Info

Photo (c) HCA

About me

I’ve wanted to work in the media for as long as I can remember, and have been lucky enough to have been connected with it for most of my adult life.

This link currently exists through my job as communications manager for the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), where I am responsible for informing the public about colleagues’ great work across the South and South West of England, in areas where regeneration and affordable housing are most needed. As well as media relations, this role also involves stakeholder work, internal communications, and traditional and digital marketing activity.

Before joining the HCA in March 2010, I had five great years at public sector specialist PR agency IPB Communications, where I worked with local councils, social landlords, a leading retailer and employment and training providers.

As a journalist between 1998 and 2004, I worked nights on the Sheffield Star, days on its sister paper the Doncaster Star and for a couple of years on the Reading Chronicle. I remember thinking that the world would end when I left newspapers after moving to Manchester, but things have only got better for me since.

I am CIPR qualified and a full member of the institute.

I am Pembrokeshire born and bred. Since leaving home at 19, I have lived in Sheffield (twice), Australia (various), Reading, Manchester and a place called Temple Cloud, based between Bristol and Bath, where I currently reside with my wife, two children and a cat.

‘Blogrules’

This blog contains my personal views on PR, communications and the media, with a particular focus on social housing and regeneration. These views do not reflect those of my employer. Personal posts will also be included here. As is the nature of my job, I will not make overtly political comments on this blog.

Feedback and debate is very welcome – the more the merrier. Aggressive, threatening, insulting or defamatory comments will not be included. And as it’s my blog, I am judge of what is acceptable!