We combine creative excellence with exemplary implementation. The following examples represent a range of work for our clients.

Corporate Affairs case studies

Buchan advised Mercer on raising awareness of the low levels of financial literacy and retirement planning among Australians.

By launching Mercer's Financial Literacy and Retirement Preparedness study, Buchan was able to boost the profile of Mercer Wealth Solutions and engage with its stakeholders on the issue. Strong relationships with leading media commentators were leveraged to produce over 50 media exposures including television, metropolitan newspapers and leading business columns. The program was also implemented across Mercer's member service channels including website and direct mail.

Buchan was appointed to build the leadership positioning of this global management consulting firm, and the program has successfully exposed the firm's credentials in key business sectors.

By leveraging AT Kearney's intellectual capital and profiling the expertise of its thought leaders, Buchan has produced a significant increase in media coverage in terms of volume, quality, and share of voice. Buchan also assisted AT Kearney in building its client relationships through high level connecting events and developing targeted communication materials.

For the past decade, Buchan has played a central role in building the profile of the RCSA (Recruitment & Consulting Services Association) and the recruitment and flexible workforce sector it represents, by demonstrating the professionalism of the sector, voicing its concerns, and promoting its Corporate Membership and Accredited Professional Recruiter (APR) programs.

Buchan provides an outsourced media bureau, supports government relations through targeted media campaigns, educates employers and job seekers about the recruitment sector and communicates the benefits of membership to RCSA stakeholders. RCSA's profile and influence is evident in its leadership within the human capital sector and its representation on government bodies, including Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard's Business Advisory Group.

Right Management

Right Management is a leading provider of HR consulting and career transition services, and part of the global Manpower company. Buchan profiles Right Management's thought leadership on key issues for employers, including employee engagement; health and wellness; restructuring for growth; redeployment and retrenchment; and the role of older workers. Leveraging Right Management's research, insights and expert spokespeople, Buchan has significantly increased the level of media exposure and awareness among target audiences, including CEOs and the HR profession.

Merriman Curhan Ford and Co.

Merriman Curhan Ford and Co. (MCF) is a U.S. based investment bank. It sponsors Australian companies seeking to list on the U.S. OTCQX (over-the-counter securities market stock exchange) in order to raise their visibility among U.S. investors. Buchan has developed a targeted market entry program in Australia, identifying and connecting with MCF's prospects and establishing partnerships opportunities.

As a result of the managed consultations, roundtables and industry events, MCF is attracting Australian companies to list on the OTCQX. Business media coverage has been generated in The Age, Business Spectator, The West Australian, Sky Business News and Bloomberg TV.

Pfizer Australia

Pfizer Australia makes a significant contribution to Australian medical research investing $50 million annually, and has embarked on an extensive communication program to expand on its partnerships in Australia, delivering new and improved therapies.

Buchan is drawing on its comprehensive experience in the biomedical and health sectors to raise awareness of Pfizer Australia's R&D capabilities and its existing strategic alliances and to position Pfizer as a partner of choice in Australia.

Reputation and stakeholder management case studies

EPA Victoria and Melbourne Water entered into a joint agreement to develop an integrated Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP) for Port Phillip Bay, Western Port and the rivers and creeks of the Port Phillip and Westernport region. Buchan developed a strategy to guide stakeholder and community engagement and communication of the WQIP and supporting projects.

Buchan's recommendation to change the positioning to the 'Better Bays and Waterways Plan' was adopted and its suggestion of appointing a Better Bays and Waterways Stakeholder Advisory Group of 20-30 individuals who collectively represented all major geographic regions, stakeholder and community groups was also implemented.

Buchan completed a detailed facilitation and consultation program for the review of alternative water sources, such as rainwater, stormwater, greywater and sewage, across Victoria. The facilitation required management of complex regional water-related issues and culminated in a detailed recommendations report for EPA Victoria and the Victorian Department of Human Services (DHS).

The program has been recognised as a highly effective consultation program and Buchan was retained to complete a second phase of facilitation and consultation on industrial water and managed aquifer recharge.

Buchan is currently implementing the I Love Living Here campaign. Building community partnerships to raise awareness about stormwater pollution and river health is one of the actions of the project. This involves educating the community about everyday behaviours which negatively impact on stormwater pollution and motivating individuals to change behaviour and attitudes towards protecting Melbourne's local rivers and waterways.

Buchan proposed 21 initiatives that will be implemented to engage stakeholders on the issue of stormwater pollution. The initiatives included a partnership with Guides Victoria, where Guides are now able to earn a Healthy Rivers badge after completing clean up activities at their local waterway. A partnership with Rowing Victoria was also established to educate rowers about the impact of stormwater pollution on the rivers close to where they live.

