Cole Lawson

Facing a reputational crisis?

Our award-winning crisis management team can step in to protect your business.

Cole Lawson Communications Level 3, 172 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley, 4006

Your contact details will always remain confidential. Please refer to our privacy policy for more information.

Your reputation is your organisation’s number-one asset. Any crisis
that threatens this reputation has the power to destabilise your business.
Company reputations account for close to 26% of total market value. Strategic support
from our crisis management team can expertly steer you through troubled times.

Your reputation is your organisation’s number-one asset. Any crisis that threatens this reputation has the power to destabilise your business.
Company reputations account for close to 26% of total market value. Strategic support from our crisis management team can expertly steer you through troubled times.

A crisis communications strategy is
crucial so you can plan for any outcome before a crisis.

You need around-the-clock support in a crisis because the 24-hour news cycle means your reputation could go from bad to worse overnight.

Media training is essential in a crisis to make sure your key messages come across clearly under pressure.

We have worked with …

…to provide crisis management planning, support or advocacy services.

1

When a controversial incident at a local primary school attracted global media attention, Cole Lawson brought the situation under control within 24 hours and averted a damaging crisis.

An incident where a teacher allowed a student to wear a costume depicting a controversial dictator at a school event attracted global media attention for all the wrong reasons. Written and audio statements were immediately issued accepting responsibility and expressing genuine regret. Cole Lawson handled all media enquiries and took temporary control of the school’s social media channels. The situation was brought under control within 24 hours and the school didn’t experience any ongoing negative effects from the event.

“Thanks for your calm and reassuring work. It certainly helped us navigate our way through some treacherous waters. Fortunately, things have calmed down now and long may it stay that way.”

School principal

2

When a carer was fired for potentially administering a harmful drug, the stakeholder communications developed by Cole Lawson helped keep the employer’s reputation intact.

After several residents at an aged care facility passed away in an unexpectedly short period, the company found each resident came into contact with the same carer. They launched an internal investigation on the potential administration of a harmful drug, eventually firing the carer and reporting the matter to police. The facility sought Cole Lawson’s advice on the most effective ways to communicate with its stakeholders during and after the investigation. A scenario-based communication plan was developed that allowed for all possible outcomes. Importantly, staff were kept informed about the progress of the issue, which mitigated the risk of rumours as the investigation unfolded. With Cole Lawson’s assistance, the organisation suffered no adverse business or reputational consequences.

3

When Cyclone Debbie hit the town of Bowen, Cole Lawson ran a community aid campaign on behalf of Puma Energy that resulted in $50,000 worth of fuel being distributed among 1,329 affected residents.

We worked with Puma energy to establish a fuel giveaway program and locals turned up in droves to collect much-needed supplies and fuel to run generators that would keep the lights on. Puma Energy’s initial fuel donation of $50,000 ignited a quick start to the recovery process. In the long term, Puma Energy celebrated increased sales and brand loyalty, showing that hard data combined with authentic campaigning can produce positive long-term results.

4

When a whistle-blower faced devastating online attacks against his company, Cole Lawson co-ordinated a team of experts to catch the perpetrator and arranged an exclusive interview with the ABC to set the record straight.

It’s every business’s worst nightmare – online harassment leading to reputational damage and lost sales. Our client suffered a massive blow to its bottom line because of online harassment and damaging falsified reviews. Cole Lawson worked with consultants and lawyers to help turn the company’s tarnished public perception around. The team also worked on some positive campaigning for the company, which helped to recover its fragmented reputation.

How we’ve helped other companies manage their reputation

1

When a controversial incident at a local primary school attracted global media attention, Cole Lawson brought the situation under control within 24 hours and averted a damaging crisis.

An incident where a teacher allowed a student to wear a costume depicting a controversial dictator at a school event attracted global media attention for all the wrong reasons. Written and audio statements were immediately issued accepting responsibility and expressing genuine regret. Cole Lawson handled all media enquiries and took temporary control of the school’s social media channels. The situation was brought under control within 24 hours and the school didn’t experience any ongoing negative effects from the event.

When a carer was fired for potentially administering a harmful drug, the stakeholder communications developed by Cole Lawson helped keep the employer’s reputation intact.

2

When Cyclone Debbie hit the town of Bowen, Cole Lawson ran a community aid campaign on behalf of Puma Energy that resulted in $50,000 worth of fuel being distributed among 1,329 affected residents.

