Offering almost 30 years of PR and communications experience to clients, I run Blackbird Communications with an ambition to help companies understand and capitalise on the value of PR and content marketing.With offices in St Albans, Berkhamsted and Luton, Blackbird is well placed to support businesses regionally, nationally and internationally. It's our aim to achieve client objectives through creativity, tenacity, planning and teamwork with an ethos of accountability and professionalism. Possessing expert knowledge and contacts in a number of industry sectors, our team makes a tangible difference to clients through the delivery of a cost-effective and engaging PR, communications and content marketing strategy.A triple winner of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Best Freelance Practitioner Award for Thames & Chiltern region, in 2010, 2012, 2015.

Developed from scratch, my work helped the IMI achieve a sea change in profile, delivering a significant contribution to its influence and financial performance over the past ten years.Positioning of the IMI as the voice of professionalism and ‘ethical competence’ across the automotive industry footprint.Launch of UK’s first national accreditation scheme for vehicle technicians (Automotive Technician Accreditation) in June 2005, achieving significant continuing exposure and across all target audiences. Launch of a major consumer awareness campaign for the scheme in 2008 at the British International Motor Show, significantly exceeding the objective of reaching at least 5 million motorists – research showed over 11 million consumers were reached.

My aviation expertise enabled me to secure the role of account manager in the new London office of this UK full service consultancy. I consulted for a number of companies including Continental Airlines and British European Airways.Key achievements:Successful pitches for Continental Airlines and Janspeed Engineering UK PR accountsEvent management and PR launch for a number of new routes for British European Airways and Continental Airlines.Management of Unique Sport, Noel Edmonds’ 1997 entry in the Le Mans 24 Hours with the Panoz GTR race car. Launch event at the Autosport International Show and management of media relations for the team at Le Mans.Extensive consumer press campaign focused on vehicle security for TG21 plc.

Working closely with the CEO, senior board executives, aircrew, airport and industry personnel, the role involved significant regional, national and international proactive and reactive media relations, as well as extensive crisis management PR and community relations. Experience of managing project teams on specific event management, airline ‘Open days’ and the airline’s 30th anniversary charity fund-raising activity.Key achievements:Company spokesperson – extensive broadcast interview experience Launch of £650 million Fleet Modernisation Programme, including major regional community relations campaign to highlight ‘super quiet’ aircraftHandling of major issues including cabin crew strike; death of Captain inflight; air miss Editor – internal monthly newsletter for all airline employeesCorporate video/ brochure productionOrganisation and hosting of international press trips, aircraft naming ceremonies and charity flightsQualified as a private pilot (PPL) in 1996.