Dorset-based PR agency Liz Lean PR has expanded its senior team, making three new senior appointments and formally expanding its planning and stakeholder engagement offers.
The agency has worked with clients on planning and stakeholder engagement throughout its 20-year history but is now bolstering these clients with a series of new hires.
Through their experience as journalists, editors, and political advisors, the three new hires will significantly diversify and enhance the agency’s offering and will set Liz Lean PR apart from other south coast PR agencies.
Ian Murray, former Editor of the Southampton Daily Echo, has been working with LLPR on select projects for several months and has now been appointed as a Senior Advisor with a focus on media in Dorset, Hampshire and nationwide. Ian left the Southern Daily Echo, based in Southampton, in 2017 after 19 years at the paper, during which time he was also Editor-in-Chief for a variety of Hampshire-based Newsquest titles. He is currently the Executive Director of the Society of Editors and is Vice Chair of the UK’s Defence and Security Media Advisor Committee as well as being a board member of the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors.
Andy Martin, former Editor and News Editor of The Bournemouth Echo, has been appointed as a Senior Advisor on media and stakeholder engagement, working outside Dorset and Hampshire. After 31 years at the Echo, Andy stepped down in June, and will be working on current clients and new opportunities with Liz Lean PR. Andy is also involved in training journalists for Newsquest and the National Council for the Training of Journalists, is a lecturer at Bournemouth University, and a councillor on Highcliffe and Walkford Neighbourhood Council.
Emma Coakley has joined the agency in the newly created post of Head of Engagement. She builds on her time working with Liz Lean PR on several planning and development projects and has been appointed to expand the agency’s work in this area and on wider political stakeholder engagement. Bringing with her over 5 years of agency experience in London, she has also spent time as a Special Advisor to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and has worked on several local political and General Election campaigns. She will be working with clients to devise and execute effective strategies for both planning projects and community and reputation management.
All three will be providing advice and support to existing clients whilst also working to expand the agency across Dorset, Hampshire, and nationally.
Commenting on these hires, MD and founder Liz Willingham, said:
“With the media landscape ever changing, and as PR reshapes and evolves into new areas within our clients’ businesses, Andy, Ian and Emma bring an enviable amount of experience to the agency, allowing us to harness the change and push forward with our plans to grow.
“I am delighted that we have secured such strong talent around and am excited to see the significant value they are going to add to our client’s businesses across the country.”
Please email emma.coakley@lizleanpr.co.uk if you would like to discuss how Liz Lean PR could assist your business, or to arrange a meeting with Andy, Ian or Emma.
As ever-increasing competition drives businesses to innovate to maintain the edge in their industries, the Excellence in Innovation Award, sponsored by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Liz Lean PR, is open for entries in the 20th annual Dorset Business Awards, in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo.
The Award aims to identify and celebrate a successful business innovation in the region. Open to all Dorset-based organisations with a BH or DT postcode, the innovation must have been launched or implemented within the last three years.
The winner of this category will be able to demonstrate the development of an excellent innovation to meet an identified market or other economic need. The innovation can either be a new project, service, application, operation, communications or marketing programme or tool.
Excellence in Innovation Award checklist
Entrants should include details of the following:
Description of the innovation
Details of research and development prior to launching the innovation
The communication, marketing and promotional process used to raise awareness of the innovation
How the innovation has impacted on the business
The overall trend in sales turnover and profit development
What makes the innovation different from competitors
Ian Girling, chief executive of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says: “It is the innovative organisations which force the business pace and this Award acknowledges a company that has most skilfully demonstrated a successful innovation which meets the requirements of an identified market or economic need.”
Liz Willingham, managing director of Liz Lean PR, adds: “The ability to be innovative, whether developing a new product or creatively responding to customer needs, is a key factor in driving economic growth across Dorset. Together with the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Liz Lean PR is proud to sponsor an award that recognises the outstanding innovative achievements of the county’s businesses.”
The Awards are also backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105 and are free to enter. Entrants can submit an entry via www.dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or print off an entry form and submit a paper-based entry. The closing date for entry is Friday September 12. Entrants do not need to be a member of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
For further information about the Awards, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets for the Gala Dinner which will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday November 27 please contact Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812.
Sponsor profile copy
Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry is Dorset’s leading private sector business support organisation.
Building on more than six decades of serving the county’s business community, both at home and abroad, the organisation works to further the interests of its 700 member businesses of all sizes and sectors, delivering the very best services, business information and advice.
