Do it Now Now and Wellcome Launch £1 Million Innovate Now Programme to Strengthen UK Black-Led Research Community Initiatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Do it Now Now and Wellcome Launch £1 Million Innovate Now Programme to Strengthen UK Black-Led Research Community Initiatives

Do it Now Now (DiNN), a Black-led open innovation organisation supporting Black communities and organisations and Wellcome, a global charitable foundation dedicated to improving health through research announce the launch of the latest rounds of DiNN’s Innovate Now Programme. This pioneering initiative provides grant funding and capacity-building support to UK-based Black-led initiatives that seek to improve the wellbeing, or advance the careers, of Black and Mixed Black heritage researchers. With  funding from Wellcome, Do it Now Now is able to expand on the work that they have been doing in this space.

Despite some progress, Black researchers remain significantly underrepresented in the UK research workforce due to systemic barriers that limit access to funding and leadership opportunities. Many grassroots initiatives have emerged to address these gaps, providing mentoring, networking, advocacy and safe spaces. However, these organisations are often volunteer-led which means that they can be underfunded and at risk of burnout or closure.

The Innovate Now Programme will provide up to £1 million in multi-year funding to 45 UK-based Black-led initiatives, combining grants ranging from £13,000 to £48,000 over two to three years with strategic support to strengthen organisational resilience and long-term sustainability. Delivered in collaboration with Wellcome, the programme draws on DiNN’s extensive experience designing and managing programmes that support Black-led charities, social enterprises and community organisations. DiNN is also currently collaborating with funders such as City Bridge Foundation and Impact on Urban Health to deliver tailored grant and capacity-building initiatives that strengthen leadership, operational readiness, and impact for Black-led organisations.

The programme is open to UK-based organisations or initiatives where at least half of the leadership, trustees or key decision-makers are Black. Eligible organisations can be incorporated, such as charities, community interest companies, social enterprises or limited companies or unincorporated groups with appropriate governance arrangements and fiscal hosting is also acceptable. Both university-affiliated initiatives, particularly at non-Russell Group institutions, and community-based initiatives can apply. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a track record of supporting Black or Mixed Black heritage researchers, students or research communities.

“DiNN’s expertise in supporting Black-led organisations ensures the programme combines funding with practical support tailored to organisational and human needs. Together with Wellcome, we aim to build resilient, confident leaders and thriving initiatives that will positively transform the UK research landscape.” - Bayo Adelaja, CEO of DiNN 

“We’re delighted to collaborate with DiNN and support Black‑led initiatives that are expanding opportunities for Black researchers. Launching this funding and capacity‑building programme is a significant step in our work to diversify who leads, participates in and benefits from research." - Faith Uwadiae, Ecosystems Manager at Wellcome.

Media Contacts:
Wellcome

Media Office

mediaoffice@wellcome.org

Do it Now Now

Ronke Lawal

info@ariatupr.com

Notes to editor:

For more information about the Innovate Now Programme and how to apply, visit https://www.doitnownow.com/innovate-now-with-wellcome 

About Wellcome
Wellcome supports science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone. We support discovery research into life, health and wellbeing, and we’re taking on three worldwide health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

 
About Do it Now Now (DiNN)
Do it Now Now is a Black-led open innovation organisation that empowers Black communities by expanding access to opportunities, networks, and resources. DiNN has designed and delivered grant and development programmes supporting thousands of Black-led charities, social enterprises, and community organisations, strengthening leadership, operational capacity and long-term impact.

Why Employee Visibility Is the Future of Corporate PR

For many years decades, corporate PR strategies have focused campaigns, slogans and polished press releases. But in our digital age audiences want to know who’s behind the business. Human connection, relatable stories and authentic voices fortify how companies are perceived and the relationships they have with their customers & consumers. These days trust is more fragile than ever and so companies that empower their people to become credible, confident brand ambassadors are the ones thriving.

The rise of social media has accelerated this transformation. Platforms like LinkedIn, X, Instagram and even TikTok have given individual employees the tools to reach audiences directly, bypassing traditional corporate gatekeepers. Yet many companies still overlook the power of employee advocacy and pour budgets into paid ads and influencer campaigns. They neglect the untapped credibility of their own team members. It is so important to remember that the people who know the business inside out already speak with authority and they don’t always have to be in the C-Suite.

