What should our group story say about our businesses?

Your group story should explain the group's purpose and how its businesses contribute to a connected source of value for customers. It should make two things clear: the customer need that connects the businesses, and what the parent contributes to the family.

The connection customers can recognise

A shared customer need gives separate capabilities a meaningful connection. Teledyne Healthcare's businesses developed technologies including radiotherapy systems and X-ray imaging, but siloed communication meant customers were often unaware of the breadth of capabilities available. The brand work connected those technologies through a patient-journey narrative, keeping their human impact in view.

The story rested on two strengths: expertise and resources that could fill customers' technical gaps, and a consultative approach to developing bespoke solutions rather than simply supplying components. The tagline, "Technology for every step of the patient journey", expressed their combined value. For a group story, identify the customer need that links the businesses, then explain how their capabilities contribute. A recognisable connection gives customers more than a list of companies or technologies.

Sources: Teledyne Healthcare: Storytelling for Life-Changing Brands, Copywriting and brand voice

The role of the group itself

The group story should explain what the parent contributes, not just what its businesses sell. The Dot Group's initial brand strategy brief was to clarify the company's function and purpose for the businesses within its wider family, all operating in the student living economy.

Consultation with investors and employees revealed a repeated need for greater clarity around purpose, alongside pride in the company's contribution to people's lives and optimism about its future. The resulting name and narrative positioned Dot around connecting and capturing opportunities across global student living.

Ask investors and people within the businesses how they understand the parent's role and where that role needs explaining. Use their answers to articulate the group's contribution to the family, rather than relying on a shared name to communicate the relationship.

Sources: The Dot Group: joining the dots