Scala is excited to announce our shortlisting for ‘Marketing Campaign of the Year’ at the Personal Injury (PI) Awards 2023.

The PI awards, being held at Hilton Manchester Deansgate on 23rd November, showcase the best and brightest law firms, lawyers and service providers that the sector has to offer.

Scala has been recognised for the national work it does supporting companies operating in the legal, healthcare, and professional services sector. Through a unique combination of marketing and PR expertise, legal knowledge and sector insight, Scala create campaigns that connect with people and policy makers; campaigns that touch hearts and change lives. 

Victims of Lucy Letby

Most recently, Scala were instructed by Switalskis solicitors to manage the unprecedented media interest in the trial of child serial killer, Lucy Letby. The firm represent families of 7 of the victims (the majority) in their Clinical Negligence claims against the Countess of Chester Trust. 

Heavy reporting restrictions required careful handling/advising. The families’ solicitor, Tamlin Bolton, became the mouthpiece for the families to respond to the sentencing hearing and issues that followed. Scala were responsible for steering the conversation - including the refusal by Letby to attend her sentencing hearing and the subsequent pledge by the government to give extra Judicial powers to force defendants into court; calling for a statutory public inquiry; and failures by the Trust Management.

The PR gave victims a voice; raised brand visibility for the firm and their Clinical Negligence expertise; produced powerful online content for them; positioned them as the go-to firm for other alleged victims of Letby and their involvement in representing families at the Inquiry.

Scala were ahead of the curve at every turn. Liaising closely with high-profile journalists to keep ahead of the latest developments and recording embargoed interviews to ensure Switalskis were first to comment. In the immediate aftermath of the verdict/ sentencing Scala secured the firm over 50 pieces of TV, radio and Press coverage with an audience of 2.33billion. Scala’s Managing Director, Natalie Rodgers, personally supported Tamlin to her major TV interviews, some of which were ‘live’ (BBC Breakfast/Channel 4 News), to provide media liaison and coaching support, ensuring consistency of messaging. Scala coordinated an extremely intense media schedule over a short period of time.

Tamlin Bolton said “The best thing about working with Scala is that they completely understand what needs to be done, how to do it and the right way to get it done. They know their industry like no one else and they have an exceptional ability to just intrinsically predict the next steps and plan ahead. The entire team are absolute professionals that work tirelessly to support you. If you have a question, they can answer it. If you have a worry, they will sort it. I am blown away by their knowledge of the legal industry, current affairs, media, and politics. They are simply unmatched, with a tireless drive and energy to push a project forward.”

Nottingham Maternity Scandal

The PR campaign began in 2017 with one whistleblowing family, Dr Jack and Sarah Hawkins who wanted to share their story, and whose legal team were convinced there were extensive unsafe practices and a cover-up taking place. 

A ‘power-in-numbers approach’ was taken to exposing the scandal. Scala’s passion and sheer persistence in securing significant and prolonged PR coverage over the past 6 years means that there are now 2000 maternity cases being reviewed, making this the largest maternity scandal in NHS history. 

Without a sustained PR campaign, there would not have been the intense pressure on the government authorities to act on the problem. Campaigning helped to secure the appointment of Donna Ockenden in September 2022 to conduct an independent review into the Trust’s maternity failings. More recently, the campaign has focused on the need for accountability, and in September it was announced that there would be a police investigation. It’s hoped that all of this will lead to accountability, improved patient safety, and long-term improvements to maternity care throughout the UK.

Shortlisting success for Scala’s clients

Scala has an impressive reputation in the field of injury law, and this has been demonstrated through the shortlisting of companies who retain the unique skill and expertise of Scala: 

• Kain Knight, the UK’s largest independent team of costs lawyers, has been shortlisted for ‘Case of the Year’.
• STEPS Prosthetics - the UK’s only private prosthetics provider to design, manufacture, fit, and support amputees within a dedicated rehab setting – has been shortlisted for ‘Rehab Provider of the Year’.
• PLG Consultants – an architecture consultancy who specialise in fit-out, sourcing, and adaptation of existing and new properties for people who have suffered a life changing injury due to an accident or negligent treatment – has been shortlisted for ‘Supporting the Industry’.Scala applauds all the finalists and wishes them the very best of luck!

Scala can't wait to attend the PI Awards and applaud all the finalists and wishes them the very best of luck!