Akkanto Master Presentation Ppt Eng

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akkanto is a Brussels-based, independent communication consultancy that combines strategic advice with high quality and effective implementation.

from the Italian accanto, meaning close, nearby

A close-knit team of communication professionals,working closely with their clients and relations,adding value to the ever-changing andintensifying dialogue with their stakeholders,both in Belgium and abroad

akkanto

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In brief

International strategic advice and high quality and effective implementation

including fostering public-private dialogue with local stakeholders, national governments and international bodies, e.g. Bretton Woods

8 active Partners

Multinational, multicultural team of 26

Senior team of 12 with a variety of backgrounds

Consultancy, ministerial cabinets, parliament, corporations, institutions, media, etc.

Turnover 2007: 3,65 million EUR (+ 16%)

Member of the firstline network (Stakeholder Management) and the European Crisis Management Partnership ECMP

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Geographical span

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Our mission

To be the reference on the Belgian market for Strategic Communication Advice in Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, with proven added value for our clients, capable of responding to and anticipating their needs in Belgium, the EU, Africa and other selected markets, fast and effectively

To be a leader in innovation, creativity, effectiveness and quality

To attract top talent, providing an interesting and challenging environment for a team of engaged people, in

which they find personal and professional satisfaction

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A broad spectrum of competences

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Corporate Communications

Development of corporate communication strategies

(Re)definition of mission statements

Message development sessions

Values validation

Corporate communications audits

Advice on corporate communications structures

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Public Affairs / Government Relations

Advice and support to establish and implement public affairs programmes

Belgium

EU

International institutions

Monitoring

Analysis of the political, social and economic context

Mapping

Identification of relevant actors (decision makers & influencers)

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Public Affairs / Government Relations

Messaging

Writing of position papers, parliamentary questions,...

Mindsetting

Creation and implementation of focused Public Affairs campaigns via e.g. media relations, coalition-management, ...

Mentoring

Public Affairs Workshops

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Internal Communications

Assessment of corporate culture, internal communication flows, internal communication tools

based on focus groups and interviews

Implementation of employee communications

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Crisis Communications

Development and evaluation of crisis preparedness plans

Vulnerability analysis

Mobilisation exercise

Desktop exercise

Operational crisis simulation exercise

Analysis and recommendations of crisis manual

Community and stakeholders mapping

Strategic and hands-on support for actual crisis management, from blackmail situations to product recalls

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Training and Coaching

Developing communication skills, coaching at various levels

From individual coaching to seminars

Training of middle management

Media training

Training of third party spokespersons

Presentation skills training, dry-runs etc.

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Brand Communications

Specific approach to enhance our customer brands, either products, services or concepts

Communication strategy development

Message development

Media Relations

Events design and coordination

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Media Relations

Analysis and measurement

Quantitative and qualitative media audits

In-depth analysis of media coverage

Development of media relations policies and guidelines

Alignment of media relations strategies with overall communication and business strategy

Choice of messages, media outlets and media tactics

Pro-active and tailor-made media monitoring

Targeted media lists and materials

Interviews, press briefings and press conferences

Outsourced press office activities

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Interim Communication Management

In house support to

Prepare major change programmes

Bring specific expertise

Temporary replace communication specialists

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Financial Communications

Periodic financial information

Design of copy platform and editing annual reports

Preparation for Annual General Meetings, especially when sensitive issues arise

Counsel and guidance with financial transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, take-over bids

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The Partners

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The Partners

Johan Ral, Managing PartnerProducer and journalist with Belgian public Radio and Television

Managing Director of Burson-Marsteller Brussels

Corporate, crisis and internal communications and communication training

Past President of BPRCA/Communication Consultants in Belgium

Marie-Paule Meert, Partner20-year career with Belgian Ministerial Cabinets and Parliament

Former Public Affairs Director Burson-Marsteller Brussels

Government relations and public affairs strategies

Isabelle Hardy, Partner20-year experience in communication consultancy (Lintas and Ogilvy Adams & Rinehart Brussels)

Special expertise in brand communications, developing communication strategies for new concepts and products, events design and management, media relations

Strong experience assisting in-house communication staff with major change programmes

Ariane Vanderlinden, PartnerCareer start in Eastern Europe as a PR advisor for privatised companies

Special expertise developing media strategies for technology, FMCG and service-oriented sectors

Employee communications, crisis and financial communications

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The Partners

Carl Buyck, Partner10 years of experience as ministerial cabinet advisor (Belgium)Former spokesperson for the Flemish Minister of Finance, Budget and Health Government relations and public affairs: healthcare, mobility/transport, environment, energy

Walter Gelens, Partner20 years at Unilever - top positions in Belgium, France, the NetherlandsMarketing Director of Belgacom (2005-2007)“Master Marketeer” (since 2004)President of the Belgian Union of Advertisers (2002-2007)

Thierry Bouckaert , PartnerEconomic journalist at La Libre Belgique (1987-1999)Press and Public Relations Director at Mobistar (1999-2004)Press and Communications Director at Belgacom (2004-2008)Visiting professor at the Université Catholique de Louvain (Since 2004)Vice-President of 3C (Corporate Communication Community) (Since 2003)

Charles van der Straten Waillet, Founding PartnerFounding shareholder of Infopublic-Shandwick Brussels Strategic consulting, financial and crisis communications Past President of IPRA - The International Public Relations Association

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References

Accenture

Antwerp World Diamond Centre

Asahi Glass

Atos Worldline

AviaPartner

Bekaert

Belgian Railways (NMBS/SNCB)

Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC/COIB)

Belgian Post (De Post/La Poste)

Bombardier Transportation

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Brussels Airlines

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References

Brussels Airport

Carrefour

CEFIC

CIMABEL (Cigarette Manufacturers of Belgium and Luxemburg)

CropLife International

Delhaize Group

Electrabel

Ernst & Young

Etex Group

EVCA (European Private Equity Venture Capital Association)

Febelfin

FEBELCEM

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References

Groupe Danone

Heineken

Husqvarna

Janssen Pharmaceutica

Johnson & Johnson

IMEC

International Federation of the Phonographic Industry

Mc Kinsey

Ministry of the Flemish Community

KBC Group

Mattel

Merck Sharp & Dohme

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References

Microsoft

Mobistar

pharma.be

Pfizer

Private Investors for Africa

Procter & Gamble

Royal Military Academy

Solvay Pharma

Spadel

SPE

Suez Group

Swift

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References

Triodos Bank

Unilever

Universal Music

Vlaamse Maatschappij voor Watervoorziening

Vlaanderen in Actie

Wyeth

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Pro bono activities

Child focus

International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation

Kunst en Democratie/Culture et Démocratie

Ligue Nationale Belge de la Sclérose en Plaques/MS Liga

WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature)

0110 Concerts for tolerance, against racism, extremism and gratuitous violence on 1 October 2006

UNICEF

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