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.

Buchan has advised the RCSA, the recruitment industry's national peak body, on raising awareness of the issue of workforce participation for underemployed groups.

Buchan created an industry Symposium that was successful in opening up dialogue with government, driving an effective media campaign, providing the CEO with subsequent speaking opportunities and developing a government-funded industry program, 'Recruit the Future'.

The CEO also joined a government committee on the issue and is now frequently approached for comment on the topic by business media and other industry groups.

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

Port Stephens Council 

Port Stephens Council, on the New South Wales coast, retained Buchan Consulting in 2007 to develop a detailed 20-year sustainable economic development strategy for the region.

Developing the strategy involved extensive economic analysis of the region, its industry base, population, and assets.

We undertook extensive industry and community consultations; modelled the region and growth prospects; and developed a number of long-term scenarios in relation to population, industry and jobs.  Assessments were also made of future development and infrastructure requirements for Newcastle Airport, the major industrial zones and existing and new town centres. 

Council and business now have a long-term strategy and action plan to guide future development and to strengthen business and investment activity. The strategy report has been adopted by the New South Wales Government as the blueprint for Port Stephens' future

An economic strategy for the revitalisation of Wollongong's City Centre was developed by Buchan's Business Strategy team. This was adopted by Council as the foundation for redevelopment of the city centre and was influential in shaping the New South Wales Government's 25-year strategy for Wollongong.

Buchan conducted a detailed review and assessment for Austin Health of their health and medical research, their future infrastructure needs and funding requirements. The concept of the Austin Life Sciences Institute was developed as an umbrella for research and recommendations of the review were implemented by Austin Health.

Buchan completed a major feasibility study on the establishment of a biotechnology research cluster in Geelong. The recommendations were accepted by the Council and the industry cluster is now operating successfully.

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.