On November 1, Sarah Køhnke and Malthe W. Kure joined us, which means both deeper and broader skills for our customers.
Two new faces. Kure and Køhnke joins Kemp & Kjær. Nordic PR merges with Kemp & Kjær.
Many angles to slice this news into, but the reality is: Sarah Køhnke and Malthe Kure have joined Kemp & Kjær, and we are super happy about it, all four of us.
Nordic PR joins Kemp & Kjær
Sarah brings in her agency, Nordic PR – i.e. network, experience, crazy creativity and exceptional expertise in automotive, medico, hospitality, destinations and lifestyle.
Both business and politics Malthe is a shooting star in the PR sky, and as a senior advisor with partner ambitions, he draws on several years of experience from various Danish agencies – and most recently the Danish Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs. He delivers overview, business understanding and public affairs – creating results with both big and small stories; keeping a cool head and a straight face in a crisis. And he will help set the direction for the agency.
Continued ESG focus
Malthe and Sarah are very different but have PR craftsmanship and business acumen in common, and we look forward to bringing this broader palette into play with our customers.
Sarah and Malthe are another chapter in the new story we started in the spring of 2023:
Kemp & Kjær as an ESG-focused PR agency with a huge global network to create PR in other countries for our clients. Leading transparency and efficiency in the PR industry.
And we have a great love for impact technology, because that’s how we can contribute significantly to a better world, even though our ability to make an impact through scope 1 and 2 is minimal.
To find out how we can help you and your organization, contact Jakob Hessellund at jh@kempkjaer.dk or tel. +45 4038 4586.
https://kempkjaer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/703A4318malthe-sarah-sh.jpg16002400Jakob Hessellundhttps://kempkjaer.dk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KK_Logo_Color_Negativ-300x72.pngJakob Hessellund2023-11-23 09:51:452023-11-23 11:56:56Kure and Køhnke started at Kemp & Kjær
Do you call your business or product sustainable? Then watch out! This has landed BMW Denmark in trouble.
The Danish Consumer Ombudsman has today reported BMW to the police for misleading marketing about sustainability. The photo is from the Consumer Ombudsman’s website.
In recent months, the Consumer Ombudsman’s criticism of greenwashing and misleading marketing has caused much debate and uncertainty among Danish companies. Today, BMW Denmark has been reported to the police for marketing itself as the world’s most sustainable car manufacturer.
These cases show that companies need to be extremely cautious about using vague and unsubstantiated statements such as ‘sustainable’, ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘green’ in their communications.
Misleading marketing can have serious consequences for businesses. As well as undermining consumer confidence, it can lead to lawsuits, police reports and reputational damage.
Proving that you are the world’s most sustainable in your industry is exceptionally difficult, as it also requires both thorough and reliable data from your competitors and their subcontractors. This is the trap that BMW Denmark has fallen into.
Document your sustainability
A crucial factor in avoiding misleading marketing is documentation. Companies should be able to substantiate the claims they make about their sustainability efforts. This may include life cycle assessments, independent certifications or external assessments of company practices. By having concrete and reliable data, companies can back up their claims and avoid casting doubt on their honesty.
Credible communication about sustainability and ESG is essential to build trust with consumers if you want to truly support the green transition. When companies market themselves as sustainable, they need to document and substantiate their claims. If companies use sustainability as part of their strategic communication or marketing, consumers have a right to know what companies are actually doing to promote sustainability. By being open about their efforts and using accurate information, companies can avoid consumers feeling misled and instead build trust around their green initiatives.
Need for international coordination
While it’s important to have clear rules and guidelines at a national level, a coordinated approach across borders is also necessary. Harmonizing rules and standards for sustainability marketing at the EU level can help Danish companies avoid competitive disadvantages. By establishing common guidelines for sustainable marketing, we can ensure that companies operate under a level playing field and avoid unnecessary uncertainty.
On the one hand, Danish companies are at a disadvantage in international competition if they only have to comply with the Consumer Ombudsman’s requirements, but on the other hand, it can be an advantage for Danish companies if the Consumer Ombudsman’s strict requirements become internationally known. In some cases, it can be worth using in communication.
If you are unsure whether your company is in violation of the Danish Marketing Practices Act, let’s have a non-binding conversation on +45 4142 3635 or mark@kempkjaer.dk. We can help you assess how to communicate without breaking the law, and when in doubt, we work with lawyers who know the issues inside out.
