Cision events

InStyle media briefing marks Cision events calendar relaunch

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Next Thursday’s exclusive media briefing with InStyle.co.uk marks the return of Cision’s regular PR events schedule following its summer hiatus.

As well as the usual packed calendar of webinars, media briefings and panel events, the Cision team is planning a range of intimate networking opportunities – including the fifth annual City Quiz night.

To make sure you don’t miss any of these essential PR briefings, here’s a round-up of the key events to look forwards to in the coming weeks.

InStyle media briefing

InStyle editor Charlotte Moore will join Josh Newis-Smith, digital fashion and celebrity director, and Chloe MacDonnell, digital fashion features editor, for an exclusive briefing at Weber Shandwick’s Holborn office on Thursday 7 September.

With its audience of young urban women, InStyle says it celebrates the coolest and most talked about celebrities in the world with a spirited mix of “warm, smart, original” content.

Philip Smith, Gorkana’s head of news and content, will host the event as the InStyle team reveals the best ways for PRs to work with the title.

Register for this exclusive event here.

The Scotsman media briefing

Cision is heading to Edinburgh on Tuesday 12 September for an exclusive briefing with 200-year-old national newspaper The Scotsman.

Launched in 1817 by William Ritchie and Charles Maclaren, the paper is currently distributed throughout Scotland with a print circulation of 20,740. Its online and mobile sites receive 10 million page views a month, on average.

Join Smith and Frank O’Donnell, The Scotsman’s editor-in-chief, at 9.30am at the title’s Orchard Brae House office to hear its plans for the future and how communicators can work effectively with the team.

Register for this exclusive event here.

The Vilification of Instinct discussion

Ruth Yearley, Ketchum partner and director of insight and planning, will join Paul Hender, Gorkana’s head of insight, to discuss the relationship between data and insights in PR on Thursday 19 October.

In addition to providing a personal account of how she’s worked with data over the course of her 30-year career, Yearley will outline how communicators can use data to discover useful insights and enhance the performance of their earned media initiatives.

The event will start at 6.30pm in London’s Courthouse Hotel. To put your name down to attend, please email Hannah Hodges on [email protected] or call 020 7074 2495.

Financial News media briefing

Francesco Guerrera, head of Europe at Dow Jones Media Group, and Chris Newlands, editor at Financial News, will give an exclusive media briefing on Wednesday 25 October.

Financial News is a weekly publication covering European securities, investment banking and fund management news – making this an essential briefing for anyone in financial PR.

The pair will meet with Smith at 8am in London’s The News Building to share their insights with Cision, Gorkana and PRNewswire clients.

Register for this exclusive event here.

The annual City Quiz

The fifth annual City Quiz night will take place at 6pm in Factory House on Tuesday 7 November.

Join the Cision team for a night of corporate and financial PR networking – as well as your chance to win £500 for a charity of your choice.

Food and drinks will be provided, tables cost £70 and teams of 5-8 are recommended.

To reserve your place, please call Hannah Hodges on 020 7074 2495 or email [email protected] before Tuesday 24 October.

For a full list of Cision’s upcoming events and networking opportunities, please click here now.

Influencer marketing

5 simple steps to incorporating influencers into your PR strategy

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Influencer marketing expert Adrian Ma outlined how to incorporate social influencers into your earned media strategy in five simple steps in yesterday’s Cision webinar.

The Fanclub PR founder and MD joined Emily Barnes, account manager at Fanclub PR, and Philip Smith, Gorkana’s head of news and content, to discuss how businesses can harness the power of influencer marketing in their comms strategies.

“Use audience insights like a media planner,” Ma said. “Brief like an ad agency. Feedback like a digital magazine editor. Create terms like a lawyer – and, react like you’ve always done, just faster!”

To help you apply this five-step approach in your own PR and comms, here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from the webinar.

Audience demographics are more important than reach

In today’s fragmented media environment, micro-influencers with loyal followings can be just as important as traditional publications.

“I witnessed this first hand through Susie Bubble,” explained Ma. “My wife is a fashion designer and she runs her own fashion label. I helped her launch the label, and we had a great launch.

“We got some coverage in Grazia and in Vogue. But it wasn’t until we got a piece of coverage on Susie Bubble’s blog that we really saw it take off.”

Ma stressed that when choosing influencers to work with, targeting is important. He said communicators should use data to ensure their influencer partnerships are helping them connect with the same audiences your other marketing channels are going for.

