MT Influence #17

As we step into spring, the McKenna Townsend team continues to build on the momentum of a successful start to 2025, delivering impactful and results-driven communication campaigns for clients. From driving national media coverage for Coeliac UK’s crucial petition to protect gluten free prescriptions, to celebrating Charlotte Sampson Chart.PR recent achievement of Chartered Status with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, we’ve been proud to support initiatives that make a real difference. This month, we’re also shining a light on the power of storytelling in PR, how we craft narratives that inspire action and build trust, and how our social media and content creation services are helping businesses stay ahead in today’s fast-paced digital world. Read on for all our March highlights, as we continue to deliver outstanding results for our clients.

Supporting Coeliac UK in the Fight to Protect Gluten Free Prescriptions

We are incredibly proud to have supported Coeliac UK in delivering a petition to 10 Downing Street, calling on the government to protect gluten free prescriptions for people with coeliac disease. Signed by over 22,000 people, the petition responds to recent decisions made by several regional Integrated Care Boards across the UK to withdraw these prescriptions, putting vital support at risk.

For many, access to gluten free food through NHS prescriptions is a lifeline. With recent policy changes threatening this scheme, our team at MT has been working behind the scenes to amplify this campaign. Through strategic PR efforts, we’ve secured extensive national and regional print and broadcast coverage, bringing this urgent issue to an audience of over 200 million.

Our Senior Account Director Theo Meddelton Chart.PR was on the ground in London on the petition hand-in day, supporting with media interviews, including the BBC, to ensure maximum visibility for this important cause. By shining a spotlight on the financial burden and health risks faced by those affected, we’ve helped ensure their voices are heard. We’re honoured to play a role in driving this crucial conversation forward and supporting Coeliac UK in its mission to protect those who rely on this essential service.

Charlotte is our latest Chartered PR Practitioner

We’re delighted to congratulate our Associate Director,  Charlotte, on achieving Chartered Status from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations!

This distinguished accreditation recognises Charlotte’s extensive experience, leadership in strategic communications, and unwavering commitment to ethical PR practice. Gaining Chartered Status involves a rigorous assessment process, testing expertise in areas such as crisis management, stakeholder engagement, and communications strategy, and demonstrating dedication to the highest industry standards.

Charlotte is now the fifth member of the senior McKenna Townsend team to achieve this prestigious status, further reinforcing our agency’s commitment to professionalism and industry excellence.

Huge congratulations to Charlotte on this fantastic achievement!

Navigating the Maritime Future at the Solent Coastal Powerhouse Summit

In March, our Managing Director, Matthew McKenna FCIPR, attended the Solent Coastal Powerhouse Summit at ABP’s Ocean Terminal in Southampton, a landmark event uniting industry leaders, academics, policymakers, and start-ups, driving innovation and decarbonisation across the coastal and maritime economy.

With a stellar line-up of speakers and discussions, the summit shaped the trajectory for the future of the sector, tackling key challenges and opportunities in sustainability, technology, and economic growth.

As a full-service Marketing & PR agency based on the South Coast, proudly working with global Marine and Maritime brands, we’re excited to be part of the conversation, collaborating with key stakeholders to support the industry’s evolution.

A huge thank you to Maritime Solent, Associated British Ports, and Carnival UK (P&O Cruises & Cunard) for making this important event possible. We took away many valuable insights, gained fresh perspectives, and unlocked new opportunities to champion innovation in the maritime sector.

The Power of Storytelling in PR to Build Trust and Inspire Action

At the heart of every successful public relations strategy lies the art of storytelling. A well-crafted narrative does more than capture attention, it builds trust, cultivates meaningful connections, and drives audiences toward action.

With a long-standing heritage in PR, we are committed to shaping compelling brand stories that resonate with our clients’ audiences. Through strategic messaging and creative execution, we help a number of industry leading brands enhance awareness, deepen engagement, and achieve sustainable growth.

For over two decades, we have been the trusted PR partner for globally recognised brands, delivering innovative and results-driven campaigns that break through the noise. Our expertise spans media relations, thought leadership, issues monitoring and responding, crisis communication, and integrated PR strategies designed to create lasting impact.

But the true measure of our success lies in the results we deliver. Our track record speaks for itself, explore our selection of case studies to see how we have helped leading brands achieve their communications goals.

If you are looking to elevate your brand’s presence and create meaningful connections with your audience, we would love to explore how we can support your vision.

Social Media Support and Content Creation Services

In today’s digital world, a strong social media presence is non-negotiable for growing your audience, increasing engagement, and driving results. However, in the day-to-day running of a business, it’s all too easy to overlook the importance of a robust social strategy and the creation of high-quality content that speaks to your audience. This can result in missed opportunities to connect with potential customers and build meaningful relationships that convert into business success. That’s where we come in, dedicated to helping businesses like yours stay ahead of the curve.

At McKenna Townsend, we understand the complexities of managing a digital presence. Our expert social media management and content creation services are designed to not only amplify your brand voice but also ensure that your business stands out from the crowd in an ever-evolving digital landscape. From auditing your organic and paid social media programmes, to curating engaging posts and crafting tailored campaigns that resonate with your target audience, we focus on driving real, measurable impact.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your current strategy or need a fresh approach to content creation, our team is ready to work alongside you. Together, we’ll ensure that social media is a key asset in your business growth.

Maximising Care Home Enquiries

Finding the right care for a loved one can be overwhelming, often unexpected, emotional, and require quick yet informed decisions. In these crucial moments, your care services need to be visible, trusted, and top of mind for families searching for the best possible support. As a full-service marketing agency, we are experts in crafting compelling campaigns that build trust, enhance brand awareness, and drive enquiries. We specialise in helping care providers stand out by maximising visibility and engagement through strategic PR, social media, and communications.

We have a strong track record of success in the care home, home care, and retirement living sectors. Our comprehensive marketing campaign for Care South led to a double-digit increase in enquiries and boosted care home occupancy, all within just 12 months.

With spring symbolising new beginnings, now is the perfect time to refresh awareness of your services, ensuring you reach, reassure, and support more families during this important decision-making process.