Tour De France, tour de force.

You may not be a Tour De France fanatic, but I bet you can guess what colour jersey the winner wears?

Take a second…

You got it, right? Yup – it’s Yellow! Or Le Maillot Jaune, in French.

But what if I told you it hasn’t always been this way?

120 years ago in the first ever Tour of 1903, the winning rider, Maurice Garin, wore a green armband to signify his place at the top of the pile.

It wasn’t until 16 years later, in 1919, that Eugène Christophe became the first rider to wear the yellow jersey.

In the first post-WWI race, Henri Desgrange a newspaper publisher and the actual creator of the Tour de France (and by now race Director), wanted a way to make the race leader stand out more to both riders and spectators alike.

Out went the green armband… and so began one of the earliest sponsorship activations in the world – with his paper L’Auto, then printed on yellow paper, inspiring the colour of the leader’s jersey.

This tradition has remained ever since, and Le Tour remains a great place to look to for clever sponsorship activations. Teams are all named after their sponsors and it remains an incredibly strong way to put a brand front and centre to a global audience (Forget the World Cup, the Tour is bigger!).

But while billions are spent by brands sponsoring sporting events, so many of them are happy to let the billboard, the jersey or the photoshoot do the work.

I’ve always felt a creative and unusual activation is necessary to back up basic sponsorship spend – and it’s time we move on from the ‘spoken word’ slow-mo stories that seem to have become a first stop for many over the past decade and a half.

People are tiring of overly saccharine creations, and demand something more authentic, something that *really* conveys what the magic of ‘their’ event is all about – something they can relate to as fans.

Step up Škoda Auto, a brand that’s celebrating 20 years of sponsorship in the Tour De France. With agency Fallon, they decided that if they could not take british cyclists to the Tour de France, they’d bring the excitement of Le Tour to a popular Sunday cycle route in the UK – giving these everyday cyclists the thrill of the peloton.

They dressed the last segment of the route to look exactly like a Tour stage, with the Race Director’s iconic red Škoda Enyaq, French road signs, the infamous Tour de France devil superfan Didi, rowdy fans and messages of support chalked on the road.

There was even an official finish line and podium, with post-race interviews!

This was all done to celebrate Škoda’s 20 years involvement, and it was built as social-first content. It will run alongside sponsorship idents on ITV (for both Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes) and it gets the #KingOfActivations jersey for me.

Maybe the next time you’re thinking of putting a name on a Jersey – think of the yellow one, and how it’s important to always think one step beyond. Putting money into Sponsorship is a fool’s errand, unless time and creativity is put into taking the activation to that next level.

Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh is a Senior Account Manager at Fuzion Communications, a full service Marketing and PR agency with offices in Dublin and Cork, Ireland. We help businesses with their brand development, creative advertising & sponsorship activations.

Content Marketing – Does Your (company’s) Shoe Fit?

By Dylan Morley

In recent years, we have seen a shift away from traditional marketing and toward digital marketing. There are many new marketing techniques, with content marketing (CM) becoming one of the most important. CM is starting to replace traditional marketing, as customers become more and more aware of traditional advertising and expect new approaches from businesses to catch their attention and entice them to purchase.

According to the Content Marketing Institute: “CM is a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience — and, ultimately, to drive profitable customer action.” 

Within the context of digital marketing, CM refers to the creation of entertaining and/or informative content that does not explicitly advertise a company’s products or services. When we talk about CM, we can refer to anything from a simple video, blog or article to larger content such as webinars. With this type of content, educational value is also important to consider.

Given that it is free, this information service differs from traditional information institutions or settings. This is because it occurs online and online content consumers expect information to be free – this is the internet’s central allure for many. When you walk into a store and choose a product to buy, the only information often available to us is located on the product/packaging or, if we’re lucky, an employee who can provide us with further information. However, these specifics may only include information such as the price, technical specifications and so on. What content marketing allows companies to do, is to provide additional information like how to use the product, where to use it, etc.

One company that provides entertaining content marketing to its customers is Footaslyum. The UK high-street retailer specialises in sports trainers and apparel for men, women and children. However, their target audience is young people, especially men, between 18 and 25. Footasylum targeted this audience by creating content with social media influencers ‘Chunkz’ and ‘Young Filly’ who are hugely popular figures among their core demographic. 

