Tag: marketing

Auld Reekie waives the rules!

Capital hospitality prepares for lockdown easing

Following extensive lobbying by Essential Edinburgh, The City of Edinburgh Council is supporting the hospitality sector to help make the most of outdoor space safely in the city centre when lockdown restrictions ease in April.

Measures include waiving permit fees for tables and chairs, suspending kerbside parking to make room for additional outside seating until the end of the summer season, and closing two blocks of George Street for events.

Under the current roadmap for relaxing Covid measures in Scotland hospitality businesses will be able to operate within restricted hours from 26 April. Outdoor hospitality, with alcohol, will be permitted until 10pm, while food but can be served indoors, without alcohol, until an 8pm closing time.

From this date, outdoor socialising rules will also be relaxed so that a maximum of six adults from three households can meet up.

To help hospitality businesses recover more quickly, the Council has agreed that fees will be waived for outdoor area occupation permits until at least 30 September 2021.

This measure will apply across the city meaning all Edinburgh hospitality businesses are eligible, provided they apply for and obtain the relevant road occupation permit.  Where appropriate, kerbside parking charges will also be suspended to accommodate outdoor area occupation permits. 

In addition, the Council has been working very closely with Essential Edinburgh to help create more space for businesses to operate outdoors in the George Street / BID area, with proposals to close sections of George Street and reconfigure kerbside space, with kerbside parking suspended.

The proposals would see the sections from Charlotte Square to Castle Street and Castle Street to Frederick Street closed in their entirety (excepting disabled and emergency access, counter-terrorism measures, loading and cycle lanes) similar to past ‘event’ arrangements on the street such as the Edinburgh International Book Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) and the associated liaison with local businesses, Essential Edinburgh and the George Street Association, among other stakeholders, would be required to facilitate this event setting. If there is an appetite for these closures to go ahead, it’s anticipated they could be delivered within six to eight weeks of an initial TTRO application.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “It’s been an incredibly tough year for the hospitality sector so we’ve been listening carefully to what businesses need and doing whatever we can to help them recover as safely and sustainably as possible as things start to ease up restrictions-wise.

“We’ve been working really closely with Essential Edinburgh and other businesses and organisations to develop these proposals to help traders make the most of outdoor space and safely cater to as many people as possible over the brighter spring and summer months.

“It’s very important we strike the right balance, to make sure we’re not inadvertently making life more difficult for others. That’s why it’ll be key for Essential Edinburgh and other organisations to get the buy-in of affected businesses in the plans and discussions. That will ensure that interventions get as wide as possible support and benefit as many traders as possible.

“Throughout this crisis we’ve been doing as much as we can to support businesses in the city centre and right across the city so that we can help Edinburgh build back better. This work with the hospitality sector is the latest strand of that work and we’ll continue to work with all sectors to protect jobs and aid their recovery.”

Depute Council Leader Cammy Day said: “After such a long time staying at home, people will be champing at the bit to get out into the warmer weather and meet up safely with their friends and family again as restrictions start to relax later this month.

“Last summer we waived tables and chairs permit fees to help restaurants and bars make the most of outdoor space so we want to give the sector the same lift this time round too.

“Attracting more people to these outdoor hospitality areas will also boost footfall for surrounding retail businesses as they reopen their doors. People will look forward to planning a trip into town or to their local high street for a bite to eat and a browse round the shops, giving a much longed-for lift to our local traders.”

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh said: “We welcome the support that the Council are giving the city’s hospitality businesses both in the provision of outdoor space and the waiving of costs.

“It is imperative that we maximise the space available to allow hospitality to operate effectively as we adapt to the changing roadmap regulations.

“The Council has listened to the business community and is acting quickly, for which we are very appreciative.”

Supporting business and retaining jobs is a key priority for the Council as the pandemic continues. So far, the Council has administered more than £181.4 million in grants to over 19,000 businesses.

Birthday box for Boris’s bairn

At a time of unrelenting doom and gloom I thought it was important to share this uplifting (!) story with NEN readers:

Baby Wilfred received a very special delivery from baby gifting retailers My1stYears.com yesterday.

The box of personalised goodies was packed with gifts for the Prime Minister’s new-born son including a cuddly blue bunny, a cashmere baby blanket and muslin swaddle blankets.

It also included four fun bodysuits with these slogans:

  • I heart the NHS
  • Listen to Daddy – stay home save lives
  • Little Prime Minister
  • Thank you NHS you saved my Daddy

I could think of one or two appropriate slogans too! – Ed.

A close up of a piece of paper Description automatically generated A picture containing sitting, indoor, bear, teddy Description automatically generated A picture containing towel, bag Description automatically generated

Full list of products sent:

  • Personalised Blue Gingham Trim Gift Set – RRP £48
  • Personalised Blue Bunny Soft Toy – RRP £26
  • Blue Cashmere Baby Blanket – RRP £150
  • Personalised Multi-coloured Bobble Baby Blanket – RRP £36
  • Personalised Transport Print Organic Baby Gift Set – RRP £34
  • Personalised London Bus Wooden Toy – RRP £45
  • Personalised Pack of 3 Blue Star Print Muslin Swaddle Blankets – RRP £18
  • Personalised Unisex Adult Waffle Robe (for Carrie) – RRP £45
  • X4 slogan bodysuits – I heart the NHS, Listen to Daddy – stay home save lives, Little Prime Minister, Thank you NHS you saved my Daddy

I am sure the nation rejoices! – Ed.