A job in the PR industry means fast-paced and flexible work-life balance. But if you want to work in a PR agency in Copenhagen, for example, you should also be a Copenhagen resident.
If you have no practical experience with PR, read books about it! Preferably about journalism, as you’ll be talking to journalists a lot. Photo: Ben White, Unsplash.
Do you dream of working as a PR consultant in a PR agency? It can be an exciting and challenging career path for those who want to work in communications, media and stakeholder management. It’s also one of the fastest ways to gain lots of experience, as you’ll typically work with multiple customers from different industries. But the pace can also be fast and the demands are often high.
And because the pressure can be high in the PR industry, there is often a focus on work-life balance, and PR consultants in most agencies are allowed to work from home if the child needs to go to the doctor or whatever else gets in the way. This has been the case even before the corona crisis. However, it’s extremely rare for consultants to work 100% from home, so if you want to work in a PR agency in Copenhagen, for example, it’s best to be based in Copenhagen.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some important steps on the path to working in a PR agency and thriving in the industry. Whether you’re in training, a recent graduate or an experienced professional looking to make a career change, these tips and strategies are relevant to you.
Fun fact: There are many PR agencies based in Copenhagen, where easy access to meetings with authorities, politicians and organizations has traditionally been a high priority.
Build a strong foundational knowledge of PR
Before diving into applying for a job at a PR agency, it’s important to have a solid understanding of what PR entails. Read books, take online courses or attend workshops to learn basic PR theories and practices. The more you know about the PR industry, its trends and challenges, the better prepared you will be to impress during job interviews.
PR agencies are different – find the one that suits you
PR agencies can specialize in everything from classic product PR to political advocacy and in a wide range of industries, where knowledge can be an advantage. Our PR agency in Copenhagen specializes in B2B impact technology as well as IT and scaleups, so being a tech enthusiast with a business mindset can be an advantage.
Gain practical experience through internships
Hands-on experience is essential in the PR world. Apply for internships at PR agencies to build your experience and understanding of the industry. While it may be unpaid or paid less, internships are a great way to learn about the reality of the work and gain insight into the day-to-day operations of the agency. It can also lead to full-time employment if you impress with your effort and commitment. Show enthusiasm for being part of the team and take a humble approach to the tasks, take pride in the “bread and butter tasks” such as media monitoring, and don’t expect to be strategizing for large corporations right away. But every once in a while, ask if you can take on a more challenging task. It gives you bonus points.
Develop your communication skills
Communication is at the heart of the PR industry, so strong communication skills are essential. Work on improving your written, but also your oral communication skills – including the ability to write clear and compelling press releases, present ideas effectively and build good relationships with customers and the media.
Other essential skills that earn points are:
Customer service: PR is all about making customers happy so they stay customers. You can be the best story writer in the world, but if you’re pissing off customers, don’t expect a career as a PR consultant.
Sales: Since a large part of the job is selling story ideas to journalists, it’s an advantage if you have, for example, telephone sales on your CV.
General IT skills: They are essential. Without a solid foundation in IT skills, you’re seen as a bit of a dinosaur. Social media, Word, Google Docs, PowerPoint, Zoom, MS Teams, intranet time tracking, etc. are a must.
WordPress and SEO: If you can edit the content of a website and tweak it for keyword optimization, the agency feels confident that you’ll always have something to do – even if it’s at a standstill around Christmas or the summer months, when there can often be a little respite.
Political communication: PR is closely related to public affairs, and sometimes assignments arise where clients need to engage with authorities, so any political experience, such as stakeholder mobilization or political campaigning, is a big plus.
Stay up to date with the latest PR trends and technologies
The PR industry is constantly evolving and it’s important to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in the field. Follow relevant blogs, read PR publications and be aware of how social media, artificial intelligence and digital platforms affect PR practices. Show interest in and knowledge of the latest tools and methods as this can differentiate you in the job application process. ChatGPT and similar AI services are on the rise, so mastering such tools will be a definite advantage.
Build your professional network
As in other industries, your professional network can be an asset if you’re looking for a job as a PR consultant. For example, use social media sites like LinkedIn to connect with PR agency professionals and attend relevant professional and networking events. Be active in online discussions and participate in PR-related forums. The larger your network, the more likely you are to hear about job opportunities and get recommendations.
