Reasons to be cheerful in 2016
Here are our top 10 reasons to be cheerful in 2016:
- Positive news for the economy – particularly in Yorkshire
The economy is expected to grow by 2.6% in 2016 and here in Yorkshire, leading business experts are predicting sustained economic growth over the next five years. The Confederation of British Industry’s latest survey of 310 companies revealed that two thirds of business were predicting a need to take on more staff with higher level skills to grow in the year ahead. There are now more jobs being created in the region than at any time since the recession hit, with unemployment at its lowest for seven years. In addition, the number of new start up businesses in our region has risen by 10 per cent in the last year, which is expected to continue.
- Commodity market set to turn a corner
For businesses supplying products and services to the metals and mining sectors, 2015 has been a challenging year in many ways, however experts predict that there are a number of key drivers that could help the market recover over the course of year ahead. This includes China’s economic activity starting to gear up again, inflation returning and the fact that many metal prices appear to have found a level, following announcements of cutbacks in production and new investment. This can only be a positive for these industries as they start to make a recovery.
- Mark Zuckerberg decides to give away 99% of his wealth to charity
Facebook’s owner deciding to donate 99 per cent of his shares – worth around $45bn to causes that advance human potential and promote equality for children was an admirable act. The social network founder is an inspiration to other entrepreneurs because of his philanthropic efforts!
- We are hiring!
Jose Mourinho may have lost his job at Chelsea but here at Dragonfly PR, we are recruiting!
We are looking to grow and expand even further in 2016 and to help us to do this, we are seeking a number of Digital Media Executives to join our team. We’re looking for individuals with flair for social media, SEO and blog writing, with an ability for identifying and exploiting opportunities, who can help enhance our digital services to clients.
- A British Man has gone into space!
Tim Peake heading off into space to work at the international space station was a great move forward for inspiring the next generation about careers in science and engineering. Lots of our engineering companies find it difficult to recruit Graduate level staff and Apprentices of the right calibre, so here’s to hoping that more young people will start to follow this valued career path!
- Red wine is good for you!
The University of Alberta has revealed that red wine is good for you! A natural compound, resveratrol, found in red wine can enhance exercise training and performance, as well as improving physical perormance, heart function and muscle strength. We’ll raise a glass to that!
- Rail sector set for growth
The last 10 years has seen unprecedented growth in demand for travel by rail. There are now one million more trains running every year than 10 years ago. In 2016, Network Rail will be in its third year of its five year delivery plan. This is opening up opportunities for many of our clients to supply their products and services to the rail industry, particularly as train companies are looking for a ‘technology-enabled future’.Take, for example, our client digital software provider 3 Squared, which has increased its business in the past 12 months by 50 per cent and recruited an extra 30 staff. This is largely due to securing new contracts with train operating companies looking to make their systems more effective through use of latest technology. Our specialist team for the rail sector has helped keep this client in all the right trade journals.
- There are opportunities for businesses to take advantage of wearable technology
In the US, it has already been proven that where employees are encouraged to use wearable devices to track their activity in terms of fitness, it has led to less absenteeism and improved health. So instead of setting up policies where these wearable devices are banned or discouraged in a business, employers should see them as an opportunity and support their use.
Some smart companies are even using them as a way to communicate to employees essential information via their watch or other device. Some of our clients have issued wearable step counters for employees and actively award prizes for those who have done the most steps in a month. They’ve recognised that if you are healthier, you’re happier and more productive, which saves the company money. So go on, buy your workforce some wearables!
- Video technology is coming down in price
These days everyone can make movies and videos, which means they are being used ever more widely across B2B markets to demonstrate products and services, through expert advice tips and ‘how to’ footage that are hosted on YouTube. The great news is that the technology is available at much lower cost than it used to be and editing software is more affordable than ever. In 2015 alone, we produced 32 videos for our clients, these ranged from 30 second product demonstrations to five minute corporate videos of charity fundraising events. Video content has revolutionised Google search and videos are becoming shorter and more impactful. Users are gaining ground by sharing them on Facebook, Twitter and using Periscope. So go on, think about ideas for themes for videos to promote your products and services in a fun, informative way – and give us a shout!
- Marketing budgets are set to rise Many businesses are looking to increase their marketing budgets in 2016, suggesting a growth in business confidence and increased recognition of the benefits an experienced PR agency, like Dragonfly, can bring. A reported 56%* of companies will increase their internal digital communications budgets by an average of 19% in the year ahead, and a greater number than ever are expected to switch from advertising to PR and digital marketing in order to make this money go further. More and more companies are using infographics (48% increase over 2014) and content marketing will continue to be king in 2016. Our digital marketing team is always happy to advise businesses and organisations on their content strategies – just drop us a line hello@dragonflypr.co.uk.
For an informal discussion about how Dragonfly PR can improve your PR and digital marketing in 2016, give us a call on 01709 300130 or email hello@dragonflypr.co.uk.
