The Talk

What the Media have said

“From my personal viewpoint, I can laud the efforts of the all-girl public relations team at Cape Town based Greater Than, which recently celebrated it’s fourth year of dramatic growth. Managing director, Galia Kerbel is a ball of fire of energy and passion and is worth every minute of her 15 years experience in a tough industry. Greater Than is a national full service agency that specialises in lifestyle, fashion, entertainment, cuisine and consumer brand PR. And when I sit back and wonder what made the real difference for me as a mickey mouse media person, is the fact that every detail requested from Greater Than was made available – no excuses, no bull, it was just simply done. Emails were answered promptly, telephone calls were returned and information made available without effort. That just doesn’t happen anywhere anymore.”

Lance Benson, Journalist - Sporting Post and Business Day

Been in the entertainment industry we are asked to attend a number of functions on a weekly basis. I am therefore quite picky about the events that I attend. That said I rarely turn down the opportunity to attend an event by Greater Than PR. From the time the elegant invite arrives, to the time I leave the function I feel that I have truly had an experience to remember. The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate (an absolute highlight on the social calendar) and the Harley Davidson’s Dark Custom are two events that stood out for me this year. Both were superbly executed from start to finish - from the mix of people that were put together to attend, through to the personal treatment of each guest at all times, Greater Than were unflagging in their attention to detail and experience. They always go that extra mile for both client and guest and it shows every time – I know if I am talking about it the next day, then they have done their job and done it well.

To turn down an invite from the Greater Than team is to know that you will be missing out an occasion that everybody will be talking about.

Richard Hardiman, Presenter 2oceansvibe Radio

I’ve been at eNews for the past three years, I’ve reported, written for bulletins and produced them. I’ve communicated with a number of Public Relations companies in that time, but none have matched the organizational and creative concepts displayed by Greater Than.

My first experience with Greater Than was at the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate in 2008, a premium annual horse racing event, made spectacular by the Greater Than team. I can clearly recall it being an exceptionally hot day. Nonetheless, celebrities and socialites alike turned out in droves. Fresh, interesting food was on offer. Friendly waiters and barmen made dining all the more enjoyable. Comfortable seating was available and much needed air-conditioning was provided. Live entertainment and efficient bar service kept the party going well into the night. It was clear that the team planned, developed, and implemented their strategy flawlessly.

I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with Greater Than on numerous occasions. My experience has been one of exquisite professionalism and pure passion for the job. The Greater Than team have crafted a brand that is sharp, but they also understand what people want and they seem to deliver every time, seemingly effortlessly.

They go the extra mile, to make every project a valuable and memorable one.

I’m always keen to cover Greater Than’s events, when possible, because I’ve come to know the company as one that never disappoints, always innovates, and certainly never fails to execute attention-grabbing campaigns.

I’m confident Greater Than will continue to go from strength to strength, continually exploring new and imaginative ways of communicating with any desired target market.

Nicholas Jennings, Producer and Writer for eNews

“FULL MARKS to the Cape Town organizers of the premiere of Shrek the Third.”

Cornelia Le Roux, YOU magazine, July 2007

“Thanks to the team from Hugo Boss and Greater Than, who made this an event to remember!”

Leezl Kaschula, 24.com

“The girls at Greater Than are always on the ball, always enthusiastic and work together as a team in a very cohesive manner. They are always very well turned out and you can be sure their events will be nothing less than stylish and well run.”

Lauren Cohen, Sunday Times, Senior reporter (Cape Town)

“As an entertainment and lifestyle journalist employed full time at the Cape Argus, and subsequently freelance for several titles, I’ve worked with many PR agencies, big and small, over the years.

My experiences with Greater Than have always been both pleasurable and efficient. You have an unerring eye for selecting the correct target media, and supplying the necessary information and visuals required for potential publication, and your staff is always on hand with any additional material that is needed.

Besides ensuring the smooth process from pitching story ideas to seeing them in print, Greater Than-organised events and launch parties are without exception a joy to attend. They are well planned and executed, and every guest is made to feel like royalty while never losing sight of the client’s goal.

It has been my great privilege to work with you, and I sincerely hope we will continue our relationship for many years to come.”

