Outwrite has further strengthened its credentials in the field of green energy by acting as PR consultant to the UK’s leading anaerobic digestion specialist. Read the rest of this entry »

Outwrite client Jones Bros featured on national BBC TV news bulletins in March when the spotlight shone on the company’s renowned apprenticeship scheme.

The BBC’s chief economics correspondent Hugh Pym interviewed Jones Bros’ commercial manager Ruth Jones, along with two of the firm’s apprentices Christian Williams and Jack Martin.

The interviews, part of a news package focusing on youth unemployment and the latest job figures, took place at Swinford in Leicestershire where Jones Bros is currently working on a wind farm project.

The item was broadcast on March 14 on the BBC’s 6 o’clock and 10 o’clock news programmes, as well as BBC News 24.

Ruth Jones said: “It was terrific to get such positive national exposure for Jones Bros and our apprenticeship scheme which we value highly. As we are now working on projects across the UK, press coverage like this really helps to raise our national profile.

“Christian and Jack really enjoyed appearing on the BBC, it was a great experience for them too.”

The Jones has run its highly successful apprenticeship programme for four decades, remaining committed to it even during periods of economic downturn.

It now boasts a highly skilled, loyal workforce, with many former apprentices now running multi-million pound projects.

Fail to prepare for a media interview and be prepared to fail, as Labour’s deputy leader Harriet Harman discovered recently.

Ms Harman, who generally enjoys a reputation as a confident media operator, struggled to give the figures on how much a bankers’ tax would raise or how much a job creation plan would cost.

Speaking to Jo Coburn of the Daily Politics Show from a Labour meeting in Coventry, Harriet Harman said: “I will have to get back to you on that.”

When asked about the cost of the job creation guarantee plans, she said, “There is no mystery about it,” although she was unable to give any figures on the cost. Later in the interview Ms Harman said the figures were “at hand, just out of reach here – and you know it is a carefully costed programme.”

Unlike politicians, most people don’t get the chance to be interviewed live by a broadcaster, but if you do, seize the opportunity to promote your business/service with both hands.

Prepare fully!

These tips should help:

• Try to find out what the reporter wants to know in advance (or at least the gist of it). Ask what the first question will be so you start off on the right foot
• Ask if the reporter is interviewing anyone else at the same time (to ensure you are not being pitted against someone else)
• Prep with your own question and answers (Q&A) to ensure you’re ready for any potentially sticky questions you may be asked
• Research thoroughly – consider strengths and weaknesses of your product or service
• Look up facts and figures (unlike Harriet!) and if you are asked a question you can’t answer, admit it, don’t try to bluff!
• Hone your messages to three key points and avoid jargon!
• Try to answer every question clearly and succinctly
• Thank the journalist when it is over

Our client, Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, brought a touch of magic to the UK’s biggest renewable energy exhibition by hiring a professional entertainer. Carl Royle, one of the country’s leading cabaret magicians, ensured the Jones Bros stand was the talk of RenewableUK 2011 in Manchester. Read the rest of this entry »

Legendary rugby player and mountaineer Richard Parks will recall his exploits climbing the world’s highest summits when he talks to members of the north Wales branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD) next month. Read the rest of this entry »