The content marketing strategy was simple; a 10-15 min YouTube show starring Chunkz and Young Filly called ‘Does The Shoe Fit?’. The premise of the show is that the duo would go on a series of speed dates with attractive women that would often lead to humorous outcomes. However, while on these dates, the other show presenters can watch live and commentate on their co-hosts dating performance. Guests also formed a major part of the show as Chunkz and Young Filly would often be joined by other high profile influencers including former Love Island contestants. 

Footasylum’s content marketing strategy was a major success with some episodes of the show racking up over 7 million views on YouTube. The online show went on for five seasons and while it came to end in late 2021, funny snippets still appear across social media feeds especially on TikTok, giving the content even further marketing longevity. 

The success of ‘Does The Shoe Fit?’ is a lesson to brands and companies that audiences are tired of the hard sell. Nowadays, marketing should and can be about more than just your product or service. If content marketing is not currently part of your marketing strategy, then you are almost certainly missing out.

Dylan Morley is an Account Executive at Fuzion Communications, full service marketing and PR agency, with offices in Cork and Dublin.

YOU’VE BEEN LYNCHED

Cristiano Ronaldo. Kanye West. Andrew Tate.

If Piers Morgan was an undertaker, he’d be investigated for filling his own coffins such has been the fallout for these men following their appearance on his ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored’ show.

Since their chin wagging with the gobby gammon, all three men have experienced catastrophic professional collapses – even if Ronaldo is being soothed by $4m-a-week to play exhibition football in the Saudi Arabian league.

Professional cigar smoker and misogynist, Andrew Tate, was arrested by Romanian police in one of the most brilliant self-owns ever, while the idiot formerly known as Kanye West has self-immolated, in honour of his fellow entrepreneur and misunderstood artist… **check notes** Adolf Hitler.

Morgan’s Midas touch might be only a coincidence, of course, but if he had his way there’d be a fourth victim – one Mick Lynch, the head of Britain’s Rail, Marine and Transport workers’ union.

Alas, while Morgan enjoyed friendly fireside chats with Ronaldo, Tate & Ye, his attempt to take Lynch down at the knees went awry, with the presenter’s attempts to rattle his guest falling flat – inspiring no end of humiliation on social media.

“Is that the level your journalism is at these days?” Lynch asked, when Morgan attempted a ‘gotcha’ by taking aim at Lynch’s obviously humorous Facebook profile photo – a bald puppet from cult 60s TV show Thunderbirds that bore a passing resemblance to Lynch.

“You’re about to wreak havoc on the country, and [The Hood – a fictional terrorist puppet] that’s a man who wreaked havoc on the world!” Morgan continued, unwilling to stop digging, before being put back in his place by Lynch; “Is that the level we’re at, don’t you want to talk about the issues, instead of a little vinyl puppet from when I was a kid?”

“You seem very irritated” Morgan argued, to an utterly nonplussed Lynch. “Well, I’m not”, he responded, as Morgan’s face became ever more crimson.

It was just one of a number of tete-a-tetes in which Lynch won by unanimous decision, going from an unknown trade unionist to a much respected national figure in a matter of months.

As we head into 2023, with public anger growing in many countries due to spiralling costs, inflationary pressures and a general disillusionment with elected leaders’ unable and/or unwilling to make a positive impact – Lynch has become a beacon of common sense and sensibility, in no small part due to those straight talking media appearances.

Morgan has been buried, with Kay Burley, Richard Madeley and others suffering similar fates. I have yet to see anyone ruffle Lynch’s feathers, and that applies to politicians who have endured the same fate as interviewers. He’s given the gotcha kings and queens on GB News a wide berth, however, insisting ‘They’re a bunch of right wing bigots from what I can see”.

Straight talking like that can get you in trouble, but only if you’re not concrete in your views and certain you’ve done your homework. Lynch nails both.

The 61 year-old, born in London to Irish parents from Cork and Armagh, cites James Connolly as his inspiration and has enjoyed quite the rise from a 16 year-old school leaver to a man holding the British government – packed with Eton and Oxbridge graduates – to account. He has gained support on the left, as one might expect – but a quick social media search will prove he’s earned respect from outwith the expected groups.