“Whatever you’re doing to reach customers, the influencers should be reaching the same customers,” he explained. “You’re using influencers as part of a mix to create as many different touch points with the same customer as possible.”

The Gorkana Media Database is the largest ever global media influencer database, and is now integrated into the Cision Comms Cloud, understand how you can harness our breadth of data to power your campaigns by requesting a demo.

Every business can benefit from influencer marketing

As the pool of social media influencers is expanding rapidly across a huge range of niches, Barnes and Ma agreed that today virtually any brand can benefit from influencer marketing, provided they collaborate with the right people in the right way.

Ma explained: “When people think about social media influencers they do tend to think about YouTubers. But actually, there are a load of technology, comedy and educational influencers that have much older audiences.”

“If you think about influencers in its broadest sense, we do a lot of work with technology companies in the B2B space,” he continued. “Influencers there tend to be analysts, so you have the Foresters and the Gartners of this world.”

Barnes added: “While there are definitely some industries which have become quite famous for influencers and influencer content, that pool of influence is growing much bigger. And with that, you’re getting influencers covering really niche topics.”

The influencer’s brief and negotiation are both essential

Barnes stressed the importance of creating a detailed brief for each influencer you commission. While the creative process should be led by them, it’s still important to provide guidelines and feedback to keep the project on track.

“When you list the content deliverables, this should include dates and perhaps a rough timeline,” she explained. “It’s really important to include how many rounds of feedback you require.”

It’s also important to consider campaign period and ownership, said Barnes. The campaign period is how long the client owns the rights to the content – and the longer it is, the more an influencer will generally ask for.

She concluded: “When negotiating a fee, there is no set or recognised process. Generally, influencers don’t have rate cards. They don’t have a set amount of costs. It’s more a case of outlining the deliverables and them coming back to you with a price.”

Performance should be measured using hard business metrics

With any earned media initiative, data is the key to measuring performance. But when measuring influencer marketing campaigns, Ma argued, you should be using it to calculate metrics like views and social engagement.

“Traditional PR metrics just don’t cut it when it comes to influencer marketing,” he explained. “We definitely need to take inspiration from digital marketing here if we’re going to align the work that we do with our clients’ goals.”

The specific metrics you use should be determined by the objectives of your campaign, continued Barnes. Whether you’re sharing a key message, increasing brand awareness or driving sales – the right data can help you maximise the impact of your campaigns.

“Depending on the objectives of your campaign, some other useful metrics you can use include tracking links,” she added. “That’s a really hard metric to just say, ‘Look, this amount of people have seen this, clicked on that link and gone to the page.’”

The Cision Comms Cloud’s integration with marketing platforms including Google Analytics lets you measure your campaigns using hard business metrics. Find out more about the technology and request a demo now.

Watch the webinar in full:

  • Pictured: Popular YouTubers Joe Sugg (left) and Caspar Lee
PR News in Brief

This week’s PR news in brief (21-25 August)

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Here is a round-up of all the essential PR stories, people news and account wins that have been announced over the past week.

Account wins

Bath Spa University has appointed Grayling to deliver a wide-ranging public relations brief over the next year, following a competitive tender process.

Nobu Hospitality, a luxury hotels brand founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, has appointed Fox PR to handle its global brand PR.

Cheshire-based PR, social media and content marketing firm No Brainer has won Mersey Ferries’ national, regional and trade PR brief, following a three-way pitch.

WPR Agency has welcomed three new clients to its B2B portfolio – rail transport systems firm Nexus Alpha, factory automation system manufacturer FANUC UK and plumbing supplies company Plumbase.

Myanmar consumer business developer and operator Myanmar Strategic Holdings has retained Yellow Jersey PR to assist with its financial media relations.

Multi-lingual UK-Asia PR agency 11K Consulting has won a competitive pitch to promote Retail Congress Asia Pacific’s 2017 Hong Kong congress across Asia Pacific.

Yorkshire-based coat maker TOG24 has appointed Gung Ho Communications to handle its UK print and digital PR and influencer communications strategy.

London-based marketing firm Convertize has appointed Jargon PR to deliver a campaign that drives engagement with its brand and raises awareness of the role neuroscience can play in marketing.

The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair has appointed Cow as its retained UK PR agency following a competitive pitch.