Conclusion
Working in a Copenhagen PR agency like ours, as well as others, requires a combination of education, experience and the right skills. By building a strong foundational knowledge of PR, building a professional network, gaining practical experience, developing your communication skills and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, you can increase your chances of landing an exciting position in a PR agency. Always remember to be persistent, committed and enthusiastic during your job search journey. Good luck to you!
https://kempkjaer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Job-PR-bureau_ben-white-unsplash-scaled.jpeg17092560Mark Benfeldt Kjærhttps://kempkjaer.dk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KK_Logo_Color_Negativ-300x72.pngMark Benfeldt Kjær2023-07-14 12:17:282023-11-23 09:48:06Get a job in a PR agency: The path to working in public relations
In 2024, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reports will become mandatory for large companies in the EU. But ESG reports create both opportunities and risks for good and bad press, so how do you communicate the results to the press? Here are three tips.
You have to be careful, but it is possible to get positive press on your ESG report even if you are a black company. The first step is to be brutally honest about it. Photo: Zhang QC, Unsplash.
In the wake of the Consumer Ombudsman’s injunction on sustainable communication, many companies are facing a challenge: How to communicate ESG results with PR in the press so that they are received positively by the market and without the risk of greenwashing accusations?
Note: ESG is about more than climate, but climate is used as an example throughout the post for better readability.
In 2022, the Consumer Ombudsman issued greenwashing injunctions to a large number of companies, as they believed that the companies were violating the Marketing Act through their sustainability communication. Most companies did have sustainability initiatives, but they overused the words in their marketing to a degree that didn’t match their efforts.
At its core, the Consumer Ombudsman is based on the Brundtland Report’s interpretation of the word sustainability, which in short means that a company’s activities must not harm future generations. This means that the company must be at least carbon neutral in its operations (which is just one of many areas) – and that’s virtually impossible without planting trees or buying carbon credits.
It’s a strict interpretation that means that a lot of companies are currently breaking the marketing law even though they haven’t received an injunction.
There are two main areas where companies are breaking the law:
1) They use terms such as “sustainable”, “eco-friendly” and “green” in their marketing, which according to the Consumer Ombudsman is far too general and imprecise (a car manufacturer that has cut CO2 emissions by 50% does not mean that consumers can drive “green”).
2) They don’t have third-party evidence to back up their claims. For example, if you have been awarded a Nordic Swan Ecolabel, you can market it. But it’s forbidden to slap a generic term like “sustainable” on your face cream.
Avoid the pitfalls of ESG report communication
We are in a time when corporate responsibility and sustainability must not only be practiced, but also demonstrated and there is an obligation to communicate it. ESG reports are a key tool for this, but also bring challenges.
The Consumer Ombudsman’s sustainable communication mandate requires more than just sustainability claims. Companies now need to substantiate their claims and avoid ‘greenwashing’. So how can your company adapt to these new requirements and how can a PR agency help communicate your ESG reports in a credible and effective way?
1) Understand the ESG reportBe aware of whether the company has prepared a thorough and complete ESG report and any gaps and areas of weakness. One option is to work with an ESG-focused PR agency that can help you take a critical look at the ESG report and lay the foundation for strategic communication.
2) Be honest and transparentESG-PR: In your ESG-PR, it is essential to be honest about your company’s sustainability weaknesses. This will not only help you comply with legislation, but also build trust with your customers and stakeholders.
A concrete manufacturer that claims to be environmentally friendly because it has invested billions in reducing CO2 emissions is the subject of a shitstorm. Conversely, a concrete manufacturer that calls itself an environmental pig and therefore works to reduce its CO2 emissions is sympathetic.
3) Communicate clearly and concisely: Have you reduced your plastic consumption by 11.5%? So tell us you’ve reduced your plastic consumption by 11.5% and where you know it from. Steer clear of “Significantly less plastic” or “CO2 friendly”. By working with a PR agency, you can ensure that your ESG communication is understandable, free from unnecessary technical language and free from potential media crisis bombs.
Before you trumpet your ESG credentials, it’s worth asking to what extent ESG is integrated into your business strategy. Is sustainability considered in all aspects of your business and communication? It promotes genuine engagement, demonstrates concrete actions and means you can worry less about sharing your ESG initiatives publicly.
