June 2025

can hardly believe it's the middle of June already. Growth Hour slots have been quickly filling up. I've really enjoyed meeting some of you by Zoom and helping with your PR and marketing-related stumbling blocks. Growth Hour includes a 60-minute chat plus a follow-up email which includes key actions, tips and any additional information as discussed in the call.

May 2025

Some people might think spreadsheets and soil live on different planets, but, living on a farm, immersed in both, I see striking parallels between business and gardening: the long-term vision required, the constant need to adapt, and the sheer resilience involved. Just like a flourishing garden, effective PR and marketing is never truly 'done' – it's a continuous cycle of growth, challenges, and new approaches.

April 2025

Spring is definitely in the air with spring greens and spring onions appearing in my veg patch. I'm looking forward to rhubarb appearing at the end of the month too. One of our very first OnFARM Podcasts, over five years ago now, was with Suzanne Mulholland aka the Batch Lady. Perhaps you've seen her alongside Joe Swash on Channel 4's Batch From Scratch? Suzanne has a recipe on her website for cheesy chorizo and pepper sauce, which goes well with seasonal leafy greens like spinach, kale and chard. Be sure to use a Scottish cheese like Connage's organic, vegetarian cheddar!

March 17, 2025

March 2025

I hope you're well. I always love receiving replies to my weekly emails so, if you've been meaning to get in touch, why not hit reply and do so now?I was particularly pleased with the positive reception to last week's email about how to respond to negative online reviews - and also the recommendation to listen to One Person Found This Helpful, Frank Skinner's panel game based on online reviews. It was a very entertaining diversion, so thanks for that suggestion! Reputation is key to all organisations and often the most important asset of a new, growing enterprise. Why not book a Growth Hour Zoom Call, and we can discuss nurturing your business's reputation - or any other aspect of marketing?

February 2025

And just like that, we're over halfway through the shortest month. February may be the shortest month but it has been a particularly busy - and blustery one. We hope you haven't been too badly unaffected by storm Éowyn. Fingers crossed we have a bit of a break before Floris, Gerben and Hugo pay us a visit! (If you want to suggest storm names for future consideration, send an email to nameourstorms@metoffice.gov.uk). Just for fun, let's put your general knowledge to a 'short' test...

January 2025

In case you missed my previous email over the festive period, I wanted to share some important news: my business partner and friend, Ross (Monty) Montague, has made the tough decision to step down from Scene & Herd due to ill health.

Merry Christmas and some significant news….

As we near the end of 2024, I wanted to share some important news with you all. My business partner and friend, Ross (Monty) Montague, has made the tough decision to step down from Scene & Herd due to ill health.

December 2024

Here we are again, almost at the end of the year. Our thoughts inevitably turn to what we’ve achieved...or not! If life has thrown you some curve balls during 2024, try not to be too hard on yourself. In some respects, nothing changes, we just have to deal with a different set of challenges.

November 2024

I once knew a person with Grapheme-Colour Synaesthesia - i.e. they associated certain words with particular colours. I often think that November's colour palette would be earthy tones like burnt orange, deep red, and gold to evoke the feeling of autumn and fireside embers, coupled with late-night Christmas shopping!Have you ever wondered why certain designs evoke specific emotions? It's all about branding. Just as a synesthete might associate words with colours, we associate brands with feelings.

October 2024

As we say farewell to the remaining swallows and welcome the sound of incoming geese, this time of year, with its lower light levels, unpredictable weather and less colour in the landscape can leave many people feeling tired and downbeat. The Scene and Herd team members have some suggestions to take care of yourselves: