South West Risk Flashmob

This event was the first ‘flashmob’ event we have tried in Bristol.

A ‘flashmob’ is an informal discussion around a topic of interest with a limited number of people who can share their views and learn from each other..

This event was held at the Cross hands Pub, Fishponds, Bristol on 21 Jan, facilitated by SWWE Committee Member Stevie Saunders, the event was attended by eight APM members, who relaxed and brought their own drinks before the discussion began.

Stevie introduced the discussion which was around the risks that may have existed at various stages within the VW emission ‘scandal’.

The discussion considered VW’s strategy, cost benefit, analysis, loss and reputational damage. The group discussed the following questions:

• Did damage control form part of the strategy?
• What type of demographic did this affect?
• What type of strategy is more prevalent in the US than Europe?

The Group concluded that the risk was probably accepted but was massively under-estimated and all the implications not fully understood.

The main drive was to break the US market, which was achieved- however, they also probably lost a level of loyal existing customers and had to pay remediation at a higher rate than predicted plus ongoing reputational damage.

The members really enjoyed the evening and requested further flashmob events.

Stevie Saunders
SWWE Committee Diversity Rep