1) What’s your favourite thing about PH?

Even on a stressful day, we all find time to laugh. It keeps us all sane…well as sane as PH can be!

2) If you were on a desert island and could only take 3 possessions with you, what would they be?

My iPad, solar-powered iPad charger and my piano

3) Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Heading up my own business, likely to be something foody related!

4) What’s your fave TV show?

I’m a TV addict and couldn’t possibly just pick one show. At the moment it’s all things Scandi – I’m obsessed with The Bridge, The Killing and Borgen. You can never go wrong with Mad Men or The Good Wife and I think Smash is amazing

5) Tell us one thing you’ve never told anyone before

I’m a big time dribbler at night…don’t judge me

Feel free to ask Jess any questions you have for her over on Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/jessicaasims

Parker Hobart is proud to announce that they’ll be serving Queen and country in The Games this year – in the form of dance.

Well, to be exact, in the form of ‘stylized movement and performance’. Much to the shock of those who witnessed Laura and Rebecca throwing shapes on the Gem Bar dance floor at the Christmas staff party, they have been accepted to dance in the Olympic Closing Ceremony.

After two gruelling rounds of four hour auditions after work proving their elite mental and physical prowess against other hopefuls, the Olympic organisers informed the girls that they’ll be showcasing their moves to the world on the 12^th August.

Rehearsals start in May then continue throughout Summer, so keep an eye out on here for any news leading up to the big day. How exciting! 

1) What’s your favourite thing about PH?

Above anything else it’s about the people (not Sarah as such, or Lindsay in fact, or Jess, or Hannah, or Laura, or Deborah, or Bex, oh and definitely not Amanda … I like Gail though, she’s alright).

2) If you were on a desert island and could only take 3 possessions with you, what would they be?

My watch, my piano and the Radio 4 Desert Island Disc collection (might get some tips).

3) Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

I’m not sure where I’ll be in ten minutes, let alone ten years.

4) What’s your fave TV show?

Tom and Jerry (only the Fred Quimby episodes though, the others are rubbish)

5) Tell us one thing you’ve never told anyone before.

I was a backing singer on Lulu’s 1969 song Boom Bang a bang which was the UK’s Eurovision entry that year (what?  You never said it had to be true).

1) What’s your favourite thing about PH?

The staff!

2) If you were on a desert island and could only take 3 possessions with you, what would
they be?

Mentos, coffee machine, coffee

3) Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Running a fancy coffee shop that has a facility where your kids can play whilst you chat! Or realistically still working for Sarah….

4) What’s your fave TV show?

A League Of Their Own

5) Tell us one thing you’ve never told anyone before

I have a secret crush on James Corden!

Feel free to fire more questions Amanda’s way!

We were also thrilled to get a sneak peak at JAB Anstoetz Furniture, a sleek and ultra-modern range of lamps, tables, chairs and sofas. We love a brand with a sense of humour, these ‘Kate and Pippa’ lamps featured below topped our favourites list for the day…can you figure out which one is which?

1) What’s your favourite thing about PH?

Well aside from the obvious…Jessica Sims my ‘pod’ buddy,  I love how spirited the office is. The fun never stops at PH!

2) If you were on a desert island and could only take 3 possessions with you, what would they be?

Probably my Nike Pegasus trainers so that I could keep up the power walking, an eye mask so that I can catch some good winks and a jar of wasabi peas…’cause they taste soooo good!

3) Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Well it could go one of two ways; either with a tribe of children hanging off my skirt or heading up my own department in the agency.

4) What’s your fave TV show?

Massively into Homeland at the moment, although nothing comes close to the Don Draper fix.

5) Tell us one thing you’ve never told anyone before

To be honest, I’m a bit of an open book…..although not a lot of people know that I love peas with vinegar and can’t sleep unless I have complete silence.

The new sofas will be available to buy on their site from 1st May and will be available for press loans too! The team have high-res images to hand so get in touch if you’re looking for that perfect sofa – thesleeproom@parkerhobart.com.

With fond childhood memories of this iconic British brand the team are rearing to go and will be supporting Little Chef with its consumer PR and marketing as the company aims to return to its former glories.

Phil is mainly looking forward to the free lollies – only if he’s a good boy and finishes his
plate – Sarah is a big fan of the iconic Olympic Breakfast, Laura just can’t get enough of her new Little Chef t-shirt and Lindsay is Canadian so she doesn’t know who they are but likes the sound of their Jubilee pancakes!

