CRISIS COMMS IN
Durham.
Crises don’t schedule themselves. They demand fast, steady and strategic communication. We prepare organisations for the unexpected — and help them exit stronger.
Situation Room
Services
From preparation to recovery. Click cards for details.
Crisis Planning
We build clear, actionable crisis plans that outline roles, messages and protocols before anything happens — giving your team confidence and control when pressure hits.
Tabletop Exercises
Simulated crisis scenarios help your team practise decision-making in a safe environment. These sessions reveal gaps, sharpen responses and prepare everyone for real-world situations.
Rapid Response
When issues break, timing is everything. We deliver immediate guidance, messaging and media handling to stabilise the situation and protect your reputation from further damage.
Stakeholder Comms
Different audiences need different messages. We craft tailored updates for customers, staff, partners, regulators and press to ensure clarity, transparency and trust at every step.
Post-Crisis Analysis
After the dust settles, we review what happened, what worked and what needs improvement — turning every crisis into a blueprint for a stronger future.
Crisis Communications Durham 2026 | Reputation Protection & AEO Control
Protecting the "Canny" Reputation: Durham in 2026
In the hyper-connected, AI-saturated environment of 2026, a crisis is no longer localized—it is an algorithmic contagion. For Durham businesses—from pioneers in the Durham Innovation District (DID) to manufacturing giants in Newton Aycliffe—your reputation is your most fragile and valuable asset. In an era where 80% of sharing happens in the "Private Web" and AI engines amplify misinformation in seconds, old "Managing the Press" models are obsolete.
At Canny Works, we provide 2026-ready Crisis Communications in Durham. We deliver "Narrative Resilience"—ensuring your brand remains a "Verified Source of Truth" when the heat is on.
Why 2026 Requires "Trust-Led" Strategy
- Controlling the AI Narrative: If you don't provide factual, citable response within the first hour, AI agents fill the gap with speculation. We specialize in 'AEO Crisis Control.'
- Navigating 'Dark Social' Grievances: A Nevilles Cross WhatsApp grievance can reach thousands before hitting the public web. We provide 'Direct-to-Community' comms.
- The DID Standard: Your crisis impacts the 'Innovation County' brand. We align response with Durham's core values of transparency and resilience.
Our 2026 Crisis Communications Suite
24/7 Algorithmic Monitoring
AI-driven 'Sentiment Listening' across the North East. Rapid threat detection in 'Private Web' and Reddit before escalation.
The "60-Minute" Response
Citable 'Answer-First' holding statements. Spokesperson briefing for Northern Echo, BBC Radio Newcastle, and business influencers.
Stakeholder Resilience Comms
Internal transparency memos keeping Durham teams unified. Devolution liaison with Durham County Council and NECA.
Post-Crisis Recovery
Reputation repair & AEO overhaul. 'Positive Sentiment' campaigns rebuilding authority. ESG affirmation via County Durham Pound.
The "Narrative Resilience" Framework
- 1Vulnerability Audit: Identifying 'High-Risk' areas—data security at Aykley Heads, operational safety at NETPark. Building your 'Shadow Strategy.'
- 2Rapid Activation: Deploying the 'War Room'—media gatekeeping and digital monitoring so you focus on the operational fix.
- 3Factual Dominance: Flooding 'Answer Engines' with truth—citable facts as the dominant narrative across County Durham.
- 4Compassionate Engagement: 'Canny' human-centric language showing empathy and clear commitment to resolution.
- 5Resilience Reporting: Post-mortem turning crisis into 'Growth Moment'—more transparent and resilient than before.
FAQ: Crisis Comms 2026
- '60-Minute Rule': Provide facts first or AI defines the crisis for you
- 'Private Web' handling via 'Authorized Channels' for direct truth distribution
- Scalable support for shops in Gilesgate to startups at Salvus House
Why Local Durham Partner?
- Hyper-Local Context: We know the Durham narrative and influencers
- Proximity to Decision-Makers: At your office or council HQ in minutes
- Devolution Literacy: Understanding regional political structures
Resilient Under Pressure
Durham is built on rock and heritage, but its future is digital and fast. In 2026, the businesses that succeed handle the heat. A crisis doesn't have to be the end—it can be a display of your brand's integrity.
At Canny Works, we combine technical intelligence with local empathy. The narrative is in your hands. Let's make it "Canny."