Thinking time
The latest thoughts, insights and musings from our team…
Partnerships That Pack a Punch: How Strategic Collabs Supercharge PR!
Traditional sponsorships only scratch the surface. The brands that truly make headlines are those collaborating in strategic, results-driven ways.
The Future of Brand Storytelling: Why Authenticity Wins
In a world saturated with content, consumers have developed a finely tuned radar for anything that feels contrived.
The Importance of Branding in the Renewables Sector
As the UK works towards its ambitious target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, the renewable energy sector is experiencing unprecedented growth.
Click, Scroll, Buy! What Retail Can Teach Us About Social-First Marketing
At Cool Blue, we’ve seen first-hand how quickly consumer behaviour can shift… and right now, nowhere is that more visible than in retail.
The Generation Game: How to Win Over Gen Z Without Losing Everyone Else
We’ve all seen brands trying to go viral by ‘speaking Gen Z’ with mixed results. One minute it's a playful nod to digital culture, the next it's a full-blown identity crisis.
Smart. Bold. Human. Rethinking B2B Content That Connects
For many years, B2B content has carried a reputation for being overly technical, dry, and uninspiring. All too often, brands play it safe, mistaking complexity for credibility, or adhering to outdated industry norms.
The return (and rise) of brand mascots
At Cool Blue, we spend a lot of time thinking about how brands can cut through, create emotional connections and stay memorable in an increasingly noisy, digital-first world. And one trend we’ve been loving lately is the return – and reinvention – of the brand mascot.
Our key takeaways from Global Offshore Wind 2025
The offshore wind sector is facing a period of uncertainty, driven by new regulations, rising supply chain costs and shifting policy incentives. These challenges, and the opportunities they create, were front and centre at this year’s Global Offshore Wind 2025 conference in London.
Importance of Instagram and TikTok content to grow retail brands
The power of short-form content is no longer up for debate. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have evolved far beyond entertainment, they’re now critical sales drivers for retail brands of every size.
In Conversation with True North Construction: Crafting the Future of Residential Living
Founded on a passion for craftsmanship, quality and integrity, True North Construction has quietly built a reputation as one of the North East’s most respected high-end residential builders.
From Noisy to Noteworthy: The Power of Thought Leadership for Your Brand
For brands, it’s no longer just about getting heard but about being trusted, respected and remembered - that’s where thought leadership content plays a pivotal role.
Rebrands that got it right (and some that nearly didn’t!)
In recent years, some of the world’s most recognisable brands have stepped up to refresh their identities, often sparking passionate debate in the process.
Communicating the Green Transition in the North East
As the UK moves towards Net Zero, few regions are as pivotal to this transformation as the North East. The region is not just adapting to the transition to green energy, it’s shaping it.
The Role of Communications Agencies in Shaping Effective Retail Marketing
Standing out in the retail world is no walk in the park. With so many brands competing for attention, how do you make sure yours cuts through the noise and keeps customers coming back for more?
How an extra pair of hands can help you create an award-winning brand
Building a brand isn’t easy. In a crowded market, it takes more than a clever logo or tagline to stand out – it takes strategy, creativity and a team that knows how to make it happen.
Here are the UK’s hottest urban regeneration projects in 2025
Urban regeneration is more than just a facelift – it’s about revitalising communities, driving economic growth and reshaping the way we live and work.
Reading, Writing and Reaching Out: How a killer social media strategy can help educators attract the next cohort of learners
Attracting students to your institution used to be a fairly simple thing – put together a good prospectus, send it to careers libraries and wait for the applications to come rolling in.
Navigating the evolving financial landscape: Key trends for businesses to watch out for
The financial world is changing faster than ever. Tech is taking over, customers expect more and rules are constantly evolving. This means that how financial institutions operate is shifting dramatically.
The Importance of Experiential Events for the Retail Sector
In today’s highly competitive retail landscape, where online shopping and convenience are often prioritised, brick-and-mortar stores or shopping centres need to find new ways to engage customers and stand out.
Social Media Predictions for 2025: What brands NEED to know
The social media landscape is poised for transformation, promising to disrupt traditional norms and redefine the digital experiences.
Harnessing the Power of Social Media for Civic Engagement
Social media isn’t just for businesses – it’s revolutionising how governments communicate with their citizens.
Why stakeholder consultation could make or break your development
“The best laid plans of mice and men gang aft a-gley”.
The Rise of Modular Housing
The UK's housing crisis has ignited a renewed focus on innovative construction methods. Modular housing, a technique involving the prefabrication of building components in a controlled factory setting, offers a promising solution to the nation's housing shortage.
In conversation with Porcelanosa: Redefining the art of luxury living
We had the pleasure of sitting down with the team at Porcelanosa to talk about the trends, innovations and dedication that set them apart in the luxury interiors industry.
UK Housing Market 2024: A Year in Review
With the arrival of 2025, the UK housing market remains a mixed bag, defined by slower house price growth, surging rents and pronounced regional differences.
Renewable energy: what to watch out for
With the end of coal-fired power generation in the UK, the focus now turns to what will replace fossil fuels in the country’s energy mix.
Consumer Behaviour in 2025 and What Mintel’s Trends Mean for Brands
As we inch closer to 2025, the landscape of consumer behaviour is transforming rapidly. Brands looking to stay ahead of the curve must adapt to shift in preferences, values and needs.
Defining your brand’s purpose, mission, and values before setting your marketing strategy
In the fast-paced world of business, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of selling products or services. But focusing solely on sales can blind us to the bigger picture.
