We’re back this month with another meet the team! For June, get to know all about B2B communications expert, and passionate cook in his spare time, our Account Manager – Nick.
How long have you been at Prohibition? I’ve been at Prohibition for eight months – starting last September.
What do you love most about your job? Variety isn’t just the spice of life, but it is for a career in PR! Working at Prohibition has enabled me to not only flex my creatives muscles, but also build a wide ranging skillset through working with a diverse client roster.
Every work day is unique, challenging and rewarding. At Prohibition, I’m consistently given the opportunity to work towards achievement, both my professional and personal potential, whilst also having fun!
Tell us a bit about your journey to working at Prohibition. Having started off my career as a journalist, working on Yorkshire desks for several online business news publications, I decided to switch to PR four and a half years later. After being introduced to the world of PR at a small, regional agency, I realised just how agile, innovative and adept PR professionals need to be. I loved it.
Using the skills and experience gained from my journalism background, I quickly established myself as a strong copywriter operating in the B2B space. My career further developed when I made the move to an agency in Leeds. 14 months later, an opportunity had arisen to join Prohibition. As I was already aware of Prohibition’s reputation of one of the top agencies in the North, I knew that working here would only elevate my career to new heights.
With an extremely diverse range of clients, an amazing city centre office and an experienced and resourceful team, the opportunity to take on my first management position at Prohibition was any easy decision to make. Eight months on, I can confidently say that it also the best decision I’ve made!
What’s your top tip for someone looking to get into the PR industry? PR is all about having the finger on the pulse, both culturally and in the marketplace. You can already build your PR knowledge before even entering the industry. As a starting point, constantly read or watch the news. This is a perk of the job, but as PR professionals we have to be the eyes and ears for clients, so digest as much media coverage as possible.
I’d also suggest to keep updated and familiar with topical social trends, across all platforms. This will prove to be an invaluable skill for you when entering the industry. As well as trends, also develop your understanding of the different social media platforms, how they are used and consumed, and their demographics.
As PR is applicable to all industries and companies, I’d also recommend deciding what type of PR you are most interested in, whether that’s digital, corporate, consumer or trade to name a few.
Finally, working in PR isn’t just a job, it’s a career. Be prepared to work hard, be proactive, constantly develop and train and be an integral part of a team.
What’s your favourite social media platform and why? My favourite social media platform is LinkedIn. Working in B2B communications, LinkedIn challenges me to create content and campaigns that not only resonate with a professional audience, but also achieves a lasting impact.
What do you love most about working/living up North? The people. As a homegrown Yorkshireman, I can honestly say that ‘northerners’ are a unique and unapologetic bunch, who work hard and get the job done. Another amazing aspect of working in the North is the places. Not only am I fortunate enough to work in one of the most vibrant, lively and diverse cities in the UK, but we are only a stone throw away from numerous cultural and historic landmarks, stunning country landscapes and other major cities. The North really does offer everything.
What three things could you not live without?
My phone and apps (guilty)
My dog – Barney!
Sunday roast.
Give us your favourite quote. Everyone has two lives, the second one begins when we realise we only have one.
If you could switch places with any celeb for the day – who would it be and why? Tom Cruise – performing crazy stunts and starring in blockbuster movies sounds like a pretty fun life to me!
What’s something you’re secretly (or not so secretly!) really good at/passionate about outside of work? I’ve recently become obsessed with cooking. I wouldn’t say I’m any good…yet, but I have gained a strong passion for expanding my culinary skills and learn how to make some delicious meals at home.