For more information on our work with Little Chef contact the team on littlechef@parkerhobart.com.

A last minute entry by Blakey arrived in the form of amazing brownies which had been carted to meetings all over London and beyond before arriving at the office. De-lish

1) What’s your favourite thing about PH?

Hump-day* giggles and chair dancing

2) If you were on a desert island and could only take 3 possessions with you, what would
they be?

A proper sized mug, a storm kettle & a tin of English Breakfast tea bags (I’ll
find a friendly monkey on the island to find a coconut to add the milk for me…)

3) Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Sitting in the big boss’ chair reigning over the office – move over Sarah!

4) What’s your fave TV show?

I’m proud to say that I’m a dedicated Gleek ‘don’t stop believing…’

5) Tell us one thing you’ve never told anyone before

No thanks I don’t want a cup of tea right now…

*Definition of hump-day: Wednesday aka the peak of the week, the day the countdown to the weekend begins!

Feel free to ask Blakey any questions you have for her over on Twitter – www.twitter.com/lauramblake

With limited time Parker Hobart used their industry knowledge to secure additional speakers for the three-day seminar slots and liaised with exhibitors leading up to and throughout the duration of the show. Twitter played an important role in this campaign as the gardening sector is a growing user of social media and the agency was able to liaise with current and potential exhibitors, key industry members and garden celebrities.

1) What’s your favourite thing about PH?

The team – especially those who bake! I love our ambition and what we aim for.

2) If you were on a desert island and could only take 3 possessions with you, what would they be?

Solar powered radio, huge container of books and a lighter.

3) Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Enjoying life and not taking it too seriously. If early retirement doesn’t become a reality, I hope I’m still working in a creative and inspiring environment.

4) What’s your fave TV show?

Tough one but I recently re- watched every episode of Seinfeld and it was still brilliant!

5) Tell us one thing you’ve never told anyone before

If I haven’t told anyone by now, it’s staying a secret!

Check out Interio’s new handcrafted mirrors from the AdVivum collection. If you like what you see, get in touch with the Interio team on interio@parkerhobart.com.

The show is the perfect size, easy to cover in an afternoon and features an array of shopping, interiors, home improvement and gardening stands. What really stood out for us was the 3 fantastic showhomes, particularly the Prince’s Arts & Crafts house. The Abigail Edwards wallpaper was a particular favourite!

We’re told that the images are absolutely fabulous – can’t wait to show them to the press!

Here are some of our top picks. For images or further information, give the trends team a shout on trends@parkerhobart.com:

For more information about these colours, get in touch with Jess or Deborah on jlh@parkerhobart.com

1) What’s your favourite thing about PH?

The laughter – we have such a good mix of clients and people in our team that at some point during every working day we end up laughing.  I think that is quite rare in an office
of 90% women; we work hard so we have to be able to laugh every day, and often at ourselves.

2) If you were on a desert island and could only take 3 possessions with you, what would they be?

Initially I would have said a book as I love learning and reading but I would have memorised it after having read it a few times, so I would have to take things that would keep me constantly entertained.  I would take a piano so I could learn to play a bit (and have something to sing along to), a Ray Mear’s survival kit so I would know how to survive physically, and though he is certainly not a possession, I would want to take my husband because together we are at our happiest and can get through anything.

3) Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Still at the head of the agency, though with a larger team by then continuing to do really interesting and challenging consumer work for our clients and pushing ourselves every single day. Personally, I would have liked to have returned to study part-time for an MBA as I cannot get enough of learning and University really inspired me.  I’d also like to be flying again – letting my private pilot’s license lapse is a great regret but hopefully I will be able to afford to fly regularly again.  There is nothing like the freedom of flying around in a little plane and seeing England from above.

4) What’s your fave TV show?

CSI – the original Las Vegas version. It is just brilliant and a complete break from the daily grind.

5) Tell us one thing you’ve never told anyone before

I love peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwiches. Someone had them on a bus scene in a Grange Hill episode back when I was an impressionable teen and I’ve been secretly addicted ever since.

On May 1st they will be introducing sofas, armchairs, chairs, breakfast-in-bed kits, scatter cushions, day beds and towels on www.thesleeproom.com where the Loaf name will start to be mentioned. They’ll also have a load of new beds and bedroomy things launching too. Then, when their groovy new kitchen tables and chairs arrive on October 1st they’ll move to www.loaf.com where all of their products will feature.