Still not sure? Talk to an ESG-focused PR agency
ESG reports bring both challenges and opportunities. By taking the Consumer Ombudsman’s injunction seriously, you’ve come a long way. You can significantly minimize risks by working with a PR agency that specializes in ESG PR and communication to help your company navigate the challenges, but also build a stronger and more credible sustainability profile.
To learn more about how a PR agency can help your company understand and communicate your ESG reports, please contact Mark Kjær on +45 4142 3635 or mark@kempkjaer.dk.
https://kempkjaer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ESG-PR-kommunikation-zhang-qc-unsplash-scaled.jpeg14412560Mark Benfeldt Kjærhttps://kempkjaer.dk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KK_Logo_Color_Negativ-300x72.pngMark Benfeldt Kjær2023-07-12 12:52:312023-11-23 09:48:41How to get press coverage of your ESG report without a shitstorm
Sustainability has been the buzzword in business for the past decade. But recently, a new word has taken off. Now we have to be “regenerative”, but do you dare to communicate about it after the Consumer Ombudsman’s many orders to companies for greenwashing?
Photo: There is a new regenerative movement underway in agriculture, where more people are looking to use different techniques to, among other things, make the soil capture more CO2.
What does it mean for companies to be regenerative and what should corporate press and marketing departments be aware of when communicating about it?
First, consider the definition of sustainable
It’s easier to understand the meaning behind regenerative if you start with the word “sustainable”. Here we take the Consumer Ombudsman’s understanding of the term, which comes from the Brundtland report where the term was defined. This definition has led to a large number of companies being accused of greenwashing since 2022 (and there are almost certainly many, many more at risk of criticism).
A product or company can call itself sustainable if it can get external proof that it does not harm future generations.
This means, for example, that it must have zero CO2 emissions, zero use of chemicals – even no driving to and from meetings, as that means no CO2 in the atmosphere (even electric cars need to be charged with 100% renewable energy if they are to last. And what about the production of the car in the first place?) In principle, the lunch must be picked from the garden, where no pesticides are used, if the company is to meet the definition. Unless, for example, the company plants a lot of trees to compensate.
This is a rather strict interpretation of the word sustainable, but it is the interpretation we should get used to after the Consumer Ombudsman’s tightened practice.
But what can you say?
It’s okay to say that your company is undertaking sustainability initiatives, as long as it’s actually doing it. But calling your company or product sustainable in a general sense is not okay in 99.99% of all cases. This is considered a breach of marketing law (but note that future rulings may change this interpretation).
Regenerative business is about more than being sustainable. It’s about rebuilding and regenerating natural resources and social systems, instead of focusing only on minimizing negative impacts.
This is a significant change from the previous approach, which for years viewed sustainability as a burden or something that only needed to be implemented to comply with rules and regulations.
But becoming regenerative is not an easy task. It requires a fundamental shift in business practices and a deep understanding of the systemic implications of a company’s operations, its product lifecycle and its choice of suppliers. Companies must not only limit their negative impact, but also contribute positively to, for example, the climate, while running a business that doesn’t make a loss.
An example of a regenerative measure could be increasing the number of naturally occurring plateaus in a forest to capture more CO2 and increase biodiversity.
How do you communicate about sustainable and regenerative initiatives?
The Consumer Ombudsman’s strict interpretation of sustainability has caused several companies to slow down their sustainability communication. But it shows that they haven’t quite understood what it means, because you can communicate legally about sustainability initiatives if you do it in a balanced way.
Regenerative initiatives can give a boost to a company’s image, but marketing and PR teams need to be very careful not to just slap “regenerative” on products as a new buzzword to get attention. There must be a genuine commitment to changing the way the company operates and making a positive contribution to the world.
If the word “regenerative” is used in marketing, the company must be able to provide documentation that it delivers a net-positive impact on the climate, and this must be confirmed by external consultants – typically via an LCA (life cycle analysis).
On the other hand, it is easier to communicate – e.g. in press releases – that you have ambitions to cultivate regenerative initiatives in your company and what those initiatives are. As long as the company is honest and aware of where it may be harming the environment and climate – and also informs about it.
Communication around regenerative initiatives must be transparent, honest and reliable. Companies need to be able to demonstrate that they “walk the talk”. They need to be able to prove that they are taking the necessary actions and investments to become regenerative – especially if it’s used in marketing.
But how do you prove your company’s regenerative actions? It does this by regularly reporting on progress and results. In the future, this will typically be done through ESG reporting, which must be done through the financial statements, where the information is easily accessible to stakeholders and shows how the company contributes to rebuilding and regenerating natural resources and/or social systems.