Bianca Coleman, Cape Argus and Freelance Journalist, January 2009

“Greater Than, headed by Galia Kerbel are a team of brilliant, dynamic, creative, determined, loyal individuals who deliver and do it well and an event hosted by the Greater Than team is an invitation highly sought-after where everyone wants to get onto their guest list!

Galia Kerbel and Greater Than distinguish themselves in the marketplace in many ways, including building strong, loyal professional relationships with clients by delivering on their promises of excellence, professionalism, creativity, loyalty and return on investment.

Their events are well-organised, attended, catered and publicised and their campaigns are exceptionally well- covered.

As someone who is in media and invited to many social gatherings, a Greater Than event shines by comparison. Through their strong and loyal relationships with clients, the media and well-known celebrities, Galia Kerbel and Greater Than have built up a sterling reputation amongst important industry players as successful, exciting and bankable professionals who are a pleasure to work with and deliver on their promises.”

Natalie B Becker, Radio and television personality

“Over the past years of working in print media in Cape Town I have found myself coming into contact with a vast number of public relations companies and individuals. Each has their own style and specialty.

Some of them only pop into your inbox when they desperately need publicity for a client, some of them bombard you with all sorts of material regardless of whether it is relevant to your publication. So, it’s refreshing to find a company who seem to have perfected the right balance. The team at Greater Than is an absolute pleasure to work with. They know the various publications they deal with very well, and I’ve very seldom received anything from them that I couldn’t use in some form.

But beyond just working together I find they’re a great bunch to chat to, meaning that over the years it’s not just been all about work. They seem to have discovered that PR isn’t just about getting the press releases out there – but rather about building friendships and relationships with their clients and their media contacts.

Of all the PR groups who are in contact with me, Greater Than are one of a small few who I will take the time to really find out what it is they’re promoting.”

Terri Dunbar-Curran, Arts and Entertainment writer, Cape Times, January 2009

“From their press releases through their marketing events they consistently do their clients proud; delivering a broad expertise, with creativity, flair and sophistication.”

Emma Jordan, fashion writer for the Argus

“When Galia Kerbel and Marina Nestel throw a party, (and provided you can get onto a closely guarded guest list), you know it will be a night of glamour and celebrity and not easily forgotten”

Dan Nicoll, journalist, Iafrica.com, February 2009

What our suppliers have to say

“An extraordinarily focused, efficient and professional outfit to work with, and one that we have no doubt makes an incredibly positive impact in the success of any launch or Public Relations exercise they take on.”

Veronica Kaufman, Petals, January 2009

What celebrities have to say

“I want to congratulate Galia and the team at Greater Than for the tremendously professional work that they do in the industry.

Since my return to South Africa from Los Angeles in 1994, as a former Miss Universe, I have been involved in the media industry on many different levels from both the celebrity, media personality perspective to organizing and facilitating events. My philanthropic work through my foundation the Michelle McLean Children Trust has enabled me to work with the likes of Nelson Mandela, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Sophia Loren, and many more iconic people.

As a public figure I am asked to attend many functions both in a capacity as Master of Ceremonies or invited guest. It is with this experience that I commend the extremely innovative and professional approach that Galia and her team execute their business both in terms of the details and smooth running of the logistics of events as well as the gracious and respectful manner in which they handle not only the celebrities but their invited guests in general. The celebrities feel protected and never abused, as their permission is always asked for interviews and photo opportunities. Feedback is one of the strong points of this team, something I find lacking to a great extent in this industry.

It is with this experience of Galia and the Greater Than team over the last few years of my time spent in Cape Town that I highly recommend they are rewarded for their diligence to detail and personal attention to the people that enjoy the unforgettable memories they provide.”

Michelle Mclean, Miss Universe 1992

What our clients have said

Little snippets of creativity keep popping up with ideas being thrown into our melting pot on a regular basis. Also every time I have asked for a small favour to be done, I have been met with the response that they have just done it.

Pro-active and professional and pushing my brand to the forefront of public awareness, what more can I ask?

As a Journalist I often get meaningless missives from PRs. I am not sure about the mailings relevancy to me or whether I am receiving an invite or a public statement. Never with Greater Than. Their releases have been simple clear and on topic, and most importantly relevant.