Liz Lean PR
Sandbanks-based Liz Lean PR is a proactive public relations consultancy. Founded in 1998, the consultancy work with a strong portfolio of clients across a range of sectors including professional services, tourism, retail, leisure, healthcare and hospitality.
The team deliver effective campaigns on both a national and regional level, using both online and offline media.
– Business Engagement with the Community Award open for entry in Dorset Business Awards-
The 20th annual Dorset Business Awards, in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, is set to celebrate businesses that are combining commercial success with delivering a positive impact on the local community.
The Business Engagement with the Community Award, sponsored by J.P. Morgan, is looking for entries from firms that are building positive links with the community.
The judges for this category will be seeking to identify finalists that can demonstrate that they are leading on corporate social responsibility within the Dorset community. The winner will be able to provide details of specific community initiatives particularly those that involve employee engagement and illustrate the impact these have had on the local community, employees, customers and suppliers.
Last year, the Motcombe Community Shop in Shaftesbury won this award because the judges were impressed by how this village shop, post office and coffee shop run by members of, and for the benefit of, the village community has become an important social hub.
Commenting on winning, Kay Francis from Motcombe Community Shop says: “We were thrilled to achieve recognition for the work we do with our local community. The shop has become the centre of our community offering company, support and interaction for all who visit and for some it has become a way of life.
She adds: “The whole award process was a wonderful experience for our shop. There is a huge amount of unseen work that goes into running a village community shop and winning the award generated a real feel-good factor. It also confirmed our customers’ belief in our value in the community. We’re pleased to say that since winning the award our takings have increased.”
Business Engagement with the Community Award checklist
Entrants should include details of the following:
Evidence of initiatives or projects undertaken that impact on the local community. For example community projects, social causes, education, employee volunteer schemes, environment and recycling schemes
Background details to these initiatives or projects, how they were developed, implemented and the length of time that they have been operating as well as employee involvement
A summary on the impact that these initiatives or projects have had on the organisation
Dorcas Williams, vice president, communications, at J.P. Morgan, says: “The Business Engagement with the Community Award seeks to recognise businesses in Dorset that have shown real commitment to the local community. J.P Morgan sponsors this award because the company is dedicated to active community involvement and wants to encourage others to similarly get involved. Our ‘Supporting the Community’ programme provides a wide range of assistance to 130 local voluntary organisations, charities and schools, including many volunteer projects involving our staff. The company recently invested £1.1 million in education through the Achieve Together project, as well as supported economic growth through the YTKO Get Set For Growth programme, and created opportunities for young people through the Catch 22 Office Apprenticeship Service.”
The Awards are also backed by the south’s leading radio station Wave 105 and are free to enter. Entrants can submit an entry via www.dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or print off an entry form and submit a paper-based entry. The closing date for entry is Friday September 12. Entrants do not need to be a member of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
For further information about the Awards, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets for the Gala Dinner which will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday November 27 please contact Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812.
Sponsor profile copy – J.P. Morgan
J.P. Morgan is a leading global financial services firm with a presence in Bournemouth for more than 25 years. The location is a technology and operations centre, resulting in a diverse range of career opportunities. An active ‘Supporting the Community’ programme provides assistance to local voluntary organisations, charities and schools.
J.P Morgan is pleased to be supporting the local business community through the Business Engagement with the Community Award for 2014.
Back by popular demand to the Dorset Business Awards, in association with the Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, the Retail Excellence Award sponsored by the Dolphin Shopping Centre is looking to discover and highlight the best examples of work in the county’s retail industry for the second year running.
During its first year the category received some strong entries from independent outlets and this year the award is open to any retailer based in Dorset. Up against finalists’ Poole-based Beales department store and independent boutique shoe shop Doris and Daisy in Wimborne, Allum & Sidaway in Dorchester was acknowledged for its outstanding retail excellence in 2012.
Through hard work to deliver outstanding customer service, expansion from one to five branches and an investment in designer jewellery collections and desirable brands, Allum & Sidaway scooped the retail title. Jason Allum says: “We strive for excellence in everything we do and the fact that we won the Award for retail excellence encourages us to use this experience to maintain our standards, continue our hard work, offer our customers an outstanding service and continue our positive growth. We are fortunate to have happy staff, and we believe content and loyal customers, and hopefully this award encourages new and happy returning customers.”
He adds: “Since winning this award we have recruited three new employees and have introduced new jewellery ranges, including Bering watches, Dower & Hall and an 18ct gold collection from Italy called Cammilli, as well as extending various ranges such as Tanzanite and Thomas Sabo. We of course invest in our staff through training which ensures retail excellence is delivered. We have designed bespoke training days and all staff undertake a professional qualification through the National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG), of which we are a member. This is rewarding for them and reassuring and beneficial for our customers.”
