Summary
Brooker and How, an independent advertising and marketing company in the South East, have enhanced their reputation by sponsoring and organising the annual Macmillan Summer Ball as well as supporting many other community initiatives.

Background
Established in 1979, Brooker and How are a full service advertising and marketing company based in Hastings.  With just eleven staff, Brooker and How have established themselves as leaders in their community.

How they do it

• Macmillan Cancer Relief Annual Summer Ball.  For the past four years Brooker & How have sponsored and organised the annual Macmillian Cancer Relief Annual Summer Ball.  The company utilises both its contacts and event management experience to make this fundraiser a success.  Since 2000 the ball has raised over £7000.

• Promotion of local economy.  Brooker & How have been active participants in the local business community, and have lead efforts to bring broadband to the area.

• Engaging with local schools.  Brooker and How staff regularly work with local vocational students interested in the media industry.  Through classroom presentations, meetings with individual students and mentoring Brooker and How staff help to introduce students to their profession.

Business Benefits

• Staff professional development.  All of the staff at Brooker and How are actively involved in at least one community activity, and it is a great way for employees to develop their professional skills.  For example, the company's PR Manager has gained additional event management experience by coordinating the Macmillan Summer Ball; a skill with has been valuable in her regular work.
  
  
• Positive local reputation.   Positive media coverage of Brooker and How's community activities have helped the company build a very positive local reputation.
  
  
• New business contacts.  The company has gained numerous new business contacts by attending local meetings and through the positive media generated by its community work.
  
  
• Better understanding of the future workforce.  By mentoring vocational students interested in the media industry, Brooker and How staff have gained a greater understanding of what students are taught and which A levels apply to the media industry.