UK beauty firm Glorious Brands has appointed Kilpatrick PR to handle UK PR for LA-based eyebrow styling brand The BrowGal ahead of its UK launch.

Dutch protein ice cream brand Koupe has appointed Hatch Communications to assist with its upcoming UK launch.

People news

Citizens Advice has appointed Katie Martin as its head of news, public affairs and campaigns. She will join the bureau from Guardian News and Media, where she is head of philanthropic partnerships.

Insurance company AIG Europe has appointed ex-Teneo Blue Rubicon senior consultant Hannah Scott as its external communications manager.

Brighton-based digital marketing agency Propellernet has appointed former Cow PR director Tallulah Cullen as its head of PR.

PR news in brief

This week’s PR news in brief (14-18 August)

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Here’s a round-up of all the essential PR stories, people news and account wins that have been announced over the past week.

Account wins

Teletext Holidays has appointed travel specialist Lotus with a brief to grow the brand’s presence within the travel industry, while making it synonymous with great value holidays and inspiring content.

British women’s fashion retailer Warehouse has appointed Threepipe to manage its UK customer acquisition programmes across PPC, SEO, display and social media channels, following a competitive pitch.

Grayling has won a competitive three-way pitch to provide a three-month PR campaign supporting the London South Bank University through the annual Clearing process.

Comms agency Street & Co will represent the Museum of London Shop in the lead-up to Christmas, providing the main point of contact for all product placement enquiries and image or sample requests.

London’s Devonshire Club has selected Kapranos PR to handle the press for its bedrooms, restaurant, bars and events calendar.

Following the delivery of a series of successful projects, software company Signiant has appointed Bubble Communications to provide global PR support.

Indian sustainable travel company Greener Pastures has chosen Three Little Birds PR to help promote its range of exotic tours and adventure holidays.

Albert’s Club, a private members club and restaurant in South Kensington has handed its digital comms brief to Plus 1 Communications.

US skincare company Circadia has appointed RKM Communications to handle its UK launch and the ongoing press and publicity.

Creative agency BD Network have selected B2B communications specialist Limelight to implement a proactive media and thought leadership programme that will increase recognition in its target markets.

People news

Washington-based health communications specialist, Alfred Jackson has joined Portland as a partner to lead its US offering.

University Partnerships Programme, an affordable student accommodation, infrastructure and support services provider, has hired Chris White as its head of communications.

Redleaf Communications has unveiled a new leadership team, comprised of representatives from its corporate, capital markets, professional and financial services and property teams.

The new leadership team is Guy Smith, Robin Tozer, Elisabeth Cowell, Charlie Geller, Charlie Ansdell, Sally Walton, Karen Wagg, Vanessa Chance, Henry Columbine, Charlotte Gold and Laura Westmacott.

WE Communications has appointed Laura Gillen as its head of technology and corporate, and Gareth Davies as head of consumer.

Jordanne Young has joined 5th House PR as its strategic director. She will work with founder and managing director Sophia Greene to develop the business across the fashion, beauty and lifestyle sectors.

Berkshire-based sports and fitness agency Promote PR has appointed Nasima Hussain as its managing director.

CH1ChesterBID, Chester’s Business Improvement District (BID) company, has appointed Judy Tagell as its marketing and communications manager.

The Alexander Group PR has hired Amalia Sini as an account manager, working across clients including Lady V Couture, Home House Private Members Club and Quinting Watches.

BritainThinks has hired Sanne van der Steeg as senior research executive. She joins the consultancy from Revealing Reality, where she specialised in qualitative research.

Agency news

Allison+Partners has launched Workplace, a new speciality group with Hadas Streit at the helm designed to help organisations become great places to work.

Code Red Security, a PR network specialising in cyber security, has partnered with Australian agency Primary Communication and Spanish agency eVerythink PR Boutique to expand its global reach.

Frankie Oliver, the former co-founder of comms agency Fever, has launched a new creative agency called Jolly Rebellion.

Elizabeth Cocozza-McMordie, Inexcess Fashion’s former head of PR, has launched ECM Communications. The agency’s clients include cashmere knitwear specialist Wyse London and children’s furniture brand Reasons To Be Jolly.

Financial PR

Verditek, a clean tech and solar energy company, has retained Yellow Jersey PR to assist with its financial media relations.