This is why corporate personal branding is so important. By equipping employees with the skills, confidence and strategic guidance to share insights publicly, companies can dramatically expand their reach and impact. A well-trained team that posts thoughtful content on LinkedIn, contributes to industry discussions or speaks at events doesn’t just enhance individual careers; it positions the company as a hub of expertise and innovation. Unlike overt advertising, employee voices carry an authenticity that audiences trust.

Employee advocacy through personal branding requires an intentional internal PR strategy. Many professionals feel uncomfortable sharing opinions online or worry about crossing company guidelines. Others don’t realise how much value their perspective could offer until they receive encouragement and training. Forward-thinking organisations address this by building structured employee advocacy programmes and supporting employees to be more proactively visible. These training programmes teach employees how to craft a professional personal brand, communicate with clarity and align their messaging with corporate values without becoming corporate parrots.

The benefits are clear: studies show messages shared by employees get significantly more engagement than those from official brand channels. Potential clients and partners are more likely to believe a company is innovative, inclusive or industry-leading when they hear it from real people on the inside.

“Forbes reported that when your sales teams use their social networks to develop leads, they can outsell their peers by as much as 76% and convert those leads more frequently.”

This heightened visibility also boosts recruitment. Talented professionals want to work at organisations where employees are celebrated as thought leaders, not silenced by rigid PR controls. According to LinkedIn:

“Companies with a successful employee advocacy program are 58% more likely to attract and 20% more likely to retain top talent. They can actually attribute specific hires to their advocacy program.”

Another overlooked benefit of employee advocacy is how it strengthens internal culture.. When companies invite their people to have a voice, it signals trust and empowerment which drives engagement and pride. This creates a positive feedback loop: the more engaged employees feel, the more likely they are to speak positively about the business, both publicly and privately. This kind of cultural alignment is invaluable in times of change or crisis, when a united front can make all the difference to stakeholder confidence.

Of course, empowering employees to represent your organisation externally does come with risks so clear guidelines are essential. A strong internal PR strategy should include media and social media training, robust policies that protect both the employee and the business and ongoing support to help team members navigate tricky situations. The goal isn’t to censor employees, but to create a safe, supportive framework that encourages them to share their expertise authentically.

For many businesses, the shift toward employee-driven advocacy requires a mindset change at the top. Leadership must embrace the reality that the corporate voice is no longer enough on its own. Today, brand perception is shaped by countless micro-interactions: a salesperson’s LinkedIn post, an engineer’s industry panel appearance or a customer service manager’s thoughtful comment on a trending topic. Each interaction is a chance to build or erode trust. By investing in employee advocacy and personal branding training, organisations can ensure those moments consistently reinforce the brand’s mission and values.

As we look to the future of corporate PR, one thing is certain: the companies that win hearts and minds will be those that recognise their people are their most powerful storytellers. By helping employees to build confident, credible personal brands, organisations not only amplify their message but create a vibrant, engaged community that becomes their greatest competitive advantage. In the modern landscape of PR, your people aren’t just part of your brand, they are your brand.

Command the Narrative: Mastering PR, Comms & Brand-Building - The Black Circle Podcast

In a thought-provoking episode of the Black Circle Podcast titled Command the Narrative: Mastering PR, Comms & Brand-Building, Ronke Lawal, founder of Ariatu PR, shares powerful insights into the evolving landscape of public relations, personal branding and strategic communication as well as her own journey as a Black British woman in business. Hosted by Zoe Cornibert, the conversation dives deep into the role of PR in shaping narratives, particularly for underrepresented communities and Black entrepreneurs aiming to build impactful, authentic brands.

Ronke explores the importance of owning your narrative and explains that in a media-saturated world, individuals and businesses must be intentional about the stories they tell. If you don't define your story, someone else will, she argues, highlighting how crucial it is to craft messages that reflect your purpose, values and identity. This intentional storytelling becomes the foundation for long-term brand success and public trust.

Throughout the interview, Ronke demystifies PR as more than just a publicity tool, she presents it as a foundational part of brand strategy. From the moment a business is conceived, public relations should be integrated to ensure the brand's voice is consistent, visible and aligned with its mission. She describes how effective PR connects with audiences through earned media, authentic storytelling, and timely communication, all while staying rooted in the brand’s true identity.