The switchover is coming closer
Marking an end to coal’s role in the country’s energy supply.
The evolving transport landscape of the North East
Micro-influencers – are they the new power players of social media?
The Future of Battery Storage: Powering a Net Zero World
The Future of Content is A.I. Right!
Our industry is in the midst of a content creation revolution. Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how we generate content, from crafting engaging articles to designing eye-catching visuals.
Beyond the price tag – understanding the true value of an agency
Pride in place: incorporating the North East in your marketing
How often have you heard it said that the world is getting smaller?
Social Media Advertising: A Little Spend Goes a Long Way
It’s no secret that social media is the go-to platform for people to engage, share, learn and discover new ideas and content.
Electric Vehicles: The Engine of the Green Revolution
The transport sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, accounting for roughly one-quarter of global emissions according to the United Nations.
A Royal Sip – Mindful Indulgence for Ascot with Harrogate Spring Water and LK Bennett
Royal Ascot is synonymous with elegance, exquisite fashion and a touch of revelry. But amidst the excitement, there’s a growing trend towards mindful drinking – enjoying the occasion without compromising your wellbeing.
Comms and Recruitment: Refining Your Strategy
In today’s competitive market, attracting the best talent is a constant battle. But have you considered the silent weapon you might be overlooking?
Building Back Better – Why Branding is the Secret Weapon of Regeneration
Regeneration projects are all about breathing new life into neglected spaces.
Unlocking Inward Investment Potential:
The North East’s diverse talent pool.
The Future’s Bright, The Future’s Green:
Renewable energy projects in the North East.
The Resurgence of Heritage Brands – Stanley and Birkenstock Lead The Change
In a world obsessed with the latest trends and fleeting fashions, the resurgence of heritage brands like Stanley and Birkenstock is a curious phenomenon.
Trends Emerging in the Marketing Landscape
Making predictions is a notoriously tricky affair.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All: How Hybrid Working is Becoming More Flexible
With major changes happening globally, how we work has transformed significantly.
Creative PR Approaches in the Wake of Media Job Losses
As a public relations professional it’s key to understand and navigate the ever-changing nature of the media industry.
A Look Ahead: Insights from Mintel's 2024 Global Consumer Trends
As the world continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, so do the dynamics of consumer behaviour.
Developments to look out for in 2024
The coming year looks set to be an exciting one for new property developments across the North East.
Why original insight is key to creating compelling content
“It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation” – Herman Melville.
How to get smart with your digital marketing budget
Digital marketing has become a vital component for modern-day business success.
Professional Services
On the rise: the growth of the North East’s finance and professional services sector.
The Voice of Your Brand:
Why Communications Specialists Are Essential for Business Success.
Why Your Social Media Strategy Needs a Reboot
If you have been using social media for a while now and aren’t getting the results you desire, it might be time to reassess your social media strategy.
How is AI Enhancing Public Relations:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming a wide range of industries and the public relations (PR) industry is no exception.
Putting on outstanding events in 2023: The Cool Blue guide
Events can be a powerful marketing tool.
Regenerating areas of historical interest
From Roman fortresses to Victorian stately homes, beach front castles to civic buildings, the region has much to offer for any budding historian.
Why rebrand?
Companies – particularly successful ones – spend a lot of time and money on creating their brand.
How the Residential Property Market is Meeting Buyer Demand for Sustainable & Energy Efficient Homes:
Research shows that around 40% of global emissions come from the real estate sector. If we are to meet the UN target of reducing global warming, then these emissions must be curtailed.
How to get your brand out in the North East of England:
It’s a noisy world out there.
Demonstrating commitment to your community through CSR:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Power from the past – mine energy in the North East:
What is mine energy?
More than just a logo:
How a strong visual identity can transform your brand.
NE Devolution Deal Roundup:
£4bn devolution deal finally agreed on December 28 2022.
Levelling up in the North East:
What the region’s property projects say about the industry.
How to effectively communicate with your target audience:
The Cool Blue guide.
Why your ESG strategy is not an optional extra:
How leveraging your values can boost the bottom line.
What journalists really want:
When they give you a call.
Communication breakdown:
The five most common challenges companies face when talking to their customers.
ESG trends in property and regeneration:
Customers, clients, investors and the public are talking more and more about ‘ESG’ but what does it mean.
How to strike the right tone in uncertain times:
During times of crisis, it can be difficult to know how to strike the right tone.
How will house builders respond to the rise of the home office?
Home working is here to stay.
Building an audience for an online event:
We’re becoming more familiar with online awards ceremonies, panel debates and networking conferences, among many other experiences.
Removing Barriers to Sale Part 1:
To kick-off the year we’re taking a closer look at common barriers to sale and how to remove them.
How green hydrogen can drive forward the transport transition
It’s widely understood that we need to transition our energy to greener sources. One of these sources is green hydrogen, with pioneering businesses such as our client Protium Green Solutions leading the charge in bringing green hydrogen to market.
Catching consumer attention: Why your brand needs communications and marketing more than ever
Catching consumer attention has always been a critical aspect of building a successful brand.
How to communicate under pressure:
When you’re in the middle of a crisis and facing question from customers, suppliers, partners and investors.
So, are you looking for
a great idea?
Cool Blue is a full-service agency that drives brands forwards. Our ideas and innovations are always conducted with purpose. Delivering solutions that combat specific challenges and provide results. Our strategic expertise offer a valuable service to every one of our clients, helping them achieve their goals.
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