When a whistle-blower faced devastating online attacks against his company, Cole Lawson co-ordinated a team of experts to catch the perpetrator and arranged an exclusive interview with the ABC to set the record straight.

3

4

“Thanks for your calm and reassuring work. It certainly helped us navigate our way through some treacherous waters. Fortunately, things have calmed down now and long may it stay that way.”

School principal

1

When a controversial incident at a local primary school attracted global media attention, Cole Lawson brought the situation under control within 24 hours and averted a damaging crisis.

After several residents at an aged care facility passed away in an unexpectedly short period, the company found each resident came into contact with the same carer. They launched an internal investigation on the potential administration of a harmful drug, eventually firing the carer and reporting the matter to police. The facility sought Cole Lawson’s advice on the most effective ways to communicate with its stakeholders during and after the investigation. A scenario-based communication plan was developed that allowed for all possible outcomes. Importantly, staff were kept informed about the progress of the issue, which mitigated the risk of rumours as the investigation unfolded. With Cole Lawson’s assistance, the organisation suffered no adverse business or reputational consequences.

When a carer was fired for potentially administering a harmful drug, the stakeholder communications developed by Cole Lawson helped keep the employer’s reputation intact.

2

When Cyclone Debbie hit the town of Bowen, Cole Lawson ran a community aid campaign on behalf of Puma Energy that resulted in $50,000 worth of fuel being distributed among 1,329 affected residents.

When a whistle-blower faced devastating online attacks against his company, Cole Lawson co-ordinated a team of experts to catch the perpetrator and arranged an exclusive interview with the ABC to set the record straight.

3

4

1

When a controversial incident at a local primary school attracted global media attention, Cole Lawson brought the situation under control within 24 hours and averted a damaging crisis.

We worked with Puma energy to establish a fuel giveaway program and locals turned up in droves to collect much-needed supplies and fuel to run generators that would keep the lights on. Puma Energy’s initial fuel donation of $50,000 ignited a quick start to the recovery process. In the long term, Puma Energy celebrated increased sales and brand loyalty, showing that hard data combined with authentic campaigning can produce positive long-term results.

When a carer was fired for potentially administering a harmful drug, the stakeholder communications developed by Cole Lawson helped keep the employer’s reputation intact.

2

When Cyclone Debbie hit the town of Bowen, Cole Lawson ran a community aid campaign on behalf of Puma Energy that resulted in $50,000 worth of fuel being distributed among 1,329 affected residents.

When a whistle-blower faced devastating online attacks against his company, Cole Lawson co-ordinated a team of experts to catch the perpetrator and arranged an exclusive interview with the ABC to set the record straight.

3

4

1

When a controversial incident at a local primary school attracted global media attention, Cole Lawson brought the situation under control within 24 hours and averted a damaging crisis.

It’s every business’s worst nightmare – online harassment leading to reputational damage and lost sales. Our client suffered a massive blow to its bottom line because of online harassment and damaging falsified reviews. Cole Lawson worked with consultants and lawyers to help turn the company’s tarnished public perception around. The team also worked on some positive campaigning for the company, which helped to recover its fragmented reputation.

When a carer was fired for potentially administering a harmful drug, the stakeholder communications developed by Cole Lawson helped keep the employer’s reputation intact.

2

When Cyclone Debbie hit the town of Bowen, Cole Lawson ran a community aid campaign on behalf of Puma Energy that resulted in $50,000 worth of fuel being distributed among 1,329 affected residents.

When a whistle-blower faced devastating online attacks against his company, Cole Lawson co-ordinated a team of experts to catch the perpetrator and arranged an exclusive interview with the ABC to set the record straight.

3

4

How we’ve helped other companies manage their reputation

1

When a controversial incident at a local primary school attracted global media attention, Cole Lawson brought the situation under control within 24 hours and averted a damaging crisis.

An incident where a teacher allowed a student to wear a costume depicting a controversial dictator at a school event attracted global media attention for all the wrong reasons. Written and audio statements were immediately issued accepting responsibility and expressing genuine regret. Cole Lawson handled all media enquiries and took temporary control of the school’s social media channels. The situation was brought under control within 24 hours and the school didn’t experience any ongoing negative effects from the event.

“Thanks for your calm and reassuring work. It certainly helped us navigate our way through some treacherous waters. Fortunately, things have calmed down now and long may it stay that way.”

