In January, we convened the Perseus Engagement & Communications  Advisory Group, co-chaired by Tide and Icebreaker One. 

Date: 29th January 2025 15:00-16:30 BST

Location: online

Co-Chairs: Zarina Banu (Tide); Laura Townshend, (IB1)

Secretariat: IB1

Meeting aims:

  1. To update members on the 2025 plan
  2. To agree priorities for communication work for Perseus in 2025
  3. To agree scope for the SME messaging/communications working group 

Summary:

  • Communications priorities for 2025 were agreed
    • It was noted that the two main objectives are to: 
      • continue to communicate a clear, positive and value-based story about Perseus.
      • lay the foundations for SME engagement. 
    • It was noted that hearing stories from the Development Bank of Wales at December’s AGM allowed people who were not aware or engaged with the project to see it as real and transformative. Building on these stories in other formats can be used for raising profile and targeting priority stakeholders.
  • There was discussion around potential communications hooks in the next quarter and it was noted that: 
    • In late February/March the first loan can be talked about, acting as an important hook for members and those in the pilot to communicate Perseus’ success  
    • External events such as the Climate Change Committee’s 7th carbon budget announcement (26th February) will be a good moment to highlight Perseus, as are the Innovate Finance global summit 29th April and Innovation Zero 29th-30th April
    • New member announcements can be used to increase outreach and engagement 
  • It was agreed that a new SME communications and engagement Working Group will be established, aimed at developing core messaging and communications recommendations to help SMEs build trust in Perseus.
    • The scope of the WG was agreed
    • There was discussion around finding a media partner interested in championing Perseus 
  • Members were given an update on political relationships and it was noted that:
    • Despite the changing focus from climate, a watering down of commitments to programmes is not being seen, highlighting the importance of the work being done that specifically focuses on implementation. 
    • Reducing the administrative burden of reporting for SMEs is key in ensuring that SMEs are supported in supplying the green economy.
    • Work is happening with the Broadway Initiative to establish Perseus in a new phase of the Net Zero Council that was re-established at the end of last year by Ed Milliband and the CEO of Co-op Group. Broadway will convene an SME workstream with B4NZ lobbying alongside to make sure SME programmes like Perseus take priority.
  • It was noted that the launch of the pilot is acting as a valuable hook to encourage new financial service providers to join Perseus, creating visibility and trust 
  • It was noted that there is the opportunity to help existing banks within the membership to express how they will serve their SME customers more effectively. Creating a competitive edge with which to leverage more players on board. 

Formal records are maintained by the secretariat. These are confidential to the Advisory Group Members.