“If (he) had to do what my members do, getting up at all hours of the morning, working shifts in arduous working circumstances, putting up with all sorts of conditions…he wouldn’t survive a minute, and he wouldn’t have a future in the real world, where they’ve never done a hand’s turn – as my mother used to say.”

This comment, referencing Piers Morgan’s ‘bile and hate speech’, as Lynch called it, showed why and how he’s become so popular. In any media training, we speak about knowing your message and your audience, and being able to weave both into a conversation in an authentic way.

Lynch stands up for his key audience, speaks with a calm authority, and knows his topic inside out. Not a single interviewer or politician has been able to outdo him when it came to facts and figures (Brexit vote aside).

“As my mother used to say” is a classic soft touch to add to a quote – aligning him with his members; the average man and woman in the street.

He’s taken advantage of big ticket appearances on the likes of Piers Morgan’s show, Good Morning Britain, Sky News and the BBC – but he doesn’t over do it. A burst of media appearances ensures that each time he shares his message it’s fresh and we’re not tired of seeing and hearing him.

He’s also shown an eagerness to embrace social media and online channels that may reach a younger audience, an audience recent studies show are trending more to the left than previous generations, and staying there even as they age.

“The new media outlets and social media give us more opportunities,” Lynch said recently. “More and more people don’t trust the mainstream media for various reasons. The main thing is we have to convince our people, trade unionists, to take the action, and that spreads to other people in the community – whether it’s in your pub, your mosque, your church or temple, people have those discussions about what’s going on.”

Once more, Lynch gets his message across in a calm, concise tone, and effortlessly touches on multiple audiences by going beyond just ‘the pub’ when referring to communities where he’d like his message heard.

You may not be planning on becoming a national icon in 2023, but if you end up in front of cameras and microphones, then watching and listening to Mick Lynch will be time well spent.

It’ll be more entertaining, at least, than watching Piers discuss the Saudi Arabian league.

21 Questions with… Deirdre Waldron

Welcome to the 13th (lucky for some!) of our Fuzion Friday series, where we put 21 devilishly difficult questions to a team member, giving you an insight that Freud would be proud of.

Next up is a fan of Tuscany and Sex and the City… it’s Deirdre!

Fuzion Communications Picture: Miki Barlok

1. Tell us something about you that nobody else in the team might know?

My first job, apart from working for my family’s business, was selling seagrass to pubs – I lasted half a day. On my worst day now, I tell myself ‘I could be selling seagrass!!!’

2. What film have you watched more than five times?

Sex & the City – and yes, both of them – sorry, not sorry!!!

3. What work are you most proud of in the past year?

Bringing the number of our team up to 20 this year.

4. Dream job?

What I’m doing now, but working from West Cork.

5. Favourite brand?

Everyone who knows me knows the answer to this – James Whelan Butchers. I love the way they take a product that is considered by many a commodity, and really celebrate it and make it so special – this shines through in everything they do and also those who know me will know I’m not just saying this cos the CEO is a client and a good friend.

6. Favourite Holiday Destination?

Tuscany.

7. Best lesson from your career

It’s not about the best idea or the biggest budget, it’s about having the tenacity to follow things through.

8. Eurovision or World Cup?

World Cup.

9. Who is the joker on the team?

Ciarán – Master Copywriter, which makes him first for the wittiest comment or observation.

10. Recommend a podcast?

Suppose I can’t recommend Greg’s #WinHappy Podcast? If not, just listened to Coupledom with Idris & Sabrina Elba – some of the episodes are really light; in one of the episodes they had a great chat with Ben & Jerry about their partnership and how throughout growing the business they remained through to their values – even now that they are no longer part of the business, their values have remained the same. I’d wish for the same for Fuzion.

11. Reality shows – Love or Hate?

Indifferent mainly – although I sneak the odd episode of The Kardashians when Greg isn’t looking!!!!

12. Dinner party with 3 people – dead or alive – who do you invite?

My brother Liam (I miss him), the iconic and original “Mad Woman” Jane Maas (I miss her), and Billy Joel to entertain us.