A key highlight of the episode is Ronke’s emphasis on communication that respects cultural nuance. Drawing from her experience working with African and Caribbean diaspora communities, she stresses the importance of tailoring messaging to resonate with diverse audiences. Brands, she says, must avoid generic strategies and instead engage with the deeper context of community, heritage and lived experience. This culturally aware approach not only builds trust but also sets brands apart in competitive markets.

Due to her rich and dynamic experience as a British Nigerian who also studied for a year in the USA she has been able to tap into an exciting way of operating within PR even if it can be lonely and challenging at times.

She is also keen for people to understand the power of the media and understand the impact it has on our collective way of thinking and moving as communities..

Ronke closes the conversation by urging Black entrepreneurs and leaders to embrace authenticity in their personal brands. She believes audiences are increasingly drawn to transparency, vulnerability, and values-driven leadership. A brand is not just what you sell, but how you show up, how you respond under pressure, and how consistently you live your truth, especially in public spaces.

This episode of the Black Circle Podcast, hosted by Zoe Cornibert, is a masterclass in modern public relations. Ronke Lawal not only shares her technical expertise but also delivers an inspiring message about visibility, representation and purpose-driven communication. For anyone looking to build a resilient, resonant brand, her insights are not just relevant, they’re essential.

Why Personal Branding Is the Missing Link in Executive Leadership Training

For decades, executive leadership training has focused on strategy, operations, decision-making and emotional intelligence. These are all essential elements of effective leadership, but in today’s hyper-visible, reputation-driven landscape, they’re no longer enough. What’s missing from the traditional leadership toolkit? Personal branding.

We believe that personal branding is not a vanity project, it’s an intentional visibility and influence strategy. Executives who fail to actively manage their personal brand risk being misunderstood, overlooked or disconnected from the very audiences they aim to inspire and lead.

In an era where CEOs tweet, executives give TED Talks and LinkedIn is a virtual boardroom in and of itself, visibility isn’t optional, it’s strategic however many senior leaders are under-utilising their personal platforms. They’re invisible beyond company walls, missing opportunities to lead conversations that define industries and shape public trust.

Personal branding helps leaders articulate their unique voice and values, build credibility outside their immediate circle, become thought leaders in their fields and inspire employees and stakeholders with a consistent, authentic message. A well-defined personal brand also supports corporate reputation. When senior leaders show up with consistency and confidence, they become ambassadors for the business, boosting internal culture and external brand equity.

One of the most profound shifts in modern leadership is the demand for authenticity. Today’s workforce and customers expect leaders to be transparent, inclusive, and value-driven. A polished but distant executive is no longer aspirational—it’s outdated.

Through our executive personal branding training, we guide leaders to discover and express the values that drive them, crafting a narrative that aligns with both personal purpose and professional mission. We work closely with C-suite leaders, founders and senior teams to help them own their voice, not just for keynote stages, but for everyday visibility. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the currency of trust.

Traditional leadership training often ends at internal transformation; better delegation, stronger communication, improved decision-making. But how does that translate to external influence? Without a deliberate personal brand, executives remain reactive rather than proactive in how they’re perceived. They risk being defined by others—journalists, social media, even competitors—instead of crafting their own narrative.

Ariatu PR bridges this gap with training designed to define a leader’s value proposition and audience, identify strategic storytelling opportunities (media, events, digital platforms), build comfort and fluency with press, panels, podcasts, and social content and align personal reputation with business strategy and ESG goals.

This is leadership development that doesn’t just stay in the room, it scales.

For corporations, executive visibility is a competitive edge. Clients, investors, partners, and future hires are all watching leadership. Do your top executives reflect the values and vision of your company? Do they stand out in their sector? Are they trusted voices in times of uncertainty?

Personal branding helps you say yes to all of the above.

When multiple members of a leadership team have strong, aligned personal brands, the result is a more connected, resilient and influential organisation. It builds leadership pipelines, strengthens succession planning, and humanises your business at the highest level.

At Ariatu PR, we specialise in helping executives craft, refine, and elevate their personal brands through tailored training, workshops, and one-to-one strategy. You might be preparing for a public profile boost, navigating change or ready to step into industry leadership; personal branding is the foundation of a powerful presence.

It’s not just about being seen. It’s about being known and trusted. Let’s build personal brands that lead.

How To Promote Your Book: PR and Publicity Advice for Authors

Publishing a book is a huge milestone but what happens after you type “The End” is just as important. In today’s competitive book market, effective PR and publicity can mean the difference between your book being a well-kept secret or a talked-about hit. Whether you're self-published or working with a traditional publisher, knowing how to promote your book is essential.

