Foresights

The clock is ticking on climate and the countdown is really on to COP26. Impact & Influence is partnering with Glasgow-based Solid Media to provide an integrated approach to communications and content. As the climate talks are taking place in the city in November, on the ground intelligence and expertise is going to be key.

Minexx has appointed Impact & Influence to advise the company on its strategic positioning and communications.

Minexx is securing the mineral supply chain from the moment a mineral comes out of the earth to the moment it is used in tech, such as smartphones or electric cars – all with traceability, transparency and trust. Its blockchain platform - with its global application – transforms and re-designs the value chain bringing benefits to miners, smelters, traders, tech companies and governments while directly impacting 10 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 

Earlier this year the company announced a world first as it exported minerals with full financial transparency from the Democratic Republic of Congo, by processing $250k of blockchain certified payments. Last month it also is announced the appointment of Emmanuel Beau as Chief Investment Officer as the company accelerates its ability to secure supply chains for minerals. 

Marcus Scaramanga, CEO and co-founder of Minexx, said: “Communicating our progress is going to be crucial as we expand our operations and as we look for investment. We are delighted to have the team at Impact & Influence on board to help us accelerate our mission.”

The demand for minerals such as cobalt, copper, tin and tungsten has rapidly increased in line with the growing appetite for technology. Many are sourced by artisanal miners with 250 million people globally who depend on this informal industry, many of whom are in sub-Saharan Africa.

Rishi Bhattacharya, CEO and founder of Impact & Influence, said: “It is great to be advising Marcus and Minexx at this juncture of the company’s development. It is using technology to have a really positive impact on an outdated sector and the company and is already going from strength to strength in its development.”

Minexx is headquartered in London, UK, with operations in Rwanda and DRC and with an office in Cape Town, South Africa.

Finboot has appointed Impact & Influence to advise the company on its strategic positioning, communications and content strategy.

Finboot is a technology company that gives world class customers a competitive edge through accelerating their digital transformation, realising value and building trust through blockchain.

The company has developed MARCO, an ecosystem which enables companies to incorporate blockchain within their value and supply chains, bringing traceability, transparency and compliance which, in turn, helps them meet sustainability and ESG requirements while also increasing operational efficiency.  

Earlier this year the company secured investment from the Development Bank of Wales and global energy company Repsol in a £2.4 million fundraise.

Nish Kotecha, Co-Founder and Chairman of Finboot, said: “Following our successful fundraise, how we position ourselves for this next phase of growth is going to be crucial. Our world class blockchain powered technology has tremendous application for forward-looking businesses across sectors and geographies. We are delighted to have Impact & Influence on board with us for this journey.”

Finboot’s customers include Repsol, Stahl, the global chemistry supplier, as well as Minexx which secures the mineral supply chain.

It was announced that earlier this month that Minexx had also appointed Impact & Influence to advise it on a communications brief.

Rishi Bhattacharya, CEO and founder of Impact & Influence, said: “Finboot is having a tremendous impact on its customer companies, including leveraging blockchain to drive sustainability and improve ESG standards. We look forward to accelerating the uptake of the company’s solution through communications.”

Diversity, mental health and sustainability have become buzzwords for businesses over the last few years - eating up more marketing budget than ever before. 

While this shift in focus, investment and attention must be applauded, only when it’s genuine is it worthy of shouting about.

Just last week we’ve seen institutions clamour aboard the bandwagon to shout high and low about International Women’s Day, but is it driven by passion and dedication to the cause or fear of being singled out for not saying anything? 

And it’s not confirmed to gender. Take mental health, racism and sustainability - many institutions are going to great lengths - and at great cost - to be part of the zeitgeist. If these gallant marketing efforts are matched in tangible action, progress and achievement then great, shout it from the rooftops. But what about when it’s not? When the fanfare fades and all that’s left is hot air, lip service and the people you’ve bruised along the way? Are we confusing authenticity with optics?

The problem is, people believe it, they buy into it, they make decisions based on the information these institutions are putting out there and how they present themselves. At a time when consumers are more empowered, sceptical and woke than ever, their trust shouldn’t be taken for granted. 

If investment in the optics outweighs the lived experience then there’s a very real problem - and one that won’t go away easily. It takes commitment to maintain a lie. The larger the disparity between reality and perception, the more resentment will build - until the truth spills out in spectacular fashion, leaving reputations in tatters. 

Over the years, we’ve observed seemingly progressive companies of all sizes, public and private, that have swept instances of sexual harassment and bullying under the carpet, manipulated poor staff wellbeing survey stats and championed ESG and sustainability on one hand while not practising what they preach on the other. All whilst investing heavily in promoting their ‘achievements’ in these areas. 

Yes, thankfully, there are many shining examples of companies living by their values and making a positive difference, not just in the arena they operate, but in the wider world too. In order to not undermine these efforts, it’s all the more important that we distinguish between those saying they do, and those doing what they say. 

The PR and communications industry takes a lot of flack for its perceived hand in the so-called dark arts. A reputation deserved by some, no doubt, but as a graduate at Edelman (where Rishi and I first worked together) I was brought up in the school of thought that “you only get the reputation you deserve”. 

We care about the work we do, and the companies we work for - so we only work with those that share our values, strive to make the world a better place and don’t just talk the talk. We work with progressive companies and next generation leaders that, like us, believe choice between profits and purpose is no longer binary.