Business in the ‘new normal’ might be more apt. What can we say that hasn’t already been said? COVID-19 has rocked everyone’s worlds, and the Pier team is no exception.

Thankfully, we’re all safe and well, and the show goes on from bedrooms, living rooms and dining room tables.

Here’s what’s been happening.

Working from home

We’re a social bunch and enjoy our time bouncing ideas about in the office, so a long-term move to home was initially not welcome news for all.

Logistically, things have been pleasingly seamless. Early on in the emerging pandemic, Pier ran several tests to ensure our servers and systems could cope with a sudden move to working from home. This meant as soon as social distancing was announced, we were able to immediately comply, with no disruption to service.

Full office kit was delivered to the team where needed, from office chairs to screens. And we’ve been cracking on ever since.

There’s no substitute for the real thing, but like the rest of the business world we have rapidly moved to daily team chats on Microsoft Teams, and enjoy regular virtual face to face time with clients.

Working from home has always been a part of Pier’s flexible working options. As a trend that’s clearly set to stay, it will remain a much more prominent part of our ways of working going forward.

New client wins

Despite the obvious widespread business pressures the pandemic has created, we’ve been lucky to enjoy working with a range of exciting new clients.

Our food & drink team has recently been bolstered by a series of new wins.

Now on board with the pub company and brewer, Greene King, we’ve been delivering social content for a number of Greene King’s beer brands including Old Speckled Hen, Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale and Ice Breaker Pale Ale.

Our long-term relationship with Kerry Foods has been strengthened as we recently added its new plant-based meat alternative, Naked Glory, to our books. Driving a bold social strategy, the brand has gained legions of fans thanks to its ‘meaty’ products, and is triumphing in its category.

For Optibiotix, a science-based food company, we’ve helped launch their new high fibre ‘gummies’ and kick-started their first consumer PR outreach for its GoFigure weight management range, and CholBiome cholesterol supplement.

We’re supporting regional retailer the East of England Co-op with its media relations, and have increased our remit with global ingredients manufacturer Treatt to provide critical marketing content and trade PR.

Marriage’s flour has briefed Pier to achieve national consumer and trade media cut-through for their range of premium flours. We’re also using our expert media relations to support purpose-driven business Tanya’s Just Real, the producer of a range of cold-pressed sauces, with its Waitrose & Partners debut.

In our renewables division we were very proud to have undertaken a project with global wind turbine producer, Siemens Gamesa, helping celebrate their work on ScottishPower Renewables’ East Anglia ONE windfarm, through the creation of a dynamic video.

Our professional services team used PR and social to launch Thermatech’s new app, which helps the fire safety industry comply with building safety regulations.

Elsewhere, we’ve secured consumer PR coverage for Fantastic Hair, wig-makers for people living with alopecia, and created a video for logistics firm Schallenberg.

Finally, we’re working with the behaviour change team at water company, Affinity Water, to help drive down domestic water use thanks to a witty social campaign and major influencer partnership.  

It might go without saying, but we’d like to. Thank you, THANK YOU, to our clients who have supported us during a time of uncertainty.

Pier pledges

Following our Walk All Over Cancer effort in March (2.4 million steps and hundreds of pounds to Cancer Research UK), now safely at home like everyone, Pier pledges have changed.

Instead, we’ve been supporting causes and organisations locally to help support the fight against COVID-19.

From food bank donations to much-needed kit for the NHS front line, as individuals the Pier team have once again shown themselves to be thoughtful, community-minded people, and we are extremely proud of them all.

We’re busy planning new Pier pledges as we start to get out and about more and look forward to attending beach cleans, walks and other socially-distant friendly endeavours in the near future.