Scotland Starts Here! New tourism drive launched for the Scottish Borders and Midlothian

Tourism businesses in the Scottish Borders and Midlothian are embarking on a new marketing campaign designed to revolutionise the area’s visitor economy. Continue reading Scotland Starts Here! New tourism drive launched for the Scottish Borders and Midlothian

Networking event to highlight benefits of coordinated fundraising and marketing approach 

Professionals working in Scotland’s arts and heritage sectors are being invited to explore the benefits of a coordinated approach to marketing and fundraising at a special training event taking place at the Surgeon’s Hall in Edinburgh this month. Continue reading Networking event to highlight benefits of coordinated fundraising and marketing approach 

City of Superheroes: Capital businesses join forces for Avengers opening weekend

To celebrate Edinburgh’s role in the most hotly anticipated film of the year, Avengers: Infinity War, businesses around the city are flexing their superpowers to get people assembling in the capital for the film opening.

This weekend, Scotland’s capital sees over forty businesses join forces to celebrate the movie release and transform Edinburgh into the City of Superheroes.  Marvel fans can revel in a programme of events, discounts and special offers that will see your superhero squad enjoy everything from exclusive walking tours of the filming locations and special themed menus to spotting caped crusaders at every corner and even free travel for little superheroes in costume on Lothian Buses.

The super celebration is being led by Film Edinburgh, the organisation that facilitates film productions in the city, which sits within Marketing Edinburgh.

Rosie Ellison, Head of Film Edinburgh, said: “It’s been a year since Edinburgh’s streets were buzzing with A-list stars and Hollywood crew for the biggest production in the city to date, and we’re so excited for the film to finally hit the big screen.

“In celebration of the capital’s heroic role in the film, we’re transforming Edinburgh into the City of Superheroes this weekend. Across the city, businesses will be putting their own twist on the superhero franchise with everything from themed cocktails to caped mannequins and Marvel-ous lunch offers.

“Given that Edinburgh was the only location used during filming, we’re encouraging fans to come to the City of Superheroes to get the ultimate superhero experience. The weekend will be a great way to keep the excitement of the movie alive, even after you step out of the cinema screen.”

John Donnelly, Head of Marketing Edinburgh, said: “The City of Superheroes weekend is our way of celebrating Edinburgh’s role in the film and is another example of local businesses joining forces to create marvelling experiences for residents and visitors.

“The blockbuster third instalment of the Avengers franchise was filmed in Edinburgh for seven weeks in the Spring of 2017, and we’re honoured to be the only location outside of the Hollywood studio. The production saw the city’s historic Old Town transform with shop fronts altered and set props, including bus shelters and street lights, take position. We had over 400 crew members working on the shoot through the night with local businesses, residents and the council working collaboratively to make it happen.”

Joe Russo, Director of Avengers: Infinity War commented on his experience filming in Edinburgh during a special screening he held for local fans in Edinburgh earlier this month. He said: “I love this city, I’ve spent a lot of time here, it’s beautiful.

“I’m surprised it hasn’t been on film more, shocked frankly, because it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world and at night it can take on a gothic feel. And we had a sequence we wanted with heightened tension and it was a perfect place to shoot that scene.”

Full details of what you can get up to during the City of Superheroes weekend can be found online at www.edinburgh.org/cityofsuperheroes. A location map that will help fans navigate their way around the city can be downloaded for free on the website.

City-of-Superheroes-Map-8-Final   

Keep up-to-date with the City of Superheroes on social with the hashtag #CityofSuperheroes.

Participating members:

 

