for how we’ll top this.”
And you guessed it we’re already doing the venue search
for July, we’ll keep you posted!

In the
spot
light
New
insight
into fresh
business
Show
me
yours
Photo
box
From
my little
corner
Charity
Update
In the
chair
Forward
thinking
fresh
Friday
winners

Show me yours
Here’s the
truth about
our recent
fresh success
stories:
Mothercare
and Hyundai

Hyundai Dealer Conference 2016
It’s peak delivery for the business at the moment and what an exciting way to
start the year by sharing a case study for Hyundai Motor UK - a new client, in
a new sector.
We’re very proud to have delivered the Hyundai Dealer Conference 2016, which
took place at the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel on Tuesday 12th January for
over 400 delegates. From the outset our objectives were clear, we had to
produce an event experience that provided Hyundai Motor UK with a platform
to motivate and align its dealer network for the year ahead. Through the use
of innovative technology, which included a 270 degree immersive screen
and set design spanning a remarkable 70 meters, a truly original and impactful
environment was created to stage the event.
With delegates coming from every corner of the UK, plus a delegation from
Korea, arrival and registration had to be seamless. Welcomed by the fresh team,
guests registered and checked into the hotel with their luggage being stored
and dropped into their rooms while the conference took place. Following a quick
check-in process everyone was welcomed in the pre-function foyer with teas &
coffees, accompanied by freshly baked mini-donuts and pastries.
Following some greatly anticipated networking, all delegates were then kindly
invited into the conference where formalities began. With only two hours to
cover everything from marketing to fleet, the messaging was brought to life
through rich and engaging content and their plans were successfully delivered
for the year ahead.
Following the conference, guests retired to their rooms to freshen up ahead of
the prestigious gala dinner and awards that waited for them in the evening.
Commencing with an interactive drinks reception that included walk-around
entertainment from, Judge the Poet (yes a poet), The Deceptionist (illusionist)
and Alex Crow (mind reader), plus two scalextric tracks, delegates enjoyed
another rare opportunity to network and relax.
In the
spot
light
New
insight
into fresh
business
Show
me
yours
Photo
box
From
my little
corner
Charity
Update
In the
chair
Forward
thinking
fresh
Friday
winners

Photo box
This month
we welcome
three fresh faces...
Ruth Downs
Business Development Manager
Jennifer Quinn
Office Manager
O
(M
Ruth, Jennifer
and Alison!
It was a busy
time towards the
end of last year
with Onesie Day
and Bake Sale for
Children in Need,
Movember, the
fresh Christmas
Party at Rain Bar
and finally...
Secret Santa
and Christmas
Jumper Day!
Movember
Christmas party

In the
spot
light
New
insight
into fresh
business
Show
me
yours
Alison Parker
perations Manager
aternity Cover)
Onesie day!
RO-UH-RO-UH-ROOO!
Onesie pledge
Michael pledged to wear a
onesie, flat cap and to carry
his rubber chicken through
London for a day if we raised
over £50 - and we did!
Photo
box
From
my little
corner
Charity
Update
In the
chair
Forward
thinking
Secret Santa
Christmas jumper day!
fresh
Friday
winners

From my little corner
How Rachel
sees it
This month...
Rachel
Mellor
shares what she
sees from her seat...

1There’s an interesting view of Paddy and Anthony’s
office which means they’ve got an interesting and
slightly worrying view of us.
In the
spot
light
2
Every
now and then somebody new sees
Emma’s obscure joystick mouse for the first
time and exclaims “What is that?”
New
insight
into fresh
business
Show
me
yours
Laughter often spreads quickly on our
side of the room with 2 of the most
unique and infectious laughs I’ve ever
known around.
3
Photo
box
From
my little
corner
4
5
Sometimes Mike shouts squirrel and we all
look outside at the wildlife.
Charity
Update
In the
chair
Our corner is often where the coffee is at.
Forward
thinking
fresh
Friday
winners