It’s important to highlight that the transition to regenerative operations is a long-term process that requires long-term commitment. Companies need to communicate that they are committed to continuing their regenerative efforts for the long term, even when things get challenging.
This means that, so far, there are only a few companies worldwide that can truly call themselves regenerative.
Becoming regenerative is more than just a buzzword or branding strategy. It’s a fundamental shift in how businesses operate and interact with the world around them. For PR teams, this means a change in how company actions and commitments are communicated. But with the right approach, regenerative operations can not only improve a company’s image, but also contribute positively to the world, and those who crack the code to do so profitably are likely to be hugely successful in the future.
Still unsure about what you can communicate about regenerative initiatives?
Give us a no-obligation call on +45 4142 3635 or write to mark@kempkjaer.dk and we can guide you on your way. Our expertise is PR and communication, and we may involve other consultants if the issue goes beyond our field.
https://kempkjaer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Richard-Bell-Unsplash-scaled.jpeg17072560Mark Benfeldt Kjærhttps://kempkjaer.dk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KK_Logo_Color_Negativ-300x72.pngMark Benfeldt Kjær2023-07-10 08:37:392023-11-23 09:47:51What is regenerative business and how to communicate it without greenwashing?
Men PR alene gør det ikke. Læs hvad Nordnet’s investeringsøkonom siger om det.
Vi bliver ofte spurgt af især højvækstvirksomheder, hvad ROI (return-on-investment) er på PR. Altså gevinsten. Tilbagebetalingen på det man investerer i PR.
Svaret afhænger selvsagt af konteksten. Alt efter virksomhed har PR vidt forskellig betydning. Men her i marts 2023 satte Per Hansen i Millionærklubben ord på:
Kommunikation er afgørende for aktiekursen og finansieringsmulighederne.
(Se link og citat nedenfor).
Og ja, det er en af de ROI-faktorer, vi plejer at nævne, og jeg er enig i, at ultimativt er aktiekursen den suverænt største faktor. Veleksekveret PR over 3-5 år kan forøge aktiekursen 5-10-20 gange. Det er for de fleste en temmelig vild ROI i fht hvad man investerer i PR.
Værditilvæksten skyldes især disse tre faktorer:
1) Mere hype om firmaet betyder, at flere er interesseret i at være medejere, og det driver kursen op. Ukendte virksomheder har sjældent flere interesserede købere.
2) Salg af virksomhedens produkter bliver nemmere: Flere vil gerne købe og til en højere pris, fordi det er en kendt virksomhed, som man stoler på og gerne vil forbindes med.
3) Dygtige medarbejdere tilvælger virksomheden, fordi den er kendt som en succes.
Skal vi så ikke bare skynde os at få noget omtale?
Værdien kommer ikke af presseomtale alene, det starter indefra.
God presseomtale skaber ikke i sig selv bedre produkter, god kundeservice, sunde værdier, bæredygtighed. Men det bliver måske nemmere at få folk til at performe og have hjertet med, når virksomheden er offentligt kendt for noget godt. Så man står op hver dag og glæder sig til at bidrage til det gode, som virksomheden står for.
Men hvis ikke man fortæller omverdenen om de gode ting, man gør, så er der ikke nogen der ved det, og så kommer værditilvæksten og den gode spiral ikke.
Vi kan også kalde det “branding” – og der skal man huske, at dit brand defineres ikke som det, du fortæller, men som den opfattelse, folk har. Hvis ikke der er overensstemmelse, skal du gøre en ekstra indsats.
Altså:
Hvis din virksomhed lever nogle gode værdier, leverer på et stærkt brand promise – og fortæller om det til verden – så kan du forvente en kraftig stigning i værdien af selskabet, når du skal rejse penge eller sælge i en exit.
Hvordan får man så god PR?
Alt er PR: Stillingsannoncer, Linkedinopslag, jeres annoncer, årsregnskabet, produktlanceringer – alt er PR og bør tænkes ind i PR og vice versa.
Proaktiv PR og god presseomtale skabes især ved:
– Medieomtaler af alt muligt, i erhvervsmedier, fagmedier, branchemedier etc.
– Linkedin / blog posts
– I udtaler jer som eksperter
– Debat / holdninger
PR handler ikke kun om flagskibsmedier som Børsen, JP og Berlingske. Tænk det ind overalt: Alt hvad I gør, sender et signal til omverdenen om, hvad I står for.
