As the last few weeks of 2017 roll by, the world of communications is awash with end of year reports, comments on yearly trends and industry projections for 2018. For many agencies, this amounts to analysis of the tech or digital platforms impacting the communications landscape. For the London office of global social media agency We Are Social, however, its ‘people before platforms’ ethos sees its Think Forward 2018 trend report comment on the human-led side of innovation. What does We Are Social suggest will have the biggest impact on data across the following year? And why does the human brain still matter?.

The findings of a recent survey undertaken this month by Bank of New York Mellon revealed that male investor relations executives are paid as much as 45% more than women in the same roles, with the figure widening to 65% in emerging markets. Sampling IR professionals from 537 companies across 51 countries, the study illustrates the ongoing male-dominance of the profession.

The study, released earlier this month, was undertaken by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, and global research agency, Kantar Millward Brown, and examined 235 global campaigns across 110 different brands. Looking closely at social media advertising, particularly Facebook and Instagram campaigns, the research indicated that advertising effectiveness can drive long-term brand impact, specifying an emphasis on brand awareness and associations.

Where Fleet Street, London, was once the preserve of journalism and its associated industry, national and international-scale shifts have occurred. Around 7000 miles away, in the southeast Asia region, a media industry comprised of public relations and journalism professionals flourishes – and it is a trend set only to increase. Yet, with the influx of the ‘Millennial generation,’ new issues arise.

Spain’s top professional football league, La Liga, has announced a new partnership with two of Saudi Arabia’s leading sports governing bodies. The General Sports Authority (GSA) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) last month agreed to multi-year partnership with La Liga, solidifying a widespread commitment to promoting football across the country.

St Paul's, London, is famed for its iconic cathedral, proximity to the Millennium Bridge and connection with the historic City of London. Naturally the area attracts numerous annual visitors, many of whom flock to find accommodation in the area considered by many as being the true heart of London. One such place, nestled in between the site’s various attractions, is Youth Hostel Association (YHA) London St Paul’s.

Fifteen years ago a team that brought a renewed sense of hope to the US in the midst of a long Cold War in turn brought light to the Olympics. The US 1980 Olympic men’s hockey team lit the torch in Salt Lake City to begin two weeks of the toughest winter sports competition on earth. Now, with only 74 days before the Winter Olympics begins in PyeongChang, South Korea, a brand campaign is there to bring light to the Games and to the world.

Despite concerted efforts by UK governments, businesses and organisations nationwide, gender disparity persists from the highest boardroom level, down. While progress is being made - for example the number of women on company boards has more than doubled since 2011 - companies outside the FTSE 100 are being urged to do more to ensure the UK doesn’t slip further down rankings for global gender parity.

On 22 November, chancellor of the exchequer Philip Hammond delivered the UK’s annual autumn budget. Detailing the government’s spending priorities, this year’s budget also showed a renewed government impetus on environmental issues, propelled by programmes such as the much-loved Blue Planet II. The statement recognised the need for legislation to tackle air pollution and ocean plastic, as well as extra funding for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects in schools.