Their events, especially the recent Foschini Group Gift Card Launch last September, I was impressed by the professionalism, seamless welcome, introductions, familiarisation and exposure to the product without being sycophantic or aloof. It was in stark contrast to two other events held the same evening. Follow up was also impressive.

David Donde, TRUTH Coffee.cult owner

We approached Greater Than at the early stages of our Gift Card project as we needed an innovative PR agency who we knew would take initiative and manage the event with the same passion and pride that we had for the project.

From the first meeting, Greater Than proved their ability to contribute to the planning of an innovative event through their excellent ideas and concepts. They brought many fresh and exciting ideas with their proposal, all of which were accepted by ourselves.

Greater Than was a pleasure to work with; their team was efficient and highly capable. They proved their ability to network and influence through the artists that they were able to sign for the event, as well as the caliber of celebrity and media that attended the actual event. The event was very well executed, receiving great acclaim both internally within our Group, as well as externally from the invited guests. There were no “hic-ups” on the evening, everything went smoothly to plan.

The subsequent exposure received through Greater Than’s efforts has been very rewarding and certainly above our expectations.

We look forward to an ongoing, fruitful relationship with this PR Agency and we would not hesitate to recommend them.

Sascja Bowes, Foschini Group Campaign and Communications Manager

“Greater Than have created a great success out of the launch of Sapphire Cocktail Bar through their efficiency and dedication. The launch party was a major success and Greater Than were very creative and innovative in helping us create something special. This carried over in the remaining time in our contract as Greater Than used their expertise in the industry to secure a great deal of extremely valuable and relevant press to create a solid platform for our new brand. All our expectations were exceeded and we enjoyed a fabulous festive season! Not only are Greater Than setting the standard in their industry but they are wonderful people and given the success of this campaign I’m sure we will be using them again!”

Scott Canny, Sapphire Marketing manager

In 2009, the SAIL Group was appointed to be the new promoters of the 2010 L’Ormarins Queens Plate. Greater Than were the appointed PR agency for the previous year’s event and we therefore engaged with them regarding the 2010 event. From the first meeting, it was very clear that Greater Than would be the ideal company to partner with for this project. Over the period of the project I found Greater Than to have an incredibly hard working business ethic, have a desire to mine every opportunity possible to the benefit of the client, to be well connected and have a fundamental understanding of their industry. Greater Than team embraced the new team and always dealt with us in a highly professional yet friendly and open manner. They delivered a turnkey PR solution to the project and delivered beyond expectations as well as our initial brief.

Over all my years in working with a large number of PR agencies, I would rate Galia and her team as one of the top companies in South Africa and would highly recommend them to any of our clients. As a result of the work that was done on the 2010 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, the SAIL Group have appointed Greater Than to work on a number of other projects with them. This demonstrates the trust and faith we have in their ability to deliver as part of our team and deliver value to us and our clients.

Michelle van Eyden, Executive promoter – SAIL Group

“Enlightenment Productions commissioned Greater Than in August 2008 to handle the PR and profiling for Author, Scriptwriter and Director, Shamim Sarif, Producer Hanan Kattan, as well as the upcoming film release of The World Unseen in South Africa in February 2009.

Being unfamiliar with the South African media, it was essential that we contracted a PR company that had well-established media contacts and a thorough knowledge of the local media environment. Greater Than has proved that their long-standing relationships with key media and their knowledge of the industry translated into excellent coverage for, and awareness of our brands in South Africa.

Working with Greater Than over the past six months has been a true pleasure. The agency’s professionalism, service and deliverables have far exceeded our expectations.

What sets Greater Than apart from the rest, we feel, is the quality of personal attention we received given the nature of their industry. Even working across international waters the communication is smooth and constant and we, as the client are always kept up to date with feedback and progress and our minds are always at ease knowing that our best interests are taken care of.”

Hanan Kattan, Producer and co-owner of Enlightenment Productions, January 2009

“Dear Galia and “the Greater than” team,

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you girls on a superb job on the L’Ormarins Queens Plate. The coverage we received thus far has been nothing short of phenomenal.