School principal

2

When a carer was fired for potentially administering a harmful drug, the stakeholder communications developed by Cole Lawson helped keep the employer’s reputation intact.

After several residents at an aged care facility passed away in an unexpectedly short period, the company found each resident came into contact with the same carer. They launched an internal investigation on the potential administration of a harmful drug, eventually firing the carer and reporting the matter to police. The facility sought Cole Lawson’s advice on the most effective ways to communicate with its stakeholders during and after the investigation. A scenario-based communication plan was developed that allowed for all possible outcomes. Importantly, staff were kept informed about the progress of the issue, which mitigated the risk of rumours as the investigation unfolded. With Cole Lawson’s assistance, the organisation suffered no adverse business or reputational consequences.

3

When Cyclone Debbie hit the town of Bowen, Cole Lawson ran a community aid campaign on behalf of Puma Energy that resulted in $50,000 worth of fuel being distributed among 1,329 affected residents.

We worked with Puma energy to establish a fuel giveaway program and locals turned up in droves to collect much-needed supplies and fuel to run generators that would keep the lights on. Puma Energy’s initial fuel donation of $50,000 ignited a quick start to the recovery process. In the long term, Puma Energy celebrated increased sales and brand loyalty, showing that hard data combined with authentic campaigning can produce positive long-term results.

4

When a whistle-blower faced devastating online attacks against his company, Cole Lawson co-ordinated a team of experts to catch the perpetrator and arranged an exclusive interview with the ABC to set the record straight.

It’s every business’s worst nightmare – online harassment leading to reputational damage and lost sales. Our client suffered a massive blow to its bottom line because of online harassment and damaging falsified reviews. Cole Lawson worked with consultants and lawyers to help turn the company’s tarnished public perception around. The team also worked on some positive campaigning for the company, which helped to recover its fragmented reputation.

How we’ve helped other companies manage their reputation

HOW TO CRISIS-PROOF YOUR COMPANY

Download our PROTECTING YOUR REPUTATION brochure
so you can be prepared for a crisis.

Your contact details will always remain confidential. Please refer to our privacy policy for more information.

YOUR TEAM

Margaret lawson

Managing Director

Margaret Lawson has 20+ years’ experience in media relations, corporate communications and crisis management across the education, corporate, legal, healthcare, aviation, energy and agriculture sectors. With a wealth of media contacts and qualifications in business, journalism and aviation, Margaret is highly sought after as the state’s pre-eminent reputational risk manager for organisations in crisis.

Margaret lawson

Managing Director

Luana Latham

Senior Consultant

Communications specialist Luana Latham works closely with Cole Lawson clients on crisis prevention and management strategies. With 15 years’ experience working for well-known brands such as Lendlease and Star Treasury, Luana excels at developing strategic communications programs and putting risk mitigation measures in place to protect and promote your brand.

Luana Latham

Senior Consultant

Claire Banfield

Account Manager

Claire is a logical and strategic thinker whose ability to remain cool in a crisis is valued by many clients. From preparing proactive crisis communication plans for healthcare and financial institutions, to handling intense media scrutiny and employee relations following a serious workplace incident, Claire is adept at balancing sensitivity and commercial considerations during a crisis.

Claire Banfield

Account Manager

FEATURED CASE STUDY

The Lady Cilento family

After the Government announced plans to rename Brisbane’s Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital at a cost of up to $500,000, the Cilento family engaged Cole Lawson to draw attention to the situation. We helped the family by preparing letters to parliamentarians and lodging right to information applications. Our team then worked exclusively with tier-1 media to investigate what had happened and ensure the government was held to account for the way they handled the situation. This activity led to extreme public outrage on behalf of the Cilento family regarding the way they had been treated. The campaign achieved daily media attention, and a public vote conducted by The Courier-Mail found that the majority of Queenslanders supported the Cilentos.

“In a world of cynics and frauds it was a pleasure to work with decent and honourable people,” – Giovanna Cilento

Check out just some of the coverage we achieved for the campaign >

CONTACT US

Rest easy knowing your reputation is in good hands. Get in touch for a confidential discussion.

Or call us now +61 7 3221 2220

Cole Lawson Communications Level 3, 172 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley, 4006

Your contact details will always remain confidential. Please refer to our privacy policy for more information.