13. If you could be anywhere in the world – where would you be & what would you do?

Walking on a beach in West Cork with Greg and the dogs and as it’s a fantasy, the dogs would be so well behaved I could let them off the lead and run wild – oh and Greg too lol!

14. Who is your role model?

I have three, my mum, who was a tenacious business woman years before her time, Jane Mass, one of the first female copywriters/ad executives on Madison Avenue in the 1950s,  and the founder of the Rose of Tralee, Margaret Dwyer.

15. What was your first job?

Working in my parent’s restaurant “The Central Grill” in Tralee. Washing dishes and serving tables, when I was tall enough.

16. Death Row meal?

Dry Aged Burger with Truffle Fries…….lots of truffles……

17. Favourite book?

At the moment “Wounds” by Fergal Keane as he gives a shout out to my rebel of a grandfather Willie McCabe and the part he played in the War of Independence.

18. Your a grammar nazi oar not?

More a spelling nazi than grammar nazi. It’s a definite ‘no’ from me if someone applies for a job with Fuzion and they can’t get the name of the organisation right!!!

19. First album you bought or downloaded?

Does it count if Santa bought it to me? If yes, then it was ‘Arrival’ by Abba, in 1976 when I was 10 – must have still believed in him….

20. Work from home – or office?

Office …….. what’s that?

21. Most memorable ad slogans – why?

“I 💗 New York” – this was pivotal in getting people to look differently at the city – it worked back in the 1970s and is still relevant and used globally in so many ways.

Deirdre Waldron is a Partner at Fuzion Communications, full service marketing and PR agency, with offices in Cork and Dublin.

21 Questions with…Heather Lordan

Welcome to the twelfth of our Fuzion Friday series, where we put 21 devilishly difficult questions to a team member, giving you an insight that Freud would be proud of.

Next up a fan of tattoos and Will Ferrell…..Heather!

Fuzion Communications Picture: Miki Barlok

1. Tell us something about you that nobody else in the team might know.

I have four tattoos and am planning loads more!

2. What film have you watched more than five times?

The Other Guys.

3. What work are you most proud of in the past year?

Helping with Tour de Munster 2021. It was a hugely successful year for the annual charity cycle and it raised over €522k for the Munster branches of Down syndrome Ireland

4. Dream job?

Own my own gastropub 

5. Favourite brand? – Why?

Asos – I could scroll for hours!

6. Favourite Holiday Destination?

I’m not fussy – once there’s sun and an Irish bar!

7. Best lesson from your career?

There is literally something new to learn everyday

8. Eurovision or World Cup?

World Cup

9. Who is the joker on the team?

Michelle.

10. Recommend a podcast.

I wouldn’t be a massive podcast listener but if I’m out on a walk I always throw on the two Johnnies for a laugh.

11. Reality shows – Love or Hate?

Hate

12. Dinner party with 3 people – dead or alive – who do you invite?

Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd and my boyfriend Tomás because I wouldn’t want him to miss out on that!

13. If you could be anywhere in the world – where would you be & what would you do?

I love Ireland and don’t think I ever want to leave.

14. Who is your role model?

No real role model but I love listening to positive mindset and manifestation talks.

15. What was your first job?

Pool attendant in Inchydoney Hotel, Clonakilty.

16. Death Row meal?

A spicy chicken pasta with garlic bread.

17. Favourite book?

Feel the fear and do it anyway.

18. Your a grammar nazi oar not?

I always try and make sure my grammar is right but I wouldn’t be too worried about correcting anyone.

19. First album you bought or downloaded?

Definitely one of those “Now that’s what I call music” albums.

20. Work from home – or office?

Home – I couldn’t bare be away from my little shih-tzu. I do love our Fuzion Fridays though, and meeting up with the team.

21. Most memorable ad slogans – why?

Not a slogan but I remember the day when someone pointed out that the Amazon logo had an arrow from A-Z to represent what they stock, and I was amazed!!

Heather Lordan is Account Executive at Fuzion Communications, full service marketing and PR agency, with offices in Cork and Dublin.

21 Questions with…Olivia Trought

welcome to the eleventh of our Fuzion Friday series, where we put 21 devilishly difficult questions to a team member, giving you an insight that Freud would be proud of.

