Twice a year, the UK Government announces its tax and spending plans in a budget and subsequently, there is a race among those in the property sector to get their response comments in the news.
It’s understandable. A pithy analysis or reaction to the business news topic of the moment can be great PR.
And there will be a few notable announcements that will be dates in the diary.
The effort to get coveted space on news websites and publications starts before the budget has even been announced.
Emails offering people up for interviews will begin pinging into journalists’ inboxes in the days leading up to the actual event.
Then in the hours and days afterwards emails with statements and opinions will flood in.
With so much choice of comment there are three key things a journalist is going to look for.
1. A high profile name
CEOs and managing directors of big well-known property companies are a draw.
It’s like having a celebrity name to open a school fete, a Hollywood A-lister is always going to get a bigger crowd than someone who came sixth on a reality TV show. Harsh but true.
2. Speed of delivery
If you aren’t out of the traps the moment they open the gates then there is a strong chance you’ll miss your chance.
Websites can be updated within minutes so speed is the name of the game.
A long and complex approval process isn’t going to do you any favours in this instance.
Continue reading “PR tips: How to respond to big public sector announcements”