Why do you need a communications expert for your research project?
Communications activity is an essential element of any research project – it’s also a requirement of most funding bodies. A strong identity, authoritative voice and clear, concise communication style will establish your credentials and leave a lasting impression. You don’t need a huge budget to reach the people you want to influence: a bespoke plan developed for the resources you have will deliver the results you need.
Strategy
Communications work should always start with a strategy. A strategy and action plan are essential for everyone to know expectations, outcomes and the roles required to achieve them.
Developing a strategy will also establish the resources you have available, the experience you have within your team and the level of support you need. It’s a straightforward process: for small projects with uncomplicated requirements a simple phone call could be sufficient to gather all the information required. Larger, multi-partner projects require a more involved approach, but I’ll guide you through the procedure.
The strategy will also take into account the level of my involvement with your project. I can work with you as a partner in your project from bid preparation to final deliverables, on a consultancy and advisory basis, or I can create a bespoke plan that contains everything you need to manage the dissemination activities for your project.
Funding applications and proposals
I can work with you on your applications and proposals in two ways.
As a communications partner, I’ll be involved from the outset and be responsible for the whole package. I’ll create a budget, identify and appoint a communications team and prepare the relevant part of the proposal.
And, as a sole operator, I can handpick the best team for your project. I have the freedom to choose experts from an unlimited global network, while remaining financially competitive. I have a great deal of experience in managing teams, liaising with multiple partners and delivering successful projects – see my credentials here, or you can contact me to discuss my experience and decide whether we’re a good fit.
If you already have resources in place, I can work with you on a consultancy and advisory basis. I’ll help you to develop your strategy, plan your activities, agree the deliverables and draft your proposal. When your project starts, I can support your ongoing communications activities on a consultancy basis.
Brand & identity
I will work closely with you to help develop a unique brand that portrays who you are and what you do. Your brand pieces will include logos, colour references, typography and all the materials you need to deliver your communications activity.
Websites
If you need a website, I can do that too (I made this one!). Simple, cost-effective and functional with everything you need to explain your project and share your results. The design will be fresh, simple and easy to update; you won’t need any specialist knowledge or expensive stock photography.
Video
Quality video content is a great way of disseminating your results, and it doesn’t need a huge budget. I filmed some of these videos on an iPhone and edited them with my desktop software; others were recorded and edited by specialist crews with industry standard equipment. From broadcast-quality programmes to short items for social media, I can help you to produce engaging content with the resources you have available.
Ademu live interviews
Interviews recorded during a live event at Banco de España with a professional camera and lighting team. Post-production by Plato Obert Productions, Barcelona.
Ademu findings and proposals
Recorded on location in countries across Europe with a network of professional camera and lighting teams. Post-production by Plato Obert Productions, Barcelona.
Recorded with an iPhone XR during live EconPol Europe events. Edited with Adobe Rush.
Ademu interviews
Interviews with visiting economists. Filming and post-production by Plato Obert Productions, Barcelona.
Events
Events are an essential element of sharing research and influencing policy. Whether it’s a large conference or a small seminar, forward planning, strong branding, appropriate supporting materials and attention to detail will ensure participants and guests remember your event for all the right reasons.
I can work with you to plan, organise and manage your live and online events and produce your supporting material. My experience ranges from celebrity-hosted awards ceremonies to international economics conferences.
We can work together to stage successful events that leave a lasting impact.
Fees & terms
Before we start work, we’ll clarify the agreed terms in writing. The scope of the work I can deliver for your project varies significantly, but my charging is transparent and accountable.
Consultancy work is charged at an hourly rate, with a minimum fee of 15 minutes.
Partnerships are budgeted in accordance with the size and scope of the project and the resources required. My fee is added in addition to the costs of outsourcing and materials, calculated as my usual day rate and an estimate of the number of days required throughout the lifecycle of the project. If the charging structures and requirements of funding bodies differ, they will supersede these terms.
Communications toolkits are charged at a fixed price according to the items required. All pricing will be made available before any work takes place.
For single projects I can operate on a day rate or fixed fee basis. Fixed fees will be based on my day rate and an estimate of the time it will take to complete the proejct and will include any outsourced costs.
All fees are agreed in advance and invoiced according to our individual agreement.
Invoicing and payment terms will depend on the duration and type of work involved. My fees and reporting are totally transparent and I can provide you with a breakdown of activity and costs at any time on request. Reporting requirements will be agreed in advance.
Much of my work is strictly confidential. If you’d like to know more about my experience I’m happy to discuss it with you over an informal chat, or you can check my testimonials.
If you’d like to know more, contact me for an informal chat.