  • Pictured: Alfred Jackson, partner at Portland
PR news in brief

This week’s PR news in brief (7-11 August)

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Here is your essential round-up of all the PR stories, people news and account wins that have been announced over the past week.

Account wins

Rolls-Royce have selected marcoms agency Text100 to power its integrated communications programme across Southeast Asia, following a competitive pitch.

2degrees, a digital collaboration platform provider for sustainable business, has appointed Bottle to handle its external comms and drive consideration and brand awareness.

PR consultancy Hills Balfour has been appointed agency of record for travel brands Travelbag and Netflights.com.

London-based art studio Acrylicize has appointed After Nyne Creative Services to provide PR and comms support ahead of its expansion into Seattle, USA.

Cinematic virtual reality company Jaunt has chosen Bite as its European commns agency.

La Palma Tourist Board (Cabildo de La Palma) has appointed travel specialist Lotus to handle its PR and trade activity in the UK and Ireland.

Swiss train manufacturer Stadler has selected Freshwater UK to provide its first ever comms support in the UK.

FX provider Currencies Direct has appointed Redleaf Communications to handle its UK PR, bolstering the agency’s roster of fintech clients.

Integrated agency Mercieca has won a new brief to manage the PR for Reach Fitness and its personal training team, including strength and conditioning coach Richard Tidmarsh.

Cruise line Viking Cruises has appointed Cultural Communications to handle its UK PR. The agency will run a UK press office and support brand activations such as the company’s sponsorship of the upcoming V&A exhibition, Ocean Liners: Speed & Style.

People news

SEEN Group has appointed British VOGUE’s former health and beauty director Nicola Moulton as its new creative director. She will also spearhead the group’s new creative development division Studio SEEN.

Public affairs and strategic comms specialist The Quiller Consultancy has announced that Jonathan Chandler will succeed Howell James as its CEO in October.

Blue Digital has appointed Araminta Hannah as its PR manager. She will be responsible for developing and managing the agency’s PR offering.

Integrated marketing agency HROC has recruited Penny Thorp as its new PR account manager, making this the agency’s fifth appointment in six months.

Financial PR

Software company GetBusy has appointed Walbrook PR to manage the financial comms and investor relations for its admission to the AIM stock exchange.

The future of PR

PRWeek editor-in-chief Steve Barrett talks to Cision CEO Kevin Akeroyd about how technology is shaping the future of PR.

  • Pictured: SEEN Group’s Nicola Moulton (left) and Michelle Boon

Meet the analysis team: Evelyn Goodall – Research Analyst

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Our analysis and insights team create the bespoke reports and coverage summaries that are at the very core of the media intelligence Cision provides.

And they’re on the lookout for some new faces. We’re currently recruiting a hole host of new positions including a Data Analyst, Research Analyst, Senior Research Analyst and Client Insight Manager.

Evelyn GoodallThe team are Excel experts and combine their knowledge of the media landscape with their passion for pie charts! But it’s not all data.

The team’s newest recruit, Evelyn Goodall, Research Analyst reflects on her last five months, the nights in the pub and how every day is a school day.

How long have you worked here?
Since March 2017, so about five months.

Tell me about your current role?
I currently work as a Research Analyst building and writing reports for our clients. These reports show the client the effects of their recent media coverage in terms of metrics – such as how positive or negative the articles were, what kinds of people saw the coverage, and many more. From these metrics, clients can understand the impact they’ve had on their audience from a PR standpoint.

How did your background lead you here?
I studied French at university, which gave me a good grounding in language and communication, which I draw on when writing analysis and working in teams. The French itself also comes in handy when speaking with French clients and reading content from French publications. Before this job, I worked in financial services, which taught me a lot of soft skills like time management, organising myself, and meeting deadlines, which has given me a good foundation for my role here.

What do you like most about working for us?
I like that I can always voice my opinions and make changes to reports – everyone is willing to listen and help you run with your ideas as long as you have a good plan. I definitely think I get to exercise my creativity in the job.

How would you describe the work environment?
It’s a cliché but there is a brilliant mix of people from all different backgrounds in the office, which makes for a very fun vibe. Everyone works hard and you’ll always find someone willing to lend a hand and share the workload – then when we’re all done we’re just as willing to share a drink at the pub.

How would you describe your work ethic?
My work ethic is based around efficiency and quality – I make sure I maximise the speed of processes where possible to make my own (and everyone else’s) life easier, but if it takes an extra five minutes to make something perfect then I’ll happily spend that time to get the satisfaction of a stellar piece of work.