Buchan was appointed to provide ongoing strategic advice, media management, preparation of communication materials and branding for the Australian Fair Pay Commission and its inaugural Chairman, Professor Ian Harper.

Buchan subsequently advised Professor Harper and the Commission's director and senior managers on developing and implementing a comprehensive business strategy. This required a deep understanding of the operating environment in which the Commission would conduct its business, the diverse and complex stakeholder landscape, and the sometimes arcane but invariably emotive subject of labour economics.

ANZ, working in partnership with various charity groups and the Department for Planning and Community Development in Victoria, appointed Buchan to develop and implement a communication strategy to raise awareness of two Corporate Social Responsibility programs, both focusing on financial literacy - Saver Plus and MoneyMinded.

With a brief to raise awareness of the programs to assist recruitment and to build program credibility, Buchan's efforts generated over 300 media exposures across Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Queensland within local and national media, including newspapers, TV and radio. Buchan also gave advice across a range of communications including advertising, event management, presentations, collateral development, and provided direct communication support to each of the partner organisations.

Investor communication case studies

During 2006 Buchan provided a comprehensive stakeholder communication program to support AMP-backed Principal Aged Care's $87.2m acquisition of leaseholds from the Moran Health Care Group for 39 aged care facilities around Australia.

Appointed by AMP Capital Investors and KPMG Corporate Finance, Buchan effectively communicated the transaction and management changes to stakeholders, including 3,500 employees, 3,000 residents and their families, government, financial media and business partners.

Buchan manages the integrated investor and financial communication program for junior telco Freshtel Holdings. The company has a unique wholesale internet solution, and has secured global retail giant Tesco as its largest customer.

Buchan managed the communication for the company's successful IPO in 2002 and continues to work with the company today, providing an outsourced investor communication function and strategic communication counsel.

Buchan is retained by Metgasco, a coal seam gas explorer with the largest certified gas reserves in NSW, to implement a communication program to raise awareness of the company among the financial community, energy sector and the State Governments of NSW and QLD.

Buchan recently advised Metgasco on the announcement of a farm-in agreement and gas sale HOA with the Queensland Government-owned CS Energy, worth over $1 billion. On the day of announcement, Metgasco achieved a 45.3% increase in share price and significant media coverage in print, radio and television.

Business Strategy case studies

Buchan conducted a detailed review and assessment of health and medical research for Austin Health. The project included the identification of future infrastructure needs and funding requirements for the development of a research precinct. The concept of the Austin LifeSciences was developed as an umbrella for research activity, and the research precinct now comprises over 800 researchers.

Buchan completed a major feasibility study on the establishment of a biotechnology research cluster in Geelong (comprising Deakin University, CSIRO, Barwon Health, and Geelong Council). Acting on our recommendations, the cluster was established in 2006 and since then employment in the sector has doubled to 800 jobs, through the expansion of research centres and commercialisation.

Huntley Heritage Pty Ltd - Huntley Heritage Development

Buchan undertook business modelling and an economic impact assessment of a major residential, golf course and hotel development to be built outside of Wollongong. The assessment was important in shaping the concept for the $600 million development and in securing the necessary planning approvals for the project.

Trade Training Centres in Schools - Bendigo Region

Buchan worked with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and regional schools on a feasibility study and funding proposal for a training cluster. The Bendigo schools cluster was successful in securing $10.5 million in Australian Government funding for a new training facility. We have also completed a similar study for a schools cluster in the Mildura Region.

International Education

Buchan conducted a major review of Box Hill Institute of TAFE's international education activity comprising inbound students, offshore delivery, overseas campuses and international consulting. The strategy developed by Buchan has been the foundation for continued expansion in the Institute's international education and training activity.

Smarter Central Coast

Buchan has developed a 15 year education and training strategy, to support the growth and industry development of the Central Coast (Gosford and Wyong areas) Region. The strategy outlines new initiatives for the higher education and vocational education sectors, and stronger links with business.

Central Coast Regional Economic and Employment Strategy

Buchan has completed a 30 year economic development strategy for the region, which will underpin future planning strategies. The project has been undertaken for the New South Wales Government and the Councils in the region.

Port Stephens Economic Development Strategy

Buchan has completed a 15 year economic development strategy for Port Stephens, which has a focus on the development of its industry base in tourism, defence and aviation, engineering and services. The strategy is being successfully implemented by Business Port Stephens, the new economic development agency.

Wollongong City Centre Strategy

Buchan completed an economic strategy for the revitalisation of Wollongong's City Centre. The strategy was adopted as the foundation for redevelopment of the city centre and was influential in shaping the New South Wales Government's 25-year planning strategy for Wollongong City.

Newcastle Airport

Buchan has completed a detailed economic study for Port Stephens Council of the development of the defence and aerospace employment zone around Newcastle Airport. The study identified the requirements for airport expansion and the support services for the Williamtown RAAF Base.