Here’s a guide packed with human-centred, actionable publicity advice to help your book stand out and reach more readers.

Start With a Solid Author Platform

Before diving into full-blown PR strategies, make sure you have a strong foundation:

• Website: Your author website should clearly showcase your book(s), a bio, a contact page and links to purchase. It’s your digital home base so make it very clear what it is you do and who you write for. This is also why working on your personal brand as an author is important.

• Social Media: Pick two or three platforms you enjoy and start engaging with your audience. Focus on being authentic and providing value, don’t just push your book. Have fun but also be consistent on social media platforms, there’s nothing worse than registering on a platform just to lose interest because you aren’t making gains i.e. getting followers and engagement. The more consistent you are the more likely you are to attract the right connections. Remember social media is about building a community as much as it is about promoting your work. Your platform isn’t just about numbers; it’s about trust. Media contacts and readers are more likely to care about your book if they see you're already part of a community.

Craft a Compelling Press Kit

A professional press kit can save journalists and podcasters time—and make you look like a pro. At minimum, include:

• A one-page press release about your book

• Your bio (short and long versions)

• A high-resolution author photo

• A high-resolution book cover

• Key information: ISBN, publisher, release date, genre, and where to buy

• Optional: Sample Q&A, book excerpts, notable endorsements

Make this kit downloadable on your site or available upon request in your email pitches if you’re doing you’re own PR. If you are working with a publishing company their team or PR agency should guide you on this. .

Develop a Book Publicity Plan

Effective book publicity doesn’t happen by accident. Create a 3- to 6-month plan around your launch and beyond. Key elements to include:

• Media outreach: Identify relevant podcasts, blogs, magazines, newspapers, radio and television shows.

• Pitch timeline: Start reaching out at least 2–3 months before your release date.

• Content calendar: Schedule blog posts, social media content, email newsletters and possible giveaways or events.

Map your promotional efforts to your book’s theme and your personal strengths. Not a fan of Instagram? Focus on email and podcasts instead.

Master the Art of the Pitch

Ideally either yourself or your publishing company should have hired us but if not you need to learn the basics of pitching to the press. Your media pitch needs to quickly grab attention. Keep it short, relevant and personalised. Here’s what to include:

• A strong subject line

• A personal greeting (use names!)

• A short intro explaining who you are and why you're reaching out

• A hook that connects your book to their audience or a current trend

• A call to action: Ask if they’d be interested in an interview, review, or feature

Example:
"Hi [Name], I loved your recent piece on mental health in creative work. I’m releasing a novel that explores anxiety through a character-driven mystery and I think your audience might connect with it..."

Leverage Local and Niche Media

Don’t overlook local news outlets, indie bookstores, libraries or community radio. Smaller media platforms are often more receptive and can open doors to national coverage down the line, this is something that people often forget because they focus on trying to get the big coverage.

Also consider niche publicity, if your book touches on specific themes (e.g., sustainability, grief, or parenting), pitch to blogs or podcasts in those spaces.

Host a Memorable Book Launch

Your book launch doesn’t need to be a fancy party to be effective. Think of it as a kick-off to your publicity push. Here are a few options:

• A virtual event with a live reading and Q&A

• A local bookstore signing or panel with other authors

• A themed online giveaway (e.g., “Win a signed copy + bookish goodies!”)

• A pre-order campaign with exclusive bonuses

Remember to invite press contacts, bloggers, and influencers to your event, even if it’s online. Also don’t be afraid to do something different - be creative. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. Stand out and be bold for your book launch.

Keep the Momentum Going

Publicity isn’t a one-time thing. Keep sharing your story through ongoing opportunities:

• Pitch guest posts or op-eds that relate to your book’s theme

• Offer to speak on panels, webinars, or conferences

• Create short videos or reels discussing writing tips or your book’s backstory

• Encourage readers to leave reviews and share on social media

Each new bit of exposure creates ripple effects. You never know who might be watching.

Promoting your book is not about shouting the loudest, it’s about connecting the right message with the right audience at the right time. A well-thought-out PR and publicity plan puts your book in front of readers who need it most.

Be consistent, be authentic, and above all don’t give up. You wrote a book—now it’s time to make sure the world hears about it.