How would you describe the work life balance?
As with many jobs, the work/life balance depends on your time management and your workload. There are some late nights and stressful days towards deadlines, but I haven’t met anyone in any job who hasn’t experienced that at some point. I’m a big fan of our alternative start times system, which allows us to start earlier in order to finish earlier, or start later and finish later.

What would you hope a new hire could contribute to the department?
A new hire would contribute a huge amount to the department – there’s an all hands on deck approach to a lot of our work, and as new starters have the chance to work with nearly everyone, helping them out with various tasks, their work adds up to a big impact. Aside from the extra productivity, they’d also bring new experiences and ideas to the team, which are always useful.

Tell me about a change or improvement you’ve had the opportunity to make.
I was asked to create the social media section of a report for a client, and while creating it I was given free reign to make any changes to the planned structure in order to make it look as visually appealing as possible while remaining informative.

I deviated from the initial structure a fair amount, but I was praised for my extra efforts and the report ended up being exactly what the client wanted. Additionally, I’ve had the chance to take part in focus groups, which has meant my ideas have been passed on and will be considered when new initiatives are being created.

Which skills have you developed while progressing here?
I’ve learned more about Excel than I ever thought I would! Being a language graduate, it wasn’t something I considered to be a strong area of mine. It’s actually become one of my favourite tools – not only at work but when organising myself at home too. I’ve also stepped up my organisational skills because there can often be quite a few tasks to juggle

What is your greatest achievement in this role?
I think my greatest achievement so far is how much I’ve learned and how much progress I’ve made in such a short space of time. I can use programmes and systems I’d never used before, I’m confident building complex charts and graphics, I can query databases, and I can zero in on a specific part of a huge data set and draw complex and meaningful insight from it.

Having learned so much, I’ve been able to move on from relatively small accounts to some absolutely huge ones, which is a testament to the quality of my work and how much I’ve improved and achieved at the company so far.

Would you like to come and work with us?  If you love analytics, love working in a sociable, fun team  and want to learn-on-the-go, take a look at our open job roles in more detail.

Meet the analysis team: Valerie Arnaudova – Client Insight Manager

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At Cision, we connect brand owners and organisations to critical information and insight to help them control and manage their reputation across all media platforms.

In today’s fast-paced media landscape, our unique blend of smart technology and bright analysts give our clients a clear competitive advantage. And we’re recruiting!

Valerie ArnaudovaWe’re looking for conscientious individuals who wish to contribute to a fast-paced, hardworking and successful analysis department – so we sat down with one of them, Valerie Arnaudova, Client Insight Manager to see what it’s like.

How long have you worked here?
I have worked at Cision for nearly three wonderful years (2 years and 10 months to be exact).

Tell me about your current role?
Having held a few different roles within the organisation over the years, I am currently a Client Insights Manager. I look after a portfolio of a variety of key and premium clients.

My key responsibilities include acting as a day-to-day insights contact for my clients and liaising with customers to ascertain account specifications, define requirements and priorities as well as ensure that we are providing the multi-faceted evaluation solutions, linked to the clients’ strategy and KPIs.

How did your background lead you here?
I started out in journalism, but decided I was more corporate than creative and was interested in communications and analytics, rather than an editorial role.

Cision seemed to combine the right level of analytics, but requires me to work closely with various communications teams as well as a variety of customers – so it just seemed the perfect fit between both worlds!

What do you like most about working at here?
I like that we are a training and development-focused organisation that has a clear roadmap for training their employees to sustain and enhance the productivity of the organisation as a whole.

I have always been supported by my managers to develop both hard and soft skills as well being encouraged to participate in situations where I can put my skills into practice. We’re encouraged to work outside of our comfort zone but there is always support along the way ensuring that everyone always learns from each piece of work we do.

How would you describe the work environment?
We have a very friendly culture here, and a fantastic team of people to work with and learn from. Recognition for good work is central to the environment which leads to hard work being appropriately rewarded and duly recognised by the management team – it makes you feel valued for what you have put in.

How would you describe your work ethic?
Always on time and well prepared, I strive to deliver work on schedule and up to the best standard. I believe that reputation for reliability precedes you as one proves over time that customers, clients and colleagues can trust you to do everything you say you will. I believe in leading by example – that said, I would be looking for similar qualities in new hires.

