Our founder Ceri Aiken had the privilege of taking the CAKE Communications story to the stage at the Institute of Internal Communication’s (IoIC) Conference, held at Tavistock Place in London.
Invited as a speaker, Ceri joined forces with Dean Coleman, Internal Communications Officer at National Gas, to share one of the most ambitious and rewarding internal communications journeys our team has undertaken so far.
Spotlight Session: “Communicating a Major Business Separation”
Ceri and Dean co-led a session titled Communicating a major business separation, giving attendees a behind-the-scenes look at how CAKE Communications partnered with National Gas to deliver one of the UK energy sector’s most complex transformation programmes – the separation of National Gas from National Grid.
And throughout it all, internal communication played a pivotal role.
Over two years, CAKE Communications developed and implemented a multi-channel internal communications strategy within the CAKE Communications Framework, a four-stage process that supported the creation of a new, independent business and the largest single technology carve-out ever undertaken in the sector.
Sharing Insights
For Ceri, one of the most rewarding parts of speaking at the IoIC Conference was the opportunity to share our work, our approach and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
“As communicators we spend so much of our time behind the metaphorical camera – supporting others with their comms, landing messages, writing scripts, creating collateral, planning, planning, planning! It was important for me to share the reality that large-scale transformation projects rarely follow a straight line. Our team has gained new and invaluable insights into what truly helps employees feel informed, supported and safe during periods of change.”
By Ceri discussing our strategies, challenges and real-world learning at the conference, we hope to equip other internal communication professionals with practical tools and perspectives they can apply to their own organisations. Whether it’s building trust during uncertainty, simplifying complex technical milestones or creating inclusive spaces where people feel safe to speak up, we’re incredibly proud to share our learning with the wider internal communications community.
Celebrating the Power of Internal Communication
The IoIC Conference continues to be such an inspiring event in the internal communications calendar by bringing together communications professionals committed to elevating employee experience.
This year’s Change & Transformation theme created the perfect backdrop for conversations about adapting, agility and communicating in new ways. A core thread running through the conference was the importance of psychological safety and ensuring employees have the confidence, support and safe spaces they need to voice concerns, ask questions and navigate uncertainty during periods of organisational change.
It was a powerful reminder that transformation isn’t just about systems and structures; it’s about people feeling secure enough to engage, contribute, and thrive as the journey unfolds.
For CAKE Communications, being part of this IoIC event wasn’t just an opportunity to share our work – it was a chance to connect with peers, spark new ideas and celebrate the power of communication to shape organisational success from the inside out.
Looking Ahead
As businesses continue to face unprecedented levels of change, internal communication remains one of the most critical drivers of alignment, engagement and resilience.
At CAKE Communications, we’re proud to help organisations navigate these moments with clarity, creativity and confidence and we’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to share our insights with the wider community.
If you didn’t get the chance to make it to the conference, then the full listing of future IoIC events can be found here; Upcoming IoIC events:
You can access the full National Gas Case Study here >
Take a look at more of work here >
We’re always looking for talented Communications Consultants to join our trusted community of associates. Together, we help organisations connect with people and deliver change with impact. Be part of something bigger and join the CAKE Collective >
All images kindly supplied by the Institute of Internal Communications.
