Agency News

Simon Shaw Dishes Up For Channel 4

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The burgeoning North West food scene was on the national agenda earlier this month when El Gato Negro Manchester founder and Chef Patron, Simon Shaw, appeared on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch.

The experienced restaurateur joined host chef Simon Rimmer in the Sunday Brunch kitchen, preparing a signature dish from the menu of forthcoming El Gato Negro Manchester. Simon appeared alongside guests Seal, Gareth Malone, Carol Vorderman, Tyler Oakley and US music act Pentatonix.

Simon, who made the move to Manchester earlier this year to focus on the launch of his new restaurant, used the appearance to talk about his love of Spanish recipes and ingredients, as well as his plans for El Gato Negro Manchester, which opens at 52 King Street in February.  The opportunity was secured by Rule 5 as part of the agency’s national brand and profiling campaign.

Speaking about the appearance, Simon Shaw said: “Programmes like Sunday Brunch are great for inspiring conversations about food across the country, introducing new ingredients, flavours and dining styles to viewers at home. It’s great to be invited to the studio and to have the chance to showcase one of my favourite dishes, which will also be a fixture of the new El Gato Negro Manchester menu.”

Watch the full episode online.

El Gato Negro is renowned for seasonally-inspired dishes reflecting a mix of modern and traditional Spanish flavours and techniques with influences from closer to home. A select range of Spanish wines completes the offer. Applications are now being sought for a core team of hospitality professionals who will work alongside Simon at El Gato Negro Manchester.

Rule 5 In Fashion With Want That Trend

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We’re delighted to have been appointed by online retailer, Want That Trend.

The news comes as the womenswear specialist, which launched in April of this year, looks to significantly expand the business in the UK and Canada.

Rule 5 is tasked with delivering a brand communications strategy to include a multi-platform social media campaign, media and blogger relations, celebrity product placement and business profiling.

Speaking on the appointment, Want That Trend founder Victoria Molyneaux said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the launch of Want That Trend, with the business having grown from  a one man operation to an international fashion company in six months.   As we embark on the next phase of expansion, it is important we have the right business partners in place to support us in further developing the brand and communication strategy.

“Talking to Rule 5, the team’s knowledge of the retail and e-commerce sector was evident.  This, combined with their passion for the business and clear and considered approach to building the Want That Trend brand, made them an obvious choice.”

Rule 5 founding director, Julie Wilson, added:  “Want That Trend is an incredible success story.  Opportunities to work with a retailer at such a pivotal time in the business’ development are rare and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the Want That Trend brand.”

Rule 5 On The Menu With El Gato Negro 

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We’re delighted to announce that Rule 5 has been appointed by El Gato Negro, the acclaimed Spanish restaurant due to launch in Manchester this autumn.

The appointment follows a competitive pitch and sees the agency tasked with delivering a communications strategy with reach to the national, regional and trade media.

Central to activity is a profiling campaign that will see celebrated chef patron and founder of El Gato Negro, Simon Shaw, positioned at the forefront of the modern Spanish cuisine news agenda.   Work is already well underway with Simon featuring on BBC Breakfast today (28th August) and again on TV screens nationwide in November (programme detail is under wraps).  He will also appear at the Manchester Food & Drink Festival on September 19.

Speaking on the appointment Simon Shaw said: “Rule 5 demonstrated a strong understanding of El Gato Negro, our ethos and our plans to go further with the dining experience we pioneered almost 10 years ago.

“The agency’s reputation for delivering is second to none and I’m confident that in the Rule 5 team we’ve found the right partners to help us realise our business ambitions.”

Rule 5 Founding Director, Julie Wilson, added:  “El Gato Negro has won countless awards during its nine years in business including recognition from Hardens, Michelin, and The Good Food Guide.   To be a part of the business’ ongoing success story is a privilege.  There’s a significant resurgence in the new British wave of Spanish restaurants and we’re looking forward to positioning Simon and El Gato Negro at the forefront of the agenda.”

El Gato Negro combines the best ingredients, Spanish and locally sourced, with modern techniques rooted in tradition to create bold and distinctive dishes.  An extensive range of Spanish wines completes the offer.

El Gato Negro Manchester will open at 52 King St, Manchester, in Autumn 2015.

Rule 5 Nominated Six Times in CIPR Awards

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The agency has been nominated six times, including in the category for Outstanding Small Consultancy, in the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide Awards, announced today.  

Rule 5 has been shortlisted for its work for Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton, Virgin Money, British Cycling and Buy Art Fair.  The CIPR PRide Awards recognises outstanding public relations in the UK regions and nations and attracts entries from the country’s leading communications agencies. The awards will be announced at a black tie dinner on 5 November 2015 at The Midland Hotel in Manchester.

The CIPR says, “they are a celebration of exceptional talent and a reflection of public relations best practice. Only the highest calibre of experts, drawn from the very top of their fields are selected to judge our awards.”

Rule 5 To Promote Buy Art Fair

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Rule 5 has been appointed by Buy Art Fair, the leading art event outside of London, to promote this year’s event.

The agency, who also worked with the event organisers in 2014, is tasked with building on Manchester’s cultural renaissance, led by Manchester International Festival, Whitworth Art Gallery and HOME, along with smaller spaces like Castlefield Gallery.

Speaking on the appointment, Buy Art Fair CEO, Thom Hetherington, said: “The stories created by Rule 5 last year were undoubtedly key to our art sales, which have increased 20% year-on-year.  Rule 5’s professional knowledge, dedication to the cause and genuine passion made them a joy to work with and we’re pleased to have them back on board this year.”

Rule 5 Founding Director, Julie Wilson, said: “Eight years ago Buy Art Fair set out to be the most ambitious event outside of London; it has achieved this with great success.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have been re-appointed and to have the opportunity to contribute to the event’s ongoing development in what is undoubtedly one of the most exciting years for Manchester’s cultural scene.”

Buy Art Fair returns this September 24-27 and will see over £1m worth of art from over 90 galleries and artists adorn the walls of Old Granada Studios.  Register here: www.buyartfair.co.uk