Charity Update
An update on
our nominated
charity...
The Seashell
Trust by Kelly
Humphreys and
Alison Parker.
Following the survey we sent to the business,
Seashell Trust remains our nominated charity for
2016! Don’t forget, everyone in the business gets
an additional day’s leave to use to support either
Seashell, or a charity of your choice, so don’t waste it!
As a reminder, or for those who are new to
fresh, Seashell Trust is home to the Royal School
Manchester and Royal College Manchester, both
residential facilities catering for students from
age 2 to 25.
All young people at Seashell have very little or no
verbal communication and their mission is to support
those with very complex needs and disabilities
by providing wrap-around education, care and
support services.
Alison Parker, covering Kelly’s maternity leave, will
take over our charity relationship so if you need more
information or want to get involved, please pop over
for a chat.
There are lots of ways you can support Seashell:
• By fundraising - sponsoring others or doing a
crazy challenge you’ve found yourself, or taking
part in one of the many Seashell sporting events
throughout the year
• By supporting our bake sales, either by baking
yourself, buying something to bring in, or by
purchasing our cakes
• By volunteering over at Seashell

There are some events coming up, a full list
of these is on the notice board upstairs in
re:fresh, but coming up shortly:
- Great North West Half Marathon, Blackpool
(21st February)
- Red Nose Ultra 40 Mile Race, Delph (20th March)
- Wilmslow Half Marathon, Wilmslow (3rd April)
- Greater Manchester Marathon (10th April)
There are also lots of volunteering opportunities in a variety of different areas:
• Support the CADS (Children’s Able and Disabled Sport) events
• Gardening and grounds maintenance
?
?
?
In terms of fresh support provided to Seashell, we are currently working on:
?
• Painting, decorating and revamping the interior spaces
• Sports Day (May),
• Seashell Triathlon (17th July)
• Seashell Sportive (18th September)
If you’d like to get involved in these or any other events from the list,
please email Alison.
• The Transforming Lives Launch Phase 2 – we delivered the initial phase
last year, creating a booklet and supporting online material which enabled
them to gain the funding required to build the new residential housing
faster than expected – all thanks to our support. Phase 2 is the £10million
school to replace the current building to better suit the complex needs of
the children.
• The Seashell Ball 2016 – last year this raised £45k, the most they’ve ever
raised, and our support with both volunteers on the night, creative ideas,
the programme and technical support is absolutely invaluable to them.
This year the Ball is being held at Mere Golf and Country Club on 13th May
and we would love 4-6 people on the night to help out, and if possible,
2 people during the day for an hour or two to help set-up.
• A viral fundraiser- supporting them in a ‘silence’ idea they’ve had around
the difficulties their children face having a sensory disorder.
If you’d like to volunteer to support at the Seashell Ball we would really
appreciate it – please email or speak to Alison for more details.
?
In the
spot
light
New
insight
into fresh
business
Show
me
yours
Photo
box
From
my little
corner
Charity
Update
In the
chair
Forward
thinking
fresh
Friday
winners

In the chair...
with Claire Beedham
This month
in the chair...Senior
Account Director,
Claire Beedham,
shares life stories
including
accomplishments
and goals.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when
you grew up?
When I was really young, I wanted to be a popstar like
Madonna. Then I got a bit older and wanted to be a journalist,
the editor of The Sun or Daily Mail showbiz would have suited
me just fine!
Where did you graduate?
Leeds University
Where did you study?
English and Media
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
There’s not one single thing that I hang my hat on, as life
is full of milestones. I’m always really proud when I have
delivered a great event or project, which is a bit of a challenge
or teaches me something that I haven’t learnt before.
How did you get into this career?
I wrote to loads of companies when I left Uni, I never went
through a recruitment consultant and I ended up getting a
job at the craziest event agency in the North West. It may
have been run by a David Bent double but I met a certain
Nick Porter and Julie Besbrode there and the rest is history.
What advice would you give to someone who wanted to
succeed into this career?
You have to put the hours in, go the extra mile, think like a
client, be gracious and easy to work with (both internally and
with clients), as you never know when you will need a favour!
Ultimately you have to want to do it and be passionate about
what you do.
If you could have five people to dinner who would
they be?
Sir Alex Ferguson, Madonna, Margaret Thatcher, David
Beckham and Peter Kay.
Who in your life has influenced you the most? How did
they do it?
My parents have been very influential – they worked hard
for everything they have achieved in their own life and have
always taught me the value of money. The philosophy of
Manchester United has also been very inspirational as I
have grown up - never give up, never say die, even when
the odds are stacked against you!
What are some of your major goals in life?
To be successful in my career, to be kind and positive as
much as possible, and to buy lots and lots of houses!