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Kontakt Jakob på +45 4038 4586 eller skriv til jh@kempkjaer.dk, hvis I vil have hjælp til at komme ud med jeres budskaber – vi starter med at afklare strategi, muligheder og historier.
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Og hvad var det så Per Hansen sagde?
Ifølge Nordnets investeringsøkonom Per Hansen, der d. 27. marts 2023 var i Millionærklubbens podcast, befinder vi os “i en verden hvor finansielle nyheder bliver slynget omkring sig med en hastighed vi ikke har set tidligere” med “rigtig meget momentumhandel, mange der køber dét, der stiger, og sælger dét, der falder, og så bliver det selvforstærkende”.
Når finansielle nyheder “slynges rundt med den hastighed (…) stiller det helt overordnet nogle ekstreme krav til ledelser og bestyrelser” (…) “for der er rigtig mange (…) som ikke forstår, at det er helt afgørende, at aktiekursen på ethvert tidspunkt, afspejler den (læs: selskabets) underliggende værdi, og hellere lidt over end lidt under. For hvis man lige pludselig kommer ud i en situation hvor man (læs: et analyseselskab) får lavet sådan en analyse, hvor nogen siger, at “her snyder I lidt på vægtskålen” eller andre ting, så kan det godt være, at det om 3, 6 eller 9 måneder bliver tilbagevist – men skaden er sket.
Det er derfor, hvis et selskab får brug for kapital, så skal aktiekursen være så høj som muligt – og aktiekursen skal afspejle de underliggende værdier. Og rigtig mange virksomheder forstår det simpelthen ikke, og ledelserne og bestyrelserne forstår desværre for lidt af det. Og der er jeg lidt nervøs for at vi ikke – når vi på samme tidspunkt ser nogen, der bliver lidt mere aggressive i deres kommunikation – ser et kompetenceløft fra ledelser og bestyrelser, som godt ved, at det her kun styrker behovet for at være meget skarp.”
https://kempkjaer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG20230629202919.jpg8241200Jakob Hessellundhttps://kempkjaer.dk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KK_Logo_Color_Negativ-300x72.pngJakob Hessellund2023-06-29 19:42:512023-11-23 08:52:25What is return-on-investment in PR? Higher share price. Says Per Hansen.
There are several foundations and funding schemes that Danish companies can apply to for activities that create a greener and more sustainable world. With the list below you will find an overview of grants for green projects.
Companies can benefit from applying for foundations because, in addition to financial support and funding for projects, you can gain access to knowledge, expertise and networks that can help you develop and implement green projects more efficiently.
Finally, support from foundations can also increase visibility and credibility, which can strengthen a company’s reputation and image.
We’ve gathered some of the most important ones here. The list is long, so we reserve the right to assume that some may be outdated or the link is incorrect.
Updated June 12, 2023. Write to us if something is missing or needs to be changed.
Help with funding applications? We know someone who is really good at it. Drop us a lineand we’ll put you in touch with the right people.
The list: Grants and subsidies for green projects
Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO)
A result of the merger of the state bodies Danish Growth Fund, Export Credit Denmark and the Green Investment Fund to create a fund with even stronger muscles. They say they are Danish companies’ single point of access to risk tolerant government funding, working to support the business successes that can make Denmark richer and the world greener.
Environmental Technology Development and Demonstration Program (MUDP)MUDP is a grant scheme that supports the development and demonstration of new environmental technologies and solutions in Denmark. The program focuses on promoting innovation and sustainability in companies and society as a whole.
Denmark’s Green Investment FundThe fund is now merged with Vækstfonden and EKF Export Credit Denmark (see under EIFO) and is a government fund that supports investments in green technologies and projects in Denmark. The fund aims to promote the green transition in Denmark and can, for example, support companies that develop and implement sustainable energy solutions.
The Innovation Fund: Innovation Fund Denmark supports research and innovation in Danish companies and research institutions. The fund has a number of programs that can support companies with a focus on climate and the environment, including energy and environmental technologies and industrial research and development. Check out the programs Missionsbooster, Innobooster and Innofounder, among others.
RealDaniaRealDania is a philanthropic organization that supports projects and initiatives that make Denmark a better place to live and work. The organization focuses on sustainability and climate and can support companies working with green transition and sustainable development.
