As their communications partner we have moved with them as they expanded from Auckland and Northland to become a nationwide force. We have worked with them as they added business, rural and corporate banking divisions to become a truly full service bank, and we have positioned new suites of their services such as insurance, wealth management and stock broking.
ASB Bank and Network PR have been side by side, step by step for almost two decades. It's no accident that ASB Bank is recognised as New Zealand's leading bank both in terms of customer service and the practical application of IT tools to deliver new products and services. A well planned and integrated PR programme has underpinned their every move to achieve this leadership position.
OUR ROLE
Our services have included counsel, strategy direction and implementation right across the organisation from the Managing Director and executive management through to marketing and branch activity. We were there when they transitioned from community ownership to corporate entity; when they became part of the Commonwealth Bank; and as they acquired publicly listed Sovereign.
Over that period we have provided them with:
- Financial public relations services - annual reports, acquisitions and divestments
- Crisis and issues management, including support throughout a fatal armed robbery
- Major corporate announcements and positioning
- Sponsorship support
- Community relations communication
- Leveraged an impressive list of IT firsts, including being the first New Zealand bank to offer internet banking.
RESULTS
ASB Bank's personal banking service has been rated number one out of all the major banks, in the annual University of Auckland's customer satisfaction survey for the past six years. Its Business Banking division has achieved the same accolade for the past five years. This is a point of pride for a bank that measures all its activities (including communication) against world best practice.
ASB Bank is a client that understands the power of PR and effective communication, and is one of the country¡es most effective exponents of its use. |
