The Hatch nest was decked out for the festive period with everything from our very own s(elf)ie grotto to a delicious hot chocolate station complete with mini marshmallows, along with sugar, spice, and all things nice. As well as the office, December saw some of our clients get a Christmas makeover too (one quite literally, which I’ll go into more detail about…).
The Ice Co
With the nation needing a pick-me-up after a long year and impending cost-of-living crisis, The Ice Co. spread some Christmas cheer by launching a heartfelt competition for one lucky winner to receive a Winter Wonderland-esque garden makeover.
A lovely Leicester-based family were the decided winners and the Hatch team played ‘Santa’s little helpers’ for the day as they travelled down to create a Christmassy haven complete with an igloo, snow, Christmas trees, ice blocks, lights, ornaments, and even Santa himself!
Watch the transformation video here:
North Yorkshire Water Park
The NYWP team supported with the launch of yet another successful Christmas Market at the water park, with Santa making his way down the Zipline each weekend from the 3rd to the 18th of December to honour the occasion in style.
Aside from seeing Santa make a splash, visitors enjoyed the festive vibes with a range of crafts, local produce, and rides – the market had it all!
Yorkshire Coast BID
Taking Christmas lights to a whole new level, Yorkshire Coast BID funded a spectacular laser show which saw multicoloured laser beams illuminating Scarborough, Whitby and more.
The ‘Lighting Up the Coast’ events ran across 4 nights where spectators could enjoy multiple laser beam shows performed in a sequence from up to 25 miles away at some of the coast’s most renowned lighthouses and landmarks.
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a naughty or nice list so here are our highs and low ho ho’s from the industry this year:
Naughty
Centre Parcs’ Queen’s Funeral Statement
https://twitter.com/centerparcsuk/status/1569630938614603777
What was supposed to be a nice gesture was knocked on the head when holidaymakers were left stranded after Centre Parcs announced that they would be closing their villages as a mark of respect for the Queen’s funeral.
ITV’s This Morning Energy Bill Prize
#ThisMorning has turned completely dystopian and Black Mirror by offering to pay energy bills as a competition prize. pic.twitter.com/hs1DD6NXbo
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) September 5, 2022
Another stint that missed the mark was This Morning’s competition to win energy bill payments using their Spin to Win wheel. Giving customers the opportunity to call in to have a chance at winning, the comp was described as “tone deaf” by some viewers.
Nice
NHS ‘From Home to Help’
In order to drive more people to use the 111 online service, the NHS captured a short film imagining people in real-life settings like sitting on the sofa or lying in bed, being whisked off to get the help they need from the comfort of their homes.
Airbnb for Ukraine
This year saw Ukraine plagued with war and endless uncertainty, short-term homestay company, Airbnb, pledged to provide housing for 100,000 refugees. Over 28,000 people signed up to offer shelter to the people of Ukraine, and as an unexpected result, people from all over the world started to book rooms at properties in the war-torn country to offer their support during the conflict.
Aside from all things PR and social, Hatch’s clothes swap returned with an ‘out with the old, in with the pre-loved’ approach ready for the New Year! A fun and sustainable way to spruce up our wardrobes (and de-clutter anything we no longer wear), the clothes swap not only gave some of us thrifty outfits to thrive in, but the remaining garments were donated to the Salvation Army clothing banks to support those in need this winter.
From all of us at Hatch, we wish you a Happy New Year!