  1. AGA Edinburgh, 8-9 Drumsheugh Place, EH3 7PT
  2. Bar Salsa, 3 Cowgatehead, EH 1 1JY
  3. Barney’s Beer, 1 Summerhall Place, EH9 1 PL
  4. British Heart Foundation Stockbridge, 28-29 Raeburn Place, EH4 1HX
  5. British Heart Foundation West End, 85 Shandwick Place, EH2 4SD
  6. Cranachan & Crowdie, 263 Canongate EH8 8BQ
  7. Edinburgh Dental Studio, 6 Randholph Place, EH3 7TE
  8. Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, EH12 6TS
  9. Epicurean & Radisson Collection Royal Mile, 1 George IV Bridge EH1 1LL
  10. Forbidden Planet, 40-41 South Bridge, EH1 1AD
  11. Galaxy South Bridge, 47-49 South Bridge EH1 1AD
  12. Get Guided, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
  13. Gladstone’s Land, 477b Lawnmarket, EH1 2NT
  14. Haggis Adventures, 60 High Street, EH1 1TB
  15. Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, 19 North Bridge, EH1 1SD
  16. Hotel Du Vin, 11 Bistro Place, EH1 1EZ
  17. The Real Mary King’s Close – The Green Lantern Way, 2 Warriston’s Close, EH1 1TG
  18. Museum of Childhood, 42 High Street, EH1 1TG
  19. Principle Charlotte Square, Charlotte Square
  20. Printing Press Bar & Kitchen, 21-23 George Street, EH2 2PB
  21. Radisson Blu Royal Mile & Itchycoo Bar, 80 High Street, Royal Mile, EH1 1TH
  22. One Square, 1 Festival Square, EH3 9SR
  23. Strigicake, 1 East Preston Street, EH8 9QQ
  24. Subway Cowgate, 69 Cowgate, EH1 1JW
  25. The Assemble! Rooms, 54 George Street, EH2 2LR
  26. The Knight’s Vault, 102 West Bow, EH1 2HH
  27. The Whiski Rooms, 4-7 North Bank Street, EH1 2LP
  28. Waverley Mall, 3 Waverley Bridge, EH1 1BQ
  29. Lothian Busses Travel Shops a. 31 Waverley Bridge, EH1 1BQ, b. 11 Clifton Terrace, EH12 5DR, c. 27 Hanover Street, EH2 2DL
  30. Edinburgh Bus Tours, 31 Waverley Bridge, EH1 1BQ
  31. Odeon Wester Hailes, 120 Wester Hailes Rd, EH14 3HR
  32. Odeon Lothian Road, 118 Lothian Road, EH3 8BQ
  33. Cineworld, Fountain Park, EH11 1AF
  34. Camera Obscura & World of Illusion, 549 Castlehill, EH11 1AF
  35. City Cabs, see Edinburgh.org/cityofsuperheroes
  36. Mercat Tours, The Mercat Cross, High Street, EH1 1RF
  37. Hard Rock Cafe, 20 George Street, EH2 2PF
  38. Vue Edinburgh Ocean Terminal, Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, Ocean Drive, EH6 6JJ
  39. The Place, 34-38 York Place, EH1 3HU
  40. The Edinburgh Press Club, 20-30 Cockburn Street, EH1 1NY
  41. Alex App, see Edinburgh.org/cityofsuperheroes
  42. Fountain Court, 121 Grove Street, EH3 8AA
  43. Cuckoo’s Bakery, 150 Dundas Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5DQ and 116 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4ES

Selling Scotland: Scotland is Now

Forget Scotland the Brave … this is Scotland the brand!

A new £6 million campaign will put Scotland in the international spotlight and showcase the country’s world-leading assets to a global audience. Launching simultaneously today in North America, London and China, ‘Scotland is Now’ is designed to put the country firmly at the top of everyone’s list of places to live, work, study, invest and visit. Continue reading Selling Scotland: Scotland is Now

Edinburgh College strikes gold

Gold for Edinburgh College at the College Development Network Marketing Awards

Edinburgh-College---groupEdinburgh College scooped a top marketing award to recognise the success of a campaign to promote courses to prospective students this week.

The college won gold in the Integrated Marketing Campaign Award at the College Development Network (CDN) Marketing Awards 2015 on Wednesday (25 February), in recognition of a marketing campaign it ran to promote applications for college courses starting in January 2014.

The college also received two bronze medals at the awards, which celebrate the excellent marketing and communication practice taking place in colleges across Scotland.

The judges praised the college’s courses marketing campaign for its ‘bold creative approach and strong integration of messages and visuals tailored for different audiences’.

This campaign helped the college achieve its target for course applications and as well as the highest attendance recorded for an open day at Edinburgh College or at any of its legacy colleges.

The college also received two bronze medals in the following categories:

  • The Internal Communications Award, for communications around the college’s first staff conference in June 2014. The staff conference brought all the staff together to take part in workshops around the theme of innovation, covering technology, sustainability, teaching and learning, the workplace of the future and outward innovation.  The judges felt the project highlighted that the college management had made a major effort to communicate with all staff appropriately to build buy-in and involvement.
  • The Customer Experience Award, for the college’s Centre for Creative Industries Student Employability Day. The day, which involved workshops and talks from industry professionals, was designed to develop students’ understanding of employers’ needs, give them insight into how they can make themselves as employable as possible, and promote positive destinations. The judges felt the event was well structured and that it gave the students access to industry practitioners. The project also enabled the college to engage with a number of employers.

The awards evening took place at The Caves in Edinburgh and featured two performances by the college’s HND Acting and Performance students, while attendees were treated to chocolates made by professional cookery students.

Edinburgh College interim principal Elaine McMahon said: “I am delighted that the efforts of our Marketing and Communications staff have been recognised with a gold and two bronze awards. It is satisfying to see that the judges recognised and appreciated the work put into planning and executing the extremely successful course marketing campaign, which resulted in the college meeting student recruitment targets for the year.

“It is also great to see the creative work put into supporting and communicating with staff and students recognised with two bronze awards.”

Last year, Edinburgh College achieved a silver award in the Internal Communications category and bronze in the Event category in the CDN Marketing Awards 2014.

Pictured: L-R Deborah Robertson, head of marketing, Moira Findlay, head of communications, Jon Buglass, head of the Centre of Creative Industries, and Lee-Anne Mackay, marketing manager.