At the start of this series I promised you leading lights. Time to deliver on that and, in the words of Spinal Tap, turn it up to 11.
Stepping up today is Sarah Hall, one of the best known PR people in the region and also the only person I know who has won a medal for communications. Take it away Sarah….
In the first of a self-deluded series of so-called ‘state of the nation’ voxpops I’ve been catching up with PR people from across the North East to find out what makes the region’s comms people tick.
All joking aside our region is widely regarded as one of the best when it comes to media and PR and I hope this brief insight gives us a chance to showcase some of the emerging themes in an exciting area of work.
To get us started with a huge bang I spoke to the hard-tweeting, Jaws loving artist formerly-known as Bryn Littleton. The journalist, turned flack has worked for local authorities, One North East and is now at NECC as well as being the current recipient of the CIPR NE Ken Robinson Award.
To miss-quote cartoon secret agent Archer somebody better call Kenny Logins because we’re about to enter the danger zone……
Over the next few weeks I’ll be posting a series of brief interviews with some of the key people in North East PR.
I often get emailed or contacted on twitter by students asking questions about PR in the region, so thought it would be useful to ask some of the leading lights in the NE to do the same.
I’m hoping to run some short and engaging blogs that also bring a bit of levity to what can sometimes feel like a bit of an earnest subject.
If you’re interested in getting involved just get in touch using the comments section or on twitter (@rosswigham)
Learning about the NHS and how healthcare comms works has been a real learning curve.
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
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
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.
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.
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
The turn of the year when you’re meant to look forward and make resolutions is well behind us.
Even that bit at the start when everyone dries out and acts miserable is over, so a few state of the nation observations are probably now (over)due. Continue reading
a day without OJ - A comms, digital & PR blog by Ross Wigham 