Nothing else is changing. Same company. Same people. Same customer service. Same poor choice of cardigan worn by Charlie every day. And most importantly, the same stream of happy customers.

On May 3rd 2012, they’ll be hosting a little shindig to show off their new products, introduce you to the new name and give you a tour round their newly improved gaff in Ladbroke Grove. Come on over anytime from 10am – 4pm or 6pm-8pm if evenings work best for you!

Please RSVP to Jess or Laura at thesleeproom@parkerhobart.com or give them a call on 0207 584 1744.

The show is so huge that to do every hall properly would’ve taken us a good few days and several cups of tea, but we did manage to work our way through to Hall 19 before heading home. With the Olympics and Queen’s Jubilee ruling 2012, every other stand screamed Rule Britannia. Scandi style and shabby chic also featured prominently and if you’re not yet featuring owls in your home, then you soon will be – we spotted over 420 different ones and awarded the little gems below Best in Show!

Some of our favourite stands included Coach House and Gisela Graham.

JAB Anstoetz were celebrating the opening of their Paris showroom on rue du Mail and we were really impressed with the local flavour of the showroom.  The red carpet, fashion-boutique-style awnings, the grand piano covered in silver vinyl fabric (being played by an unreasonably hip Parisian man) and the oversized LED screen playing glamorous JAB movies created a chic background to the new JAB Anstoetz collections being launched worldwide.  Rue du Mail was filled with fluttering Paris Deco Off flags positioned outside the many fabric houses and we spotted references in almost every showroom to old film reels and movies. 

In St Germain the flags again led us around the genteel streets of the Left Bank that play host to more fabric houses and before long a cheeky stop was required at Les Magots for the best hot chocolate in Paris (it was raining and we had caught a very early train from London). 

The next day we tackled Maison et Objet and loved the Elle Deco cafe (though we couldn’t get in – the queue!), Antolini Luigi was certainly grabbing attention though we’re not sure it was the right kind (I’m not saying anymore), we loved Tracey Kendall’s innnovative wallpaper, Astier de Villatte was a delight as always (can we move the whole stand into the office?), Lalique’s new furniture by Studio Andree Putman was stunning and George Smith were incredibly welcoming (thanks for the lovely coffee!). 

The show was certainly buzzing but after visiting Paris Deco Off and Maison it was interesting to see how many brands had left the show and taken up premises in the city, much to the benefit of the brands, their customers, designers and Paris Deco Off.  That said the combination of both exhibition and event worked very well as Maison had a wealth of trends, innovations and new brands; we left feeling très inspirées.  Thank you JAB.

Congratulations all round and whole hearted slaps on the back for Laura ‘Blakie’ Blake and Jess ‘Simsie’ Sims.

Having well and truly ‘earned her stripes’ over the last twelve months, Laura has been promoted to Senior Account Manager … get her. Jess on the other hand has been ‘bumped up’ to Senior Account Executive and has been given the extra title of ‘digital leader’ … don’t laugh that’s a real title, it said so on Wikipedia.

Please join us is saying ‘hooray and well done’ … even if you’re the jealous type and you don’t really mean it. Seriously though well done ladies … take a bow.

Georgia has a major addiction to MAC make up, can’t resist a period drama and has got the hots for Robert Downey JR (well who hasn’t?)

Sarah loves to travel (anywhere exotic and south of the equator), likes to kick a ball about and can’t get enough of trashy programmes on DAVE TV (she’s going to fit right in)!

The girls will be joining us on our three month internship scheme, working across all clients.

1)     What’s your favourite thing about PH so far?

Meeting new people, broadening my knowledge of the interior design sector, writing… and Jess Sims (naaaaat)

2) If you were on a desert island and could only take 3 possessions with you, what would they be?

I would take my iPad so I could read but to also keep up on Twitter and Facebook obviously, a large amount of chilled Diet Coke or/and Diet 7Up and lots of chocolate!

3)     Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Ooh big question…and to be honest, I’m not too sure how to answer it. As long as I’m not alone in a house full of cats, I’ll be happy!

4)     What’s your fave TV show?

As well as oodles of trashy shows, I would have to say it’s a tie between 90210, Californication, Entourage and then for educational value any of the David Attenborough shows (Blue Planet, Frozen Planet etc). Just love the penguins. Least Fave TV Show: Big Brother…Snooore!