The Climate FundThe Climate Fund is a private foundation that supports initiatives and projects that can reduce CO2 emissions and promote sustainability. The purpose of the fund is to contribute to the green transition and can, for example, support companies with financing for green projects.
In 2020, Denmark’s Green Future Fund was adopted in the Finance Act to support national and global green transition, including the development and dissemination of technologies, the conversion of energy systems to renewable energy, storage and efficient use of energy, etc. and the promotion of global export of green technology, especially within wind.
Environmental and climate technology 2022 aims to reduce the environmental impact of primary agricultural production. In addition, the scheme has one focus area with the aim of improving animal welfare.
Green Development and Demonstration Program (GUDP)Green Development and Demonstration Program (GUDP) supports innovative projects that promote green and economic sustainability in agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and the food industry. GUDP is led by a minister-appointed board of directors and its members are business professionals from across the food sector. The program is part of the Danish Agricultural Agency in the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries.
Arkaia is an independent impact investor and developer driving innovation in sustainable and resilient food for the world through research grants, venture capital and development.
KR Foundation supports projects that have a positive impact on the climate and environment and supports projects where neither governments nor market players have incentives to act. KR Foundation’s grants typically range from DKK 2m to DKK 5m with a duration of up to approximately 3 years. Currently, the current priority themes are divesting from fossil fuels and reinvesting in sustainability and eliminating fossil fuel subsidies. They do not accept unsolicited applications.
Links to overviews of foundations and funding schemes
Environmental Protection Agency grant schemes
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency has a wide range of grant schemes that aim to support different types of environmental activities. Find an overview here.
The Danish Energy Agency’s subsidy and support schemes:
Overview of all support schemes for renewable energy and new energy technologies.
Among other things: The EUDP program (https://ens.dk/ansvarsomraader/forskning-udvikling/eudp), a funding scheme from the Danish Energy Agency that supports the development and demonstration of new energy technologies. The program can support companies with funding for renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy system integration projects.
Government Grant PoolsThe state of Denmark has various subsidy schemes, which can also be found via statens-tilskudspuljer.dk, where you can search for “green”, for example, and find more options. It is managed by the Danish Agency for Economic and Financial Affairs.
Technology Development: Teknologiudvikling.dk is a private portal that was founded to make an opaque market for public funding schemes more accessible to the business community. It’s a free service that brings together information about funding schemes and gives you an overview of deadlines.
European Innovation Council (EIC): The EIC supports innovative projects and businesses in the EU by providing funding and advice. There are also opportunities to apply for funding for projects that promote sustainable technologies and solutions.
EU LIFE program: The EU LIFE program supports initiatives and projects that contribute to environmental protection, nature conservation and sustainable development. For example, the program can support companies with funding for innovative environmental technologies and solutions.
Horizon Europe: Horizon Europe is the largest EU program for research and innovation, offering funding for innovative projects that can contribute to the green transition. The program also supports partnerships between companies, research institutions and other organizations.
European Investment BankThe European Investment Bank (EIB) is the public bank for the EU and offers financing for investments in projects that can contribute to sustainable development and climate goals. The EIB can support businesses with loans, guarantees and other financial instruments.
European Investment Fund (EIF): The EIF is part of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and supports the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and innovative start-ups in the EU. The EIF also has programs that focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable projects.
Interreg Europe: The Interreg program supports transnational, transregional and interregional cooperation projects in a number of themes, including environment and sustainability. The program can provide funding for projects that promote a green and sustainable economy.
European Energy Efficiency Fund (EEEF): EEEF supports energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that can reduce CO2 emissions. The fund focuses primarily on projects in Central and Eastern Europe, but Danish companies can also apply.
European Sustainable Development Fund Plus (ESDF+)ESDF+ finances projects that contribute to sustainable development in the EU and other countries. In particular, the foundation supports projects that promote environmental protection and climate impact.
European Maritime and Fisheries FundEuropean Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) is a fund that supports the maritime sector in the EU and contributes to sustainable development and protection of the marine environment. The fund’s focus areas include sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and marine environmental protection. EMFF can support companies in the maritime sector with funding for green projects and innovation.
European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)ESF+ supports projects that aim to improve employment and social inclusion in Europe. They also provide opportunities to apply for funding for projects that promote green and sustainable growth.
