AGENCY NEWS - Charly PR launches Charly Crisis Comms
Charly PR, the Benelux agency for corporate and consumer communication, has launched a new department. Under the name Charly Crisis Comms, a team of crisis communication specialists is ready to help organizations whose reputation is – or could someday be – under threat.
“For our specialists, advising and supporting organizations in their hour of need, and the sincere appreciation they always get in return, is the pinnacle of PR. That passion has now resulted in the creation of a new department."
Karolien Hessels, Managing Director Charly PR
Karolien Hessels, MD and crisis communications expert, says the creation of Charly Crisis Comms is, like the rebranding from LVTPR to Charly PR last year, the result of the agency’s natural evolution over the past decade:
"Over the years, we have developed huge expertise and experience in the field of crisis communications: from product crises such as recalls and quality reputation issues to corporate crises such as cyber attacks, fatal work accidents, toxic leadership, lay-offs, strikes and other high-profile HR issues. This has really fueled the passion in our team. For our specialists, advising and supporting organizations in their hour of need, and the sincere appreciation they always get in return, is the pinnacle of PR. That passion has now resulted in the creation of a new department."
The importance of being crisis ready
Charly Crisis Comms’ activities are not limited to the usual 24/7 consultancy during crises. The agency is also on a mission to raise awareness among organizations about the importance of crisis readiness. "We hope you’ll never have to deal with a crisis, but chances are that someday you will. That’s why you'd better prepare for it now – this will allow you to save valuable reputation time. Not enough organizations realize this, and we have the ambition to change that."
The agency's proactive services fall into two categories. Firstly, Charly Crisis Comms creates proactive crisis communication plans, for both general and specific scenarios that are high-risk (real likelihood of ever occurring) and/or high-impact (potentially severe reputational damage if they occur).
"These plans include detailed scenarios, with pre-approved strategies and statements per stakeholder group. This allows you to communicate immediately and effectively if necessary. Secondly, we offer training courses, like knowledge sessions for everyone who may be involved in your crisis communication – right down to your receptionists –, real-life simulations for your crisis team and media trainings for your spokespeople."
Charly Crisis Comms is led by Karolien Hessels (Managing Director Belgium), Johan De Ost (Corporate Comms Director) and Mark Van Tol (Managing Director Netherlands). All three have more than 20 years of PR and crisis communication experience.
More information about Charly Crisis Comms? Check it here or get in touch.