What would you hope a new hire could contribute to the department?
Enthusiasm, team spirit and desire to proactively learn and develop. A problem solving, positive attitude is a must.

Which skills have you developed while progressing in at this organisation?
Pretty much everything – leadership, commercial awareness and problem solving have been key to my journey here. There are regular opportunities to come out of your comfort zone and work on developing skills – both personal or technical.

Name three things you think it takes to succeed here?
Team spirit, reliability and a desire to learn.

Would you like to come and work with us?  If you love analytics, are interested in the media and are hot on Excel- take a look at our open job roles in more detail.

Alistair Steward

Meet the analysis team: Alistair Steward – Client Insight Manager

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Our analysis and insights team create the bespoke reports and coverage summaries that are at the very core of the media intelligence Cision provides.

The team are absolute reporting experts and combine their knowledge of the media landscape with their love of data!

Happily, due to a recent raft of internal promotions, we have the following roles available: Data Analyst, Research Analyst, Senior Research Analyst and Client Insight Manager so we sat down with Alistair Steward, Client Insight Manager to  talk to him about his role here and why Cision is such a great place to work.

How long have you worked here?
Two years in monitoring and almost three years in intelligence.

Tell me about your current role?
I recently got promoted to Client Insights Manager, so my role involves managing some of the department’s largest accounts, spearheading internal initiatives and line managing junior colleagues.

How did your background lead you here?
I’m a geography graduate so I enjoy work where I can combine writing with analysis of data. I also have a keen interest in the media – at university I helped create the biggest news outlet on campus, and becoming editor in my final year.

I decided that journalism was too cutthroat to pursue as a career but wanted to work in a closely related field, so media evaluation seemed like a good fit.

What do you like most about working for us?
Great colleagues and friends in the department. We have a good bunch of friendly, motivated people from a variety of interesting backgrounds.

How would you describe the work environment?
We’re based in a modern office in Canary Wharf which is light and spacious. We’ve just started a collaborative library as there are lots of big readers in the department, and we’re a short walk from the local ‘Spoons which is always good fun on a Friday.

What would you hope a new hire could contribute to the department?
I really like working with people who take initiative to increase accuracy and efficiency – so for example learning new excel tricks to speed up report writing, or putting together a new process for sourcing coverage from clients. Team members of all levels have a lot of autonomy in the department to make changes to the way their accounts work, and it’s always good to see people taking advantage of this.

Which skills have you developed while progressing here?
Leadership, relationship building with clients, and Excel skills.

Name three things you think it takes to succeed in your role?
Prioritisation – as there is usually a lot going on simultaneously, written and verbal communication to write reports and speak to clients and attention to detail when it comes to data.

What is your greatest achievement at Cision?
Outside the nitty gritty of tight report turnarounds, probably forging strong relationships with senior communications professionals at global brands including Xbox and Bayer.

Would you like to come and work with us?  If you love reporting, are hot on Excel and want to work in a very cool but corporate environment – take a look at our open job roles in more detail.

Meet the analysis team: Barney Barron – Senior Client Insight Manager

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Our analysis team provide reports and insights that are at the core of our company DNA .

These talented experts provide the crucial analysis which enable organisations to understand their position in the marketplace, their competitors and how they are perceived across all media platforms. 

And we’re recruiting! Due to internal promotions, we have the following roles available: Data Analyst, Research Analyst, Senior Research Analyst, and Client Insight Manager – so we met Barney Barron, Senior Client Insight Manager, whilst he was casually pretending to buy a coffee to find out more about what he does:

Barney BarronHow long have you worked here?
I have worked for Gorkana and Cision for four and a half years.

Tell me about your current role?
I’m currently working in the Intelligence Team as a Senior Client Insights Manager – my job consists of overseeing the analysis of media coverage and production of reports on these results for our biggest clients.

How did your background lead you here?
I joined the company after achieving a Masters Degree in Physics. For one of my dissertations I focused on Chaos Theory, and during the same time I worked part-time for Teach First doing their marketing on campus.

It was during this time that I first realised that the media mirrors chaotic systems, such as the weather. This built up my interest in the industry so joining Gorkana (as it was then) was a great fit. I started off as Data Analyst and found it was a great opportunity where I was able to utilise some of the skills I had developed at University in a non-traditional role for a Physics graduate.