Next up is professional Norrie… Olivia!

Fuzion Communications Picture: Miki Barlok

1. Tell us something about you that nobody else in the team might know. 

I actually don’t think there is anything they don’t know – I like to talk 🙂

2. What film have you watched more than five times? 

Pretty Woman

3. What work are you most proud of in the past year? 

The TUS event – the team pulled off an amazing event in a short space of time!

4. Dream job? 

Wine taster in a vineyard in France – like what could be any better?

5. Favourite brand? – Why? 

Toyota – my first car purchase from my first paycheck from my first full time job!

6. Favourite Holiday Destination? 

Jamaica – loved it

7. Best lesson from your career? 

Own up when you make a mistake

8. Eurovision or World Cup? 

World Cup – 100%

9. Who is the joker on the team? 

A toss between Ciarán and Dylan – but maybe Dylan as he is a norrie!

10. Recommend a podcast. 

The 2 Norries

11. Reality shows – Love or Hate? 

Love!

12. Dinner party with 3 people – dead or alive – who do you invite? 

Roy Keane, My Granda John (RIP) and my Dad – what a conversation that would be!

13. If you could be anywhere in the world – where would you be & what would you do?

Somewhere hot and bringing people out on daily boat tours! Stress free!

14. Who is your role model? 

Love Michelle Obama

15. What was your first job? 

Aged 12, Cons shop – Gurranabraher

16. Death Row meal?

My mums roast chicken and mashed potato

17. Favourite book? 

Marian Keyes – Rachel’s Holiday (light reading but loved it)

18. Your a grammar nazi oar not? 

1000000%

19. First album you bought or downloaded? 

Bought – Michael Jackson’s Bad, Downloaded – Christina Aguilera’s Stripped.

20. Work from home – or office? 

Bit of both

21. Most memorable ad slogans – why? 

“McDonalds – I’m lovin it” – both the slogan and the logo are so well known all around the world.

Olivia Trought is Office Manager at Fuzion Communications, full service marketing and PR agency, with offices in Cork and Dublin.

21 Questions with… Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh

welcome to the tenth of our Fuzion Friday series, where we put 21 devilishly difficult questions to a team member, giving you an insight that Freud would be proud of.

Next up is Tokyo and Jesus fan…..Ciarán!

1. Tell us something about you that nobody else in the team might know.

Once danced in front of Heidi Klum & Anne Hathaway on a movie. Was on Blackboard Jungle.

2. What film have you watched more than five times?

Intouchables. Die Hard. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (original). Beetlejuice.

3. What work are you most proud of in the past year?

Just helping everyone in the team to be the best human they can.

4. Dream job?

Donald Trump speechwriter.

5. Favourite brand? – Why?

Apple. Just pristine in everything they do. (Apart from ports & cables)

6. Favourite Holiday Destination?

Japan. Everyone should go once before they die a slow, miserable death.

7. Best lesson from your career?

Never be afraid to ask what might seem like a stupid question.

8. Eurovision or World Cup?

Scratch my last answer, sometimes you should be afraid to ask a stupid question!

9. Who is the joker on the team?

Like, Michelle.

10. Recommend a podcast.

Bill Burr. Revisionist History (first season). Winds of Change.

11. Reality shows – Love or Hate?

Hate. Pity. Despair.

12. Dinner party with 3 people – dead or alive – who do you invite?

The famous Jesus Christ and his two parents (we think), Mary and Joseph. They’d have *some* great chats.

“Dad, why are the lads in class saying mam’s a virgin?”

“Oh Jesus, I mean, son…ah…sure lookit. More wine, Mary?”

13. If you could be anywhere in the world – where would you be & what would you do?

Japan. Riding Bullet trains all day long, and eating mad-flavoured Kit Kats with folks dressed like Super Mario characters.

14. Who is your role model?

Nanda – my grandfather, was my idol. Gave me a love of cycling and I’m not sure I’ve ever been happier than when he was on the side of the road at a race I won.

15. What was your first job?

Roches Stores. Not sure what I was meant to be doing.

16. Death Row meal?

Eddie Rocket’s burger with garlic cheese & cyanide chips.

