Month: September 2014

A different type of tablet on Gateshead hospital wards

This week I’ve been working on something slightly different that puts another spin on the omnipotent use of tablets and smart phones.

Nothing as exciting at the ubiqetious iphone6 launch, but something pretty impressive to me (as a newbie to healthcare and the NHS)

Look around you almost anywhere in public and you’ll see a wall of faces staring into electronic devices or tapping on tiny, shiny black touchscreens.

Now even medical teams will be doing the same, but in a way that’s good for your health. Continue reading →

The NE comms conversation: 15 reasons to work in communications

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What started out as a germ of an idea with a couple of my contacts on Twitter has grown into a broad series of posts about the North East PR and communications scene.

What came out of a few light hearted and sometimes tongue-in-cheek questions was a really positive picture of a region that’s getting its mojo back after some extremely tough years.

Austerity and downturn has hit us harder than most other places, but these blogs speak to me about an area full of confidence, humour, defiance, innovation, hard graft, excitement and crucially a desire to roll up sleeves get things done.

I was also so impressed (but not surprised) at the willingness of PR professionals in these parts to share their ideas so readily so that others can learn from them. Make no mistake – I’ve learned loads from looking at these posts and would say they make some essential reading for anyone looking to break into the profession.

I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who contributed.

One of my least favourite newspapers caused controversy earlier this year with a pretty shabbily informed article comparing the North East to the run down US city of Detroit. It implied a sense of hopelessness and self pity, well if you work in comms take a look at some of these and see if it changes your mind……

Continue reading →

NE Comms conversation #15 “Too much really strong, good coffee.”

This week we get serious. Joining the NE comms conversation this time round is Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Kari Owers, from award-winning agency OPR.

I’ve long admired Kari and the work produced by OPR who in my opinion really set the agency standard here in the North East. Kari’s story is an inspirational one (check it out here) so I was really pleased to get the opportunity to work with her and her team on a tourism project when I was at Northumberland.

She provides her dose of fantastic advice in the 15th part of our series. If you’re studying PR or looking to break into it, this one is a must-read. Continue reading →