Difference between revisions of "Biss Lancaster"
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The phonecall also reveals that it is considered normal for all details of the mining company and their operations to be kept secret, even from the PR agency. This keeps their activities out of the public eye and makes them hard to trace. Particularly helpful if they are involved in questionable operations. | The phonecall also reveals that it is considered normal for all details of the mining company and their operations to be kept secret, even from the PR agency. This keeps their activities out of the public eye and makes them hard to trace. Particularly helpful if they are involved in questionable operations. | ||
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==Corporate Social Responsibility and Clean Development Mechanism== | ==Corporate Social Responsibility and Clean Development Mechanism== | ||
Revision as of 15:12, 25 February 2010
Biss Lancaster was a PR agency named after founders Adele Biss and Graham Lancaster. It is now known as Euro RSCG Biss Lancaster. They have worked with defense and aerospace, mining companies and government public relations.
Contents
Clients
According to their website as of March 2010, their clients include:
- ASDA
- Bank of Scotland Corporate
- United Technologies (Aerospace and building)
- Bayer Health Care
- BAE Systems (defence)
- The British Army
- DIAGEO
- Hogg Robinson Group
- Air Asia
- Department of Health
- London Thames Gateway
- Mecca Bingo[1]
A private investigation by a UK journalist also revealed that Biss Lancaster have experience with international mining companies.
People
- Graham Lancaster Chairman
- Andrew Robinson Director, Corporate & B2B
- Holly Ward Managing Director, London
- Brian Beech Managing Director, Manchester & Edinburgh
- Jo Grierson Director, Brands Division
- Melissa Hinds Director, Manchester and Edinburgh [2]
Spinning for arms companies
One of the case studies provided on the company website details a project with BAE Systems with the aim of getting more positive media stories about the arms manufacturer worldwide. They report the result as:
- Coverage of over 35 topics from apprenticeships, acoustic sensors and flapless air vehicles to support for engineering in schools. Reached more than 44 million people in the UK with AVE in excess of £2.5m. [3]
The firm also work for weapons manufacturer United Technologies and the British Army.
Exposed on dodgy mining advice
A 2009 investigation by an un-named private journalist revealed the attitudes and techniques of Biss Lancaster to mining operations with sensitive human and ecological impacts.
The investigator posed as a representative of an unnamed small, private mining company interested in opening a lithium mine in Bolivia. The proposed mine would impinge on rainforest and possibly involve the removal of an 'uncontacted' Indigenous tribe. [4]
The recorded conversation with Andrew Robinson reveals some fairly unethical practices by the PR company. Mr Robinson is at first un-interested but changes his mind when he hears of the potential boom in the lithium market. He notes the deep issues around the un-contacted tribe, suggesting that "If it were any old tribe it would be no problem whatsoever" and that "you just give them some money and a school". He goes on to suggest ways to keep the story out of the media by getting the backing of local NGO's and the Bolivian government, though "not necessarily by bribery". Finally he suggests that the company find a "good anthropologist".."one that won't go blurting" and says that he could help find such an anthropologist through his contacts at "Anglo" (could be Anglo American, Anglo Platinum or AngloGold Ashanti). [5]
The phonecall also reveals that it is considered normal for all details of the mining company and their operations to be kept secret, even from the PR agency. This keeps their activities out of the public eye and makes them hard to trace. Particularly helpful if they are involved in questionable operations.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Clean Development Mechanism
Biss Lancaster have also represented Standard Chartered to promote their financing of their 'renewable' and 'clean energy' projects in Asia, Africa and the Middle East under the Clean Development Mechanism. According to their website 'the projects will have a total value up to £5bn over a five-year period from 2008-12.' [6]
Government spin
According to their website section 'Shaping Policy' as of 2010:
- Our extensive experience of government, parliament and political communications, through Euro RSCG Apex Communications, means we can offer top-level public affairs advice and support.
- 'We offer a wide range of related services including:
- • government relations
- • communications and media strategies
- • crisis/issues management
- • stakeholder relations
- • parliamentary affairs
- • political monitoring' [7]
Capturing the Climate Change Debate
The major UN campaign Time for Climate Justice is sponsored by Havas, owners of Biss Lancaster. [8] [9]
Affiliations
Subsidiaries
Publications
Contact details, Resources, Notes
Contact
- Address:
- Phone:
- Fax:
- Website:
External Resources
Notes
- ↑ Biss Lancaster website Clients Accessed 25/02/10
- ↑ Biss Lancaster website Who We Are, Profiles Accessed 25/02/10
- ↑ Biss Lancaster website Case Studies, BAE Accessed 25/02/10
- ↑ Andrew Robinson of Biss Lancaster speaks to private investigatorAccessed 25/02/10
- ↑ Andrew Robinson of Biss Lancaster speaks to private investigatorAccessed 25/02/10
- ↑ Biss Lancaster website News Accessed 25/02/10
- ↑ Biss Lancaster website Public Affairs Accessed 25/02/10
- ↑ Havas website Agencies Accessed 25/02/10
- ↑ Time for Climate Justice website Partners Accessed 25/02/10