Your dedication, professionalism and attention to detail have been sensational over the past 6 months.

You have been one of the great finds through this event.

Thanks again,

Donovan, Jonathan the L’Ormarins team.

P.S. The work you put in over Christmas and New Years did not go unnoticed.”

Jonathan Snaith, Organiser of L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate 2009 /
Snaith Racing, Specialists in Horse Training & Racing
And Donovan Everitt, Managing Director, Kreate Theatre Field Marketing

“I had the pleasure of working with Galia and her team from Greater Than on The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate 2009. I honestly do not know how the Little Black Book … would have been able to cope with the workload with out Galia’s guidance, efficiency, and dedication to getting the best media coverage for my client.”

Marina Nestel, Managing Director, Marina’s Little Black Book, January 2009

“Having Galia handle our Hugo Boss launch and campaign was an absolute pleasure. Her professionalism, vision and creativity has led our boutique to great exposure and success. After the Hugo Boss opening our sales expectation over that time was exceeded.

The feedback and responses during and after the launch from our customers was excellent and particularly great for business.

Our minds are put at ease knowing that Galia is in charge of the event being organized due to her proven results shown in all previous events.

We feel that Greater Than is set apart from the rest due to the personal attention you are given as the client. Galia and her Team are always going the extra mile and exceeding expectations with a smile”

M A Mayat, CEO: Myatt International, January 2009

“For launching our first HUGO store in South Africa it was a natural choice again to work with Greater Than after the successful planning and launch of our BOSS Womenswear Store in December 2007. After assigning Greater Than, they managed to work out the perfect concept, implementing all our wishes and strict guidelines and furthermore new ideas that we will definitely look at implementing in future corporate events.

Analyzing the feedback and media status today, compared with the size and budget of the event it went far over our highest expectations, giving us media coverage in all important print and online media and further allowing us to stand out from most of the competitors based in the V&A Waterfront.

They decorated the store with small branded petit fours and imported flowers during the day of the event, managed the official red carpet opening and ribbon cutting and served drinks and sushi that were all made in our corporate red HUGO colour and organised the cocktail party at the outside area of Myatt Café and Chocolatier only located 50 meters away.

The location was decorated with campaign visuals based on easels and there was a fashion show running on big screens provided the backdrop while leading jazz sensation Amanda Tiffin performed.

There was a perfect mix and balance which gave all guests a feeling of being part of something special without thinking of it as some kind of promotional event.

A half year has passed from the day of the event and we are still updated weekly from Greater Than regarding coverage of the store and event.

It was a pleasure to work with Greater Than and they will be our first choice for all future events planned in South Africa.”

I A. Steffen Fredslunch, International Sales Hugo Boss, January 2009

“Thank you for your outstanding efforts in making the Wow and Wag Doggie Fashion show a great success! Once again Greater Than have come to the fore, and delivered results coupled with a high degree of passion and enthusiasm.”

“I have always found you to be resourceful, and strategic in your interpretation, and execution of my briefs, and your ability to go over and above the requirements set is one of your key strengths.”

Jerusha Chetty, Petcare Marketing, October 2008

“…what differentiates them the most from other PR Agencies is their RESULTS! In 4 months, off a really small budget, they have secured Fairy Godmother Inc. over R 1 million worth of coverage across all media – newspapers, radio, TV, magazines.

I would recommend Greater Than to any company who is looking to achieve exceptional PR results while working with great people.”

Donna McCallum, Managing Director and Fairy Godmother, Fairy Godmother Inc

“It has been an absolute pleasure working with the Galia and the Greater Than team. As founder of Young Designers Emporium in South Africa and owner of Place of Play, I have had much experience in dealing with advertising and PR agencies. Throughout the years, I have never worked with such an efficient agency that walks the walk and over delivers on its promises.”

Paul Simon, POP Master of Fun

“Galia coordinated the entire event on a professional basis. Not only was she hugely effective but she was a pleasure to work with too.”

David Berman, Founder of Chess for Change

“Greater Than handled the PR campaign in a professional manner, ensuring that all elements agreed upon were delivered, and more.”

Lillian Henderson, Mars Africa