If you could try out a job for the day
what would it be?
Popstar definitely
If you could learn one skill, what would
it be?
I’d love to be fluent in another language like
Spanish, or be an amazing singer so I could
be a popstar!
Who would play you in a movie about
your life?
Jennifer Aniston would be a good shout!
What do you think is one of the most
undervalued professions right now?
Nurses and teachers – they do an
amazing job
How would you explain your approach
to life?
Positive, upbeat (mainly), every problem can
be solved and things often don’t seem so
bad after a glass of wine.
What is one of your favourite quotes?
Sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re
behind, the race is long and hard but in the
end it’s only with yourself.
What is your favourite sport?
To play – Tennis
To watch – Football
If you could witness any event past,
present or future, what would it be?
Watch England win the World Cup in 1966
If you could meet anyone, living or dead,
who would you meet?
David Beckham
If you won the lottery, what is the first
thing you would do?
Buy lots of houses and set up a charity
When you have 30 minutes of free time,
how do you pass the time?
Very rare – either at the gym or reading
What is something you learned in the
last week?
That it’s possible to sleep for 12 hours
Sum up your role in 15 words:
Challenging, exciting, rewarding,
brain-draining, creative, interesting,
crazy, fun, serious, professional, fearless,
time-consuming, life-changing,
fast-paced, fresh
What do you see as our biggest
challenge to growth within this industry?
Clients’ budgets and the fact that we
have to do more for less. There are lots of
agencies in this business all fighting for
the same work, so ultimately the client is
always in a win-win situation.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve
learnt whilst working at fresh?
To never assume anything, to check
everything and check again, to be paranoid
about things potentially going wrong
and despite all that to stay positive and
motivate others to do a good job – you can’t
achieve anything without a strong team
pulling together.
What is your favourite project fresh has
delivered and why?
My favourite project that I have delivered
is M&S Fashion Camp – a great event
delivered with a tiny team in crazy
timescales. The other favourite event
is Tweet for a Table – a really cool event
which clients are always interested in
hearing about.
What’s the best thing about working at
fresh for you?
The people have a great can-do attitude,
we always pull together and have a
dedicated approach to everything that
we do.
What is the hardest part of your role
at fresh?
There’s always so much to get done and
you never feel like you have enough hours
in the day! There is always a compromise…
In the
spot
light
New
insight
into fresh
business
Show
me
yours
Photo
box
From
my little
corner
Charity
Update
In the
chair
Forward
thinking
fresh
Friday
winners

Forward thinking
Seen something that could change the face of events,
design, content, experiential, digital, exhibitions
or film? Forward thinking is the hub for the next fresh big
thing in technology, innovations and ideas.
So, if you’ve recently been inspired by something you’ve
seen or tried, get in touch and it could be featured in
the next In the know! In the meantime, here are some
innovations we’ve got excited about this month…
Video know-how with KnowMe
A new video app KnowMe has launched for iPhone.
Created by Andrew Jarecki, the award-winning
filmmaker behind The Jinx and Catfish, the app is
being marketed as ‘the easiest way to make a video
using all the media on your phone and the internet’.
Photos and video clips can be easily threaded together
with an accompanying audio or music track to tell a
story in the format of your own mini documentary.
http://tcrn.ch/1JkCtUv