17. Favourite book?

Impossible to choose. But I wish I could read The Long Walk (Stephen King) and Going Solo (Roald Dahl) again – for the first time.

18. Your a grammar nazi oar not?

Ja!

19. First album you bought or downloaded?

Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby.

20. Work from home – or office?

If ‘home’ was in Dubai or Tokyo, then home – but miss the camaraderie of an office.

21. Most memorable ad slogans – why?

“‘Snap! Crackle! Pop!’” Almost 90 years old, but still amazingly sharp.

Ciarán Ó Raghallaigh is a Senior Account Manager at Fuzion Communications, full service marketing and PR agency, with offices in Cork and Dublin.

21 Questions with…Dylan Morley

welcome to the eighth of our Fuzion Friday series, where we put 21 devilishly difficult questions to a team member, giving you an insight that Freud would be proud of.

Next up is Ronaldo and 1984 fan…..Dylan!

1. Tell us something about you that nobody else in the team might know?

I have never had a pint of Guinness 

2. What film have you watched more than five times?

Shrek 2.

3. What work are you most proud of in the past year?

Completing my MA in Public Relations with New Media.

4. Dream job?

Supreme Leader of Ireland (with the six counties back) or Public Relations Officer for Man Utd.

5. Favourite brand? – Why?

Coca-Cola – because of the series finale ending scene in Mad Men and the Christmas advertisement.

6. Favourite Holiday Destination?

Rome – the eternal city.

7. Best lesson from your career?

Always try to answer your phone and if you can’t, then always return the call.

8. Eurovision or World Cup?

World Cup.

9. Who is the joker on the team?

Ciarán – but the bar is low.

10. Recommend a podcast.

The WinHappy Podcast, obviously.

11. Reality shows – Love or Hate?

LOVE.

12. Dinner party with 3 people – dead or alive – who do you invite?

Alex Ferguson, Ronald Reagan, and Margot Robbie.

13. If you could be anywhere in the world – where would you be & what would you do?

Cork and working for Fuzion.

14. Who is your role model?

Siiiiiiiiiiiiuu – Cristiano Ronaldo.

15. What was your first job?

Pizza Chef.

16. Death Row meal?

Chinese.

17. Favourite book?

1984.

18. Your a grammar Nazi oar not?

Depends on my mood.

19. First album you bought or downloaded?

None – I’m too young for that, I grew up with Spotify. 

20. Work from home – or office?

Hybrid.

21. Most memorable ad slogans –

Kellogg’s Rice Krispies – ‘Snap, Crackle, and Pop’.

Dylan Morley is an Account Executive at Fuzion Communications, full service marketing and PR agency, with offices in Cork and Dublin.

21 Questions with… Sarah Murphy

Welcome to the sixth of our Fuzion Friday series, where we put 21 devilishly difficult questions to a team member, giving you an insight that Freud would be proud of.

Next up is the Barry’s Tea & the Wesht loving…..Sarah!

DC 22/10/2021 Fusion Communications Team Pic Diane Cusack

1. Tell us something about you that nobody else in the team might know.
   That I climbed Kilimanjaro and ironically only got into hiking after that!
   
2. What film have you watched more than five times?
   There’s a few that come to mind!  As Good As It Gets, Good Will Hunting, My Fair Lady and the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
   
3. What work are you most proud of in the past year? 

The ‘Belonging’ exhibition with The Hunt Museum comes to mind. The concept of the exhibition and the art itself was all just pretty special to be a part of. Also, I really loved seeing the different layers of coverage coming in… there is nothing quite like that feeling of a plan coming together!

4. Dream job?

Is that a trick question? Sure we are all working the dream in Fuzion, no?! Well, If I wasn’t in Fuzion I would love my own eclectic gift and clothing store full of one off pieces, filled with Irish talent… beside it I’d have a coffee shop with very good coffee and excellent cake as well as tasty savoury options, the walls would be covered with Irish art and the space would double up as a venue space at night for pop ups and occasions, not sure if its financially viable mind, but this is dream territory!

5. Favourite brand? – Why?
   Barry’s Tea – forever synonymous with home and providing comfort.
   
6. Favourite Holiday Destination?
   In terms of holidays for a bit of heat I’m not loyal, for favourite destinations on repeat probably Galway or Kerry.
   
