Case study

Helping industry to get a truer measure of social value

Using the power of PR to open up conversations and close the knowledge gap on meaningful social value measurement.

The challenge

Partners Impact Reporting, PRD and State of Life were preparing to launch MeasureUp, a free and open-access tool designed to help organisations better understand, evidence and communicate their social value. But social value, as a discipline, still has an awareness issue - especially outside specialist circles. The team knew they had a job on their hands not only to build recognition for a not-for-profit initiative within a commercial business, but to challenge the tick-box tendencies holding the sector back.

Working with a tight budget and no opportunity to sponsor or exhibit, Hattrick was brought on board to build credibility for the team and the tool ahead of launch in October 2024. Our focus was on positioning social value expert Catherine Manning - who led the development of MeasureUp - as a trusted voice in the space, and building relationships with editors, event organisers and key communities to increase reach and recognition.

Tackling the brief

We identified new opportunities for Catherine to speak at the intersection of social value, sustainability and business accountability through awards, guest articles and panel sessions. Rather than spend, we focused on the strength of the message - crafting compelling submissions and taking the legwork out of event curation by proposing pre-formed panels and formats.

This approach led to standout moments: from Catherine being shortlisted for Pioneer of the Year at the Better Business Network Summit and highly commended in the WISE100 awards, to confirmed speaker slots at major events including Procurex England - where we also set up a steering group of Local Authority leaders to help inform ongoing development of MeasureUp. We also opened doors to new communities of interest such as The Developer’s Social Value Week - building visibility with design and planning professionals not previously on the radar.

From supporting lead generation and new partnerships, through to features in high profile publications - including Edie, RIBA Journal and Planning, Building & Construction Today - we’ve achieved a lot together since launch and from a standing start.

Results

In a ‘pay-to-play’ space, Hattrick helped amplify and build authority to gain exposure on editorial merit alone, securing:

9 media articles in publications serving sectors of interest across construction, broader sustainable business and SME audiences

5 high profile speaking opportunities, including 2 with local authority decision makers - key influencers in driving change in the space

2 awards nominations shortlisted achieving ‘highly commended’ recognition

The highlights

Catherine Manning shortlisted for Pioneer of the Year at the Better Business Network Summit and highly commended at the WISE100 Changemaker awards
Delivered a workshop at the Better Business Network Summit
Confirmed speaker slot at Procurex England 2025 in the ESG Zone, plus supported the creation of a Local Authority steering group to inform future product development
Articles published in edie, RIBA Journal, and Planning, Building & Construction Today
Speaker slot secured at The Developer’s Social Value Week - opening up a new network of relevant, like-minded professionals
Compelling media kit developed to help demystify social value and build recognition for Catherine, MeasureUp and the team
Generated meaningful leads and connections, six months into the first ever PR investment for Impact Reporting

"Working with Hattrick has been a game-changer for us. From day one, their team proved themselves to be incredibly responsive, proactive and genuinely invested in our success. They brought fresh ideas to the table and quickly became an extension of our own staff - seamlessly aligning with our goals and culture.

Their ability to craft clear, compelling content gave MeasureUp exactly the exposure it needed in its first year, helping us establish it as a trusted resource in the social value community. Thanks to Hattrick’s creativity and dedication, we were able to raise awareness, spark engagement and position MeasureUp where it truly belongs: at the heart of conversations about social value.

We couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this critical launch phase."

Nil Khalifa, Director of Growth & Marketing, Impact Reporting & MeasureUp