08 December 2009

The final guest lecture in the series ended on a high, with the Claire Mascall PR Prize being awarded, as well as an insightful talk being given by stockbroker Redmayne-Bentley′s Head of Investment, Georgina Mitchell.

The lecture was opened by Leeds Met′s Anne Gregory, former CIPR President. Georgina′s talk Punching Above Our Weight discussed reputation, media and the importance of being regional. Georgina′s role at Redmayne-Bentley, a share dealing and investment management firm based in the UK and Ireland, assumes overall responsibility and planning for Investment Services. Georgina also has vast experience in commentating for the company and has been a regular face on BBC News 24, Channel 4, Bloomberg and Radio 5 Live.

Georgina expressed the importance of getting noticed and stressed that what matters is that you have an opinion and voice it- not whether it is right or wrong. All the staff at Redmayne-Bentley are media trained and have a strong drive towards coverage. The speaker noted that you need a ’hook‘ to be remembered by and told an entertaining anecdote of a man who always wears red braces for his interviews, reflecting that you are likely to get exposure and be remembered by being different. She added that it is important to have a capability for independent thought and to be able to think on your feet. Georgina concluded by stressing the importance of always being prepared and being available to speak to the media whenever they want you.

The next part of the lecture focused on the Claire Mascall PR Prize, which pays tribute to the expert who had a 35 year career in PR over a wide range of sectors, ranging from construction to finance. The award is open to undergraduate PR and PR and Marketing students at Leeds Met and involved writing an essay titled, Use of Social Media for the not-for-profit sector. The panel of judges consisted of the North Yorkshire and Humber CIPR′s Chair Carol Arthur, MCG PR′s Christine Mortimer and Claire′s daughter, Charlie Canniff.

Third prize of £500 and a two week placement at MCG PR went to Julia Lumley. Second prize was awarded to Sadie Edwards, who won ′500, as well as a two week placement at the Centre for Public Relations Studies. The winner of the competition was Katie Brown, who won a two week placement at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) as well as £1000, which was donated by Claire Mascall′s family. Four runners up also received a copy of Public Relations and the Social Web, written by Rob Bown.

The winner Katie Brown reflected, ’I am so shocked that I have won. It′s such a fantastic prize and I feel privileged. I am really looking forward to the placement opportunity.’

The lecture marked the end of an inspiring, diverse and entertaining series, which have proved valuable to all who have attended.