5)     Tell us one thing you’ve never told anyone before

I’m afraid all my deepest, darkest and most embarrassing secrets will be published on my biog on the PH site next week (thanks a lot Phil). I’m not falling for that one again!

So that’s Rebecca for you. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you might have for her. She won’t bite…though judging my Jess’ hand after writing this post, that might be a lie!

The rest of the night involved lots of pizza and a venture to a Soho bar where a series of dance offs between Laura “Blakey“ Blake and our intern Fred took place. The rest of us danced the night away until the early hours. 

…And everyone made it in to the office for 9 am the following day (except for Jess, Hannah and Rebecca who took the day off)!

Another arrow to our Sub-Zero & Wolf bow is working with and utilising their ‘Friends of..’ celebrities from the culinary and cultural spheres who swear by their products. Where possible we work with these ambassadors to increase brand credibility and awareness.

Why buy a bed online? The Sleep Room has done all of the tiresome research in finding the perfect bed and mattress, avoiding hours traipsing around the shops. They don’t have a flashy store to run, so the beds are better value than designer models and those found on the high street.

Outside of work Amanda juggles her kids (not literally) with her love of trashy TV shows.

As Managing Director, Sarah has overall responsibility for the business and she prides herself on being available not just to her team but to the clients as well … all too rare in the industry today.

Sarah’s track record speaks for itself, the agency has grown at the ‘right’ pace over the last four years and will continue to do so under her guidance.

Sarah is married and her favourite quote is:

“However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results”, Winston Churchill.

She has 25 years of experience in the financial sector and can spot a doctored taxi receipt at ten paces. She loves working at Parker Hobart just don’t try and get hold of her during Wimbledon fortnight.

Jim is a serial agency man having previously headed up the UK arm of Ketchum and developing Nexus Communications in to one of the leading food and healthcare agencies. He is currently involved with three different agencies and prides himself on being a problem solver that rarely gives up … a dog with a bone if you like.

Outside of the office Tanya is a bit of party girl and has a genuine lust for life which she balances with hardcore yoga. She prides herself on plate spinning and her ability to throw a damn good party.

Phil is proud of his 500 mile round trip commute to work (yes you read it correctly) and is slightly obsessive about his twin boys, the magic reds of north London and Tom and Jerry.

Her experience includes most things from Lingerie to Living Space but she’s also worked with charities and children’s brands, maybe not as sexy but she did a bloody good job on them which proves she’s no ‘bubble head’ South West London PR girlie. Hannah is a media coverage demon and works unbelievably hard to secure the best possible exposure for her clients.

The three years she’s had in PR has taught her two things. Firstly, that you can never have too many friends in the industry and secondly you should never underestimate the power of a good idea.

Jessica tried a few careers before falling for PR and is now here for the long haul. Describing herself as a Home County Honey Jessica loves nothing more than having a highly competitive bake off with friends … get the oven on.

Deborah helped Clarks Shoes become a wannabe brand, Hunter wellies become a must have brand and Gossard become, well you know what Gossard do as a brand.

In her senior position at Parker Hobart Deborah plays a major role in the overall steering of the team and its clients.

Laura says she likes going to the gym but in truth she hasn’t been for ages, she lives in a house that she recently bought with her boyfriend (it must be serious) and has a complete portfolio of jokes about cheese … seriously, she really does.

Although Lindsay has a passion for all things food, drink, art and history, it’s travel that really does it for her and when it comes to her passport she probably has more stamps than the post office.

Lindsay’s least favourite question is “what part of America are you from?”

Having done a series of PR internships, this is her first agency job. So rather than go on about how many GSCE’s she got at school we thought we’d get straight to the juicy stuff… she spends all of her salary at ASOS buying chiffon blouses, all of her time on You Tube looking up weird stuff and lies awake at night practising her own version of the pop classic ‘Ice, Ice Baby’… check out the hook while the DJ resolves it!

She says her favourite film is ‘Taste of Cherry’ directed by the acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami but we all know that it’s really ‘Wayne’s World’.

— Only 12% of over 50s are prepared to leave homes/wealth untouched for their children

— Purchase leisure related products and luxury goods such as watches, second homes and holidays

To find out more about Parker Hobart and different tribes, please subscribe to our newsletter here or contact the Parker Hobart team on 020 7584 1744.