When I joined, the Analysis department was growing so I was able to move up to Client Insight Manager, via Senior Research Analyst within three years.

What do you like most about working here?
The fast-paced nature of the work we do – and that fact that no two days are the same. I can come into work expecting a quiet day, but if there is suddenly a major incident for one of my clients I need to be in a position of turning around reports in a few hours. This coupled with the knowledge that the reports we produce help inform decision making at some of the biggest organisations in the world makes the job challenging, but also very rewarding.

How would you describe the work environment?
It’s certainly hardworking, but there’s a big team which is really social, which is one of the most enjoyable aspects of working here.

What would you hope a new hire could contribute to the department?
I’d hope that any new starters would help push the quality of the department and help bring new ideas into the business. In the time I’ve been here,  the analysis department had almost grown by 50% and we certainly want to see that continue.

Which skills have you developed while progressing here?
I think I’ve had the opportunity to develop a great number of skills during my time, so it’s difficult to narrow it down. However, in particular I feel like I’ve really developed my ability to project manage and also lead the teams that I manage.

One of the teams I manage consists of twelve people, two of whom are based in the US, something that was certainly difficult when I started. The company has been great in running training sessions on management and people leadership so that I feel comfortable managing such a large team and ensuring we’re all working towards certain deliverables and tasks.

Name three things you think it takes to succeed at our organisation?
Motivation, being proactive and attention to detail.

What is your greatest achievement during your time here?
Winning two Gold awards at the AMEC’s annual international communication effectiveness summit for Best Measurement of a not-for-profit campaign.

Would you like to come and work with us?  If you love reporting, are hot on Excel and want to work in a very cool but corporate environment, where ping pong is taken very seriously – take a look at our open job roles in more detail.

This week’s PR news in brief (31 July – 4 August)

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Here is a round-up of the essential PR stories, people news and account wins that have been announced over the past week.

Account wins

Europe’s largest sweet shop, Kingdom of Sweets, has handed its consumer PR account to Frank. The agency’s first project will be to launch the chain’s new 10,000 square foot “mega store” in central London.

Integrated communications agency One has secured the PR and social brief for Hoover floorcare and small domestic appliances following a three-way pitch. The firm has represented Hoover’s major domestic appliances business for more than a decade.

The Lifestyle Agency has been appointed for the launch of cocktail bar chain Mahiki’s new central London venue in Kensington next month. The agency has also secured a raft of new accounts including Polynesian restaurant Pufferfish, luxury florist Hayford & Rhodes, shoe brand Unicorn Sands, ski resort operator Vail Resorts and Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa.

Little Red Rooster has been appointed as the retained PR agency for UK TV platform Freeview. It will be responsible for raising awareness and understanding of the brand’s smart TV offering, Freeview Play.

Carousel PR has won a five-way pitch to deliver PR and social media for East Coast Concepts – the Manchester-based company behind restaurant brands Neighbourhood and Victor’s.

Mason Williams Communications has been appointed to handle the consumer PR brief for Kidtropolis, a children’s event which will take place at ExCeL London in October.

Service supply chain and field service technology company ByBox has appointed B2B PR and communications agency Limelight to build its profile and support its growth strategies within the UK and overseas.

MESH Theatre Co, the UK-based theatre company founded this year by Sally Woodcock, has handed its PR brief to Three Little Birds. The agency will represent MESH for its debut production of the WW1 story Journey’s End.

People news

Social media marketing agency Influencer has enlisted YouTube star Caspar Lee as chief innovation officer.

Allison+Partners’ executive vice president and head of consumer technology Jordan Fischler and real estate lead and Seattle general manager Richard Kendall have both been promoted to the partnership team. Partner Zach Colvin has been promoted to the newly created position of chair, California.

Financial PR

Citigate Dewe Rogerson provided strategic communications advice and implementation for Polish telecoms company Play Communications during its recent IPO.

Agency news

Brighton-based corporate communications agency Foco was launched this week by co-founders Michael Taggart, John Shewell and Nick Sturman.

The Capital Conversation, a new weekly business TV show airing at 7pm on London Live, launched on Tuesday, hosted by Seven Hills co-founder Michael Hayman.

K&H Comms has launched a lifestyle division with Anna Olszewski-Lewis at the helm. Its first major project will be the launch of Passo, an LA inspired Italian restaurant in London.

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