The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the UK’s
second biggest trade body after the CBI, is set to boost its PR team
after a hard year defending its members from a media mauling over car
prices in so-called rip-off Britain.
SMMT members have given communications head Al Clarke the nod to boost
his team from its current headcount of six to include a campaigns
manager and a media manager, both new positions.
’This is a recognition by our members that we need more resources ... it
is the result of our higher profile and dialogue with our members,’
Clarke said.
Apart from fighting the battle over new car prices, which has been waged
by the Consumer’s Association and the popular press over the past year,
the SMMT has also been involved with its own proactive Stop Fuming
campaign to make car drivers more aware of the environmental impact of
car driving.
For this campaign, the society used Charles Barker BSMG. Clarke said the
campaigns manager’s brief will be to keep the momentum behind its
campaigns after launch. ’We need our policies seen, heard and understood
by the right ears,’ he added.
The media relations manager will take charge of the two-strong media
team and act as a spokesman for the trade body. There will also be a
special emphasis on exploiting web-based communication for the SMMT.