The Retail Excellence Award is open to any independent retailers and high street brands based in Dorset with a BH or DT postcode.
Retail Excellence Award checklist
To be in with a chance of winning, companies will need to explain:
Sales percentage year on year to date
Why the store deserves to win the Retail Excellence Award
How sales are monitored
How customer service is monitored
Marketing strategies to target customers
The judges will be looking for companies showcasing outstanding achievement, innovative business concept, business acumen and excellence in customer service. Shortlisted retailers will be visited by a mystery shopper during early October.
John Grinnell, centre manager of the Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole, said: “As Dorset’s largest indoor shopping centre, the Dolphin is committed to providing shoppers with an excellent retail offering with a range of national and small independent stores.
“Dorset is a great county for shopping and our Award offers an excellent way to find and celebrate driven, committed and passionate retailers of all sizes in all areas of the sector. We are looking forward to seeing businesses recognised for all their hard work and encourage you to enter.”
The Awards are also backed by the South’s leading radio station Wave 105 and are free to enter. Entrants can submit an entry via www.dorsetbusinessawards.co.uk or print off an entry form and submit a paper-based entry. The closing date for entry is Tuesday September 10. Entrants do not need to be a member of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
For further information about the Awards, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve tickets for the Gala Dinner which will take place at the Lighthouse, Poole, on Thursday November 28 please contact Shirley Ewart on 01202 714812.
Sponsor profile – Dolphin Shopping Centre
The Dolphin Shopping Centre attracts an annual footfall of 12.5 million visitors and has more than 140 retailers.
In order to enhance the shopping experience, the Dolphin Centre delivers free seasonal events from family entertainment through to fashion shows and student-targeted events.
The Centre continues to position itself as a responsible and integral part of the Poole community and works with key stakeholders to enhance the profile of Poole through a number of projects, including its recent green campaign, Don’t Drive Wednesdays.
One of the highest accolades recognising quality of service and facilities at marinas has been awarded to two Poole marinas.
Poole Quay Boat Haven and The Port of Poole Marina, both operated and managed by Poole Harbour Commissioners, have achieved five Gold Anchors under the assessment scheme run by The Yacht Harbour Association (THYA).
The scheme ranges from 1 to 5 Gold Anchors depending on the standards of quality and service available to berth holders. It is a voluntary assessment programme focusing on customer service and facilities within marinas and harbours.
John Binder, Manager of Poole Quay Boat Haven and Port of Poole Marina says: “We’re delighted to get the recognition we deserve, as myself and my team of staff worked extremely hard towards this award. I’m very proud and we’ll continue to offer the best service we can to make sure we keep the Anchors when we are re-assessed in three years’ time.”
The scheme helps participating marinas improve their service and operate to higher standards through benchmarking against measurable criteria. As part of the assessment process the marinas would have been visited by an assessor, mystery shopper and an anonymous online survey would have been completed by berth holders.
Jim Stewart, CEO of Poole Harbour Commissioners, says: “These awards couldn’t have come at a better time with The Olympics and The Jubilee this year. With neighbouring Weymouth as the base for the 2012 sailing events, Poole Quay is a great location from which to access The Games whilst escaping the crowds. We are one of only a handful of marinas with the full five anchors so it is testament to the quality of management in place, particularly with Port of Poole being a relatively new facility. We are extremely pleased.”
Marinas which gain 4 or 5 Gold Anchors also gain an International Council of Marine Industry Associations ‘Clean Marinas Award’. Criteria to qualify for five gold anchors include access to the internet, tourist information and access to boat repair and services, indeed all aspects which contribute to the overall customer experience.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
Over 130 marinas participate from 19 countries around the world – ratings are endorsed by the Royal Yachting Association, ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations) and the British Marine Federation. The scheme also gained the Practical Boat Owner magazine, Green Initiative of the Year Award in 2011.
The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) is the Marina Trades Association, associated with the British Marine Federation (BMF)
Poole Quay Boat Haven can accommodate vessels of up to 35 metres, as well as being well-positioned on the quayside, with access to shops, restaurants and bars.
The Port of Poole Marina, opened in June 2011, is capable of berthing 60 boats on an annual basis with the berths varying in length from 6 – 18m. The Marina also has the facility to berth visiting super yachts up to 60m LOA during the summer season
Press enquiries to:
Rachael Hicks
Liz Lean PR, 4a Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, BH13 7QB
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