A peachy new social network launches
Peach is the latest social network to create
a stir online and sits somewhere between
Twitter, Facebook and blogging. You create a
timeline of updates, in chronological order with the aim of sharing tiny
updates as you go about your day. The biggest difference from say,
Twitter, is that you cannot follow celebrities or strangers on Peach.
Instead, you need to be friends with people to see their posts and so
they can see yours.
In the
spot
light
New
insight
into fresh
business
Showing London in a new light
From the 14th to 17th of January,
London was taken over by light
installations as part of the Lumiere
London festival. Combining innovation
and creativity, 30 artists developed
light installations to bring the city to
life and encourage people to head out
and about during this typically quiet
time of year.
Show
me
yours
Photo
box
From
my little
corner
fresh social media stats:
272 new followers since October 2015
Charity
Update
In the
chair
Forward
thinking
fresh
Friday
winners

fresh friday/Christmas winners
Becky Stopford
Rachel Lancaster
Simon Ashton
Natalie Roberts
• Becky has demonstrated total commitment, enthusiasm
and courage in her role over the last year
• Always steps up to, and owns, her responsibilities and
reliably sees them through to the bitter end
• Is not afraid to question the way that we do things
to ensure we are delivering the best for fresh and
our clients
• She¹s a true rock!
Account team
• Rachel has been a rock on The Co-operative local
marketing account throughout 2015.
• Despite a very challenging few months (both
from a client, delivery volume and team resource
perspective) she remained, calm and focused on
ongoing delivery.
• She is one of the most hard working and
conscientious individuals we have come across at
fresh, not stopping until the job is done. She is a
vital member of the Co-op stores account team
Non-account team
• Simon is a fabulous addition to the Exhibition
Team with a huge amount of industry knowledge
• A real grafter and does it without question
• Passionate about his job and the business
• Clients love his calm and efficient approach
• Has already worked across a wide range of
accounts and projects
• Nat has really stepped-up and stood out this year,
demonstrating true leadership skills and taking on
the challenge of her role head-on
• She has demonstrated ownership and accountability
on all projects she is involved in and provides really
insightful, strategic direction ensuring our response
always delivers against the strategy and business
objectives of our clients
• The Co-op Big Idea and EE pitches were massive
highlights for Nat this year

David Cortes
• 18 months ago Dave joined us here at fresh and he hasn’t
looked back
• He loves his job and is proud to be part of fresh
• If he was a piece of rock it would say ‘fresh all the way through’
• He has gone above and beyond on so many occasions and
shown dedication to his role and to his colleagues, whom I
know they class as friends, “well some off them anyway.”
In the
spot
light
New
insight
into fresh
business
Charlotte Fairbanks
Kelly Humphreys
Rachel Mellor
• Char won the award voted for by the business
• Longest serving member of the account team
• Is 100% passionate and committed to fresh, the team
and her clients
• Has worked her way up through the various positions
and so understands the pressures and challenges
each role can bring
• Is always approachable and empathetic- a real genuine,
kind and friendly people person
years
Here is a snapshot from the artwork of just some of the
reasons why we have loved Kelly
of
for all her 10 years at fresh!
Smiles • Positivity • Completing RFPs and RFIs • Award
submissions • “Lets ask Kel” • Having a swear box • Loving
delegate management • Being one half of Special K •
Creating spreadsheets • Organisation • Hard work • Being
Queen of Christmas • Writing press releases • Investors in
People & Best Companies • Creating policies • Being the
fresh charity Queen • Launching and managing The f word
•
• Charity
Rachel
bake
works
sales
incredibly
• Being
hard
a fresher
on a wide
through
range
and
of projects
through
• Responding producing some to weird brilliant and filmswonderful requests with a
• smile Her • attention Always being to detail on hand excellent to support attitude new helps business her •
to build very strong client relationships, which has led to
Patience and organisation with Christmas gifts for clients
clients taking us with them when they move companies -
resulting in even more work for the Film Team.
• She is always Here’s offering to many to help more, out on Kelly projects X and no
query or question is too much trouble.
Show
me
yours
Photo
box
From
my little
corner
Charity
Update
In the
chair
Forward
thinking
fresh
Friday
winners

If you’ve got something you
think should be featured next
time, send an email to:
intheknow@freshemail.co.uk