European Fund for Regional Development (ERDF)The ERDF supports the development of regions in the EU and invests in projects that can generate economic growth and job creation. There are also opportunities to apply for funding for projects that contribute to sustainable urban development and green technologies.
https://kempkjaer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Groenne-fonde-scaled.jpg14692560Mark Benfeldt Kjærhttps://kempkjaer.dk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KK_Logo_Color_Negativ-300x72.pngMark Benfeldt Kjær2023-06-16 13:19:512023-11-23 11:48:26Foundations that provide funding and grants for green projects – Denmark and EU
In March 2023, we wrote an article in Børsen about why it’s great that greenwashing is hunted down, but that there are problems in the way it is done.
In recent years, the Consumer Ombudsman has repeatedly criticized named companies for misleading consumers with “green claims” in their marketing. None of the companies are our customers, but we believe that an unfortunate situation has been created that benefits neither the climate nor consumers.
The Consumer Ombudsman’s guidelines on greenwashing mean that businesses are de facto banned from using the word ‘sustainable’ unless they have independent third-party evidence that they meet a very strict definition of ‘sustainable’. And that is close to impossible.
However, the criticism has not been followed up by police reports from the Consumer Ombudsman and therefore the legal situation is uncertain. Because what if the courts have a different understanding of the word than the Consumer Ombudsman? And don’t consider it misleading because the common understanding of the word among Mr. & Mrs. Denmark is not as narrow? This should be clarified so that everyone can move forward.
Particularly problematic internationally
Moreover, it puts Danish companies at a disadvantage in terms of their international marketing, because if Danish companies are subject to a set of rules that their foreign competitors do not have to comply with, it creates a competitive disadvantage. And we do not believe that the Consumer Ombudsman can really do anything if, for example Wish claims that a plastic thimble is super sustainable.
We need clear rules so that those who do something good dare to communicate about it. However, it is possible to communicate about your green initiatives – as long as you have your documentation and facts straight.
We help our customers with this, both in Denmark and internationally.
Read more about how we do communication for technology that helps the world become a better place – what we call impact technology.
https://kempkjaer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Boersen-kronik-blog-PR-baeredygtighed.jpg13822000Jakob Hessellundhttps://kempkjaer.dk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KK_Logo_Color_Negativ-300x72.pngJakob Hessellund2023-04-14 07:20:152023-06-30 14:07:03Chronicle on greenwashing in Børsen
As experts in the tech industry, Kemp & Kjær were interviewed by Kommunikationsforum about what it means for Google that the launch of their artificial intelligence, Bard, offered failures in the first attempt during the demonstration.
It meant big drops in Google’s share price, because Google feels pressure on its existence by ChatGPT. Not least because Microsoft is in the process of integrating ChatGPT in their own search engine, Bing, which Google fears will result in user churn.
Google’s “Nokia moment”?
Bing’s global market share is 9 percent. Google sits on 84 percent – but everyone also thought Nokia was untouchable back in 2007, before Apple and the iPhone turned it all upside down.
“Google’s users will forgive them for the mistake and the share price may return. But it will probably require them to either improve Bard so that it makes significantly fewer mistakes, or launch an innovative alternative that keeps users on Google,” says Mark Benfeldt Kjær, partner at Kemp & Kjær.
Read the full interview on Kforum: Google lost $700 billion on AI flop launch:
https://kempkjaer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/MarkKforum-om-Bard-2.jpg6491200Jakob Hessellundhttps://kempkjaer.dk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KK_Logo_Color_Negativ-300x72.pngJakob Hessellund2023-02-10 13:10:422023-02-10 13:16:40Google’s Bard blunder: Mark from Kemp & Kjær explains the consequences in an interview in Kforum
Face-to-face meetings are still the best, although lockdown moved a lot of meetings to video. The heat in Dubai certainly can’t be transmitted via Zoom, and we enjoyed two days in the company of colleagues from GlobalCom PR Network.
In October, we met a number of the more than 80 agencies who, like us, are members of the GlobalCom PR Network at the annual conference, this time held in Dubai.
https://kempkjaer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/KempKjaer-GlobalCom-Dubai-IMG20221021153314-e1667304233883.jpg7261200Jakob Hessellundhttps://kempkjaer.dk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KK_Logo_Color_Negativ-300x72.pngJakob Hessellund2022-11-01 12:29:292022-11-01 12:37:44Global PR? Basics are the same
