There is a vast amount of research and teaching excellence to promote, however, the communications team at the RVC is relatively small, meaning that this limited capacity presents challenges. Working with PLMR has not only provided extra resource for the team, but also means we can provide strategic advice on how to enhance the RVC’s profile, navigate any sensitive issues or challenges – including Covid-19 – and provide a maximised output for each of the three strands. This requires working with many different stakeholders across the business; we have developed incredibly strong relationships with academics and clinicians – also helping reduce the strain and time for the comms team – which has helped us identify the best stories to generate widespread recognition of the RVC’s role at the forefront of veterinary and medical research; its pioneering clinical practice; and its aim to recruit more international students.

We have been able to support the RVC with press office management including fielding and managing a large volume of enquiries every day; positive and reactive media opportunities; reputation management, including 24/7 support; and thought leadership editorial and comment opportunities at local, national, broadcast and trade level; all which span RVC’s activities and specialisms, from small animals and horses to farm animals and foreign and domestic wildlife.