Local Plymouth businesses get advice from Media

Businesses learned about how to use the media to help them grow at a special event in the city on the 31st May.

The day-long event, intended to help bosses work out how they can use the media effectively, was organised by start-up support organisation Outset Plymouth.

The Plymouth Media Hub Day featured workshops targeting the main media hubs of print press, radio, TV and social media.

Speakers included The Herald's business editor William Telford who explained to more than 50 business people what the newspaper is looking for in a strong news or business story and how it aims to work with firms and individuals to grow the city's economy.

Other sessions were led by Chris Savery, from Radio Plymouth, and Alan Qualtrough, a former editor of The Herald and, until recently, the Western Morning News, who also talked about his new business Strategy Media.

Neil Jeffery, a business advisor from Outset's sister organisation Outset Finance, lectured on social media.

He said businesses need a "marketing strategy which is right for their business and customers."

"It's making them understand they need a clear message to present to the media," he said.

Outset's marketing executive Kevin Kelway said the event was the best attended workshop Millbay-based Outset has organised and added: "The take-up has been fantastic. SMEs are interested in how they can generate business growth."

Alison Wall, coordinator for Plymouth Enterprising Women was also pleased to confirm that Plymouth Enterprising Women commented that they got a lot out of the day with 'renewed enthusiasm' and 'tips for media strategy' for their businesses.