7. Best lesson from your career?
   You never know it all, so I believe it’s important to have a growth mindset.

8. Eurovision or World Cup?
   Eh Neither! But if I have to choose I’d go with Eurovision for the cheese factor.
   
9. Who is the joker on the team?
   There’s a few! But I’m going to go with Ciaran.
   
10. Recommend a podcast.
    The Inner Chief – Greg Layton. He does really interesting interviews with people that you don’t normally get an insight to.
    
11. Reality shows – Love or Hate?
    Don’t love them, but they have their place when you want to just zone out and not have to think too much!
    
12. Dinner party with 3 people – dead or alive – who do you invite?
    David Attenborough, Judi Dench, and Julie Andrews. If I could have four I’d add in Dolly Parton!
    
13. If you could be anywhere in the world – where would you be & what would you do?
    Happy in Ireland right now, but always wanted to do a year or two in New York back in the day.

14. Who is your role model?
    My sister, she always knows the answer and has the ability to make everything look effortless.
    
15. What was your first job?
    My first summer job was working in the kitchens of Kilkea Castle, which involved a lot of chopping and mashing potatoes for circa 200 people – strong arms that summer!
    
16. Death Row meal?
    Surf and Turf platter in Michael’s restaurant in Dublin.
    
17. Favourite book?

In the last few years the books that come to mind are Where the Crawdads Sing – I’m nervous about the film adaptation, I hope they do it justice! My Favourite Biography in the last few years is Shoe Dog with Phil Knight (the story of Nike) – it was bravely honest and not always flattering which is rare!

18. Your a grammar nazi or not?
    Grammarly is my friend!
    
19. First album you bought or downloaded?
    No Doubt.
    
20. Work from home – or office?

Both, nothing like being in the office for teasing out ideas you might have, collaboration makes for better results more often than not.

21. Most memorable ad slogans – why?
    Nike, Just Do It – simple and is a call to action to move.

Sarah Murphy is a Senior Account Manager at Fuzion Communications, full service marketing and PR agency, with offices in Cork and Dublin.

Exciting Opportunities in Dublin – Bring your Tent!

Pitch the tent lads, we’re going to work in Dublin!

At the rate the housing trend is going in Ireland, more specifically Dublin, this may not be too far from the truth in the near future.

A recent projection from Savills Ireland, has suggested there may be office space for an additional 100,000 workers in Dublin by 2021 and with the projection of new housing at barely one-third of that demand, the question is where are these extra people going to live and how much will it cost?

Rent as of May 2017, has now surpassed Celtic Tiger levels with the average cost now standing at €1784 per month which is a stretch for anybody ‘living’ on the average Dublin wage of €36,519 per annum.

People in the know are calling for increased residential building heights and densities to accommodate people in the city centre to alleviate the strain and urban sprawl that is spreading far and wide. Wexford and Westmeath are now nearly recognised as commuter suburbs of Dublin at this stage.

As I write this, I can see cranes dominating the skyline around the capital and as it was pointed out to me, these are predominantly for commercial developments. These include the recently acquired Capital Dock building by global banking giant JPMorgan Chase for €125m, which is large enough for 1,000 staff not to mention the proposed tallest building in Dublin envisaged by Johnny Ronan.

If this is one of the first signs of Brexit, it doesn’t make for pleasant thoughts for the future of Dublin’s indigenous workforce.

Recently as I was waiting on a friend in the Ferryman on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, I got chatting to a young American guy who voluntarily transferred from Boston to Dublin by his tech company in search of new experiences.

During the conversation, I asked how he found living in Dublin rent wise and the general cost of living. I was told that he found it expensive but didn’t really know the rent costs because as long as he has been here (4 months) his company has been paying and would be for the foreseeable future.

If that trend continues and the tech companies who dominate ‘Silicon Docks’ in Dublin can just pay the inflated prices for rent in Dublin to the REIT’s (Real Estate Investment Trusts), tents could soon be the only next option!

Patrick

Patrick Jones is an Account Manager in Dublin with Fuzion Communications, Marketing, PR & Graphic Design