Author: Ross

Great North Bike Ride

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On 24 August I’ll be taking part in the Great North Bike Ride.

It’s a lovely coastal route that takes in some wonderful Northumberland countryside, but more importantly raises much-needed money for a cancer charity.

The event was first held 14 years ago and you can read a bit about what it means and why it started here: http://www.greatnorthbikeride.com/Home/History.html

Cancer touches so many lives these days, so I’ve decided to try and do my bit by doing the ride for a bit of sponsorship.

If you can spare even a couple of pounds it all helps and will be gratefully received. You can read my story and sponsor me here: https://www.justgiving.com/ross-wigham/

All money goes to the Chris Lucas Trust to help fight childhood cancer:  http://www.chrislucastrust.com/

Thanks to everyone who has already contributed – wish me luck!

Leaving local government: my 7 PR highlights

True grit
True grit

Firstly, sorry about the title. It’s hardly Leaving Las Vegas I know but it’s the only thing I can think of.

As most of you will know I’ve now started a new role in the NHS, leaving behind the grit bins, potholes, landfill tax and all the other local authority issues that I’ve wrestled with over the past seven years. Continue reading →

PR: The student perspective

A few weeks ago I was asked to talk to some current PR students at Sunderland University, as part of an event set up by the CIPR North East.

It was a really interesting day where the students got to quiz some local employers and we got the chance to speak to potential future recruits.

There were some useful exchanges and one of the students Jess Ramsey agreed to write a blog about her thoughts on the PR industry. Continue reading →

Teaching new dogs old tricks: my year as an intern

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I’ve spoken many times about just how much our interns have brought to our comms team. Since setting up the scheme a couple of years ago I’ve been lucky enough to work with eight really talented graduates.

Ian Johnson (@IJohnson5555) is one of our current interns and he’s kindly written this guest post:

After finishing my Master’s degree in June, the opportunity to do an internship at Northumberland County Council was presented to me by an attentive lecturer. He told me, based on my interest and enthusiasm for democratic PR and my desire to move into Government communications, it was just the thing for me.

Continue reading →

My eight must-reads for 2014

I know that time is precious (or money, or of the essence, or whatever) but I always think I benefit hugely by setting aside a bit of time to read around the subject.

There’s some great resources out there that will help you do your PR job better, grow in your communications career but also just think a bit differently about how you approach the subject.

So many eureka moments come from reading something helpful that either challenges your ideas completely or – conversely – totally confirms your views of how things should be done. I find that some of the most helpful advice or interesting reading often comes from other sectors or subjects that have nothing really to do with communications.

Continue reading →

Shotgun wedding

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The other weekend I went Clay pigeon shooting deep in the Northumbrian countryside.

I know what you’re thinking, and yes there was tweed but I promise no red trousers or bow tie.

The process of blasting small targets out of the sky with powerful antique firearms is deeply cathartic and I would recommend it to anyone as way to lift stress after another manic day/week/lifetime.

The satisfying clack of shot breaking clay did get me thinking about how we use our communications channels and engage with people in our day jobs. Continue reading →