Having been involved in creating and running businesses since the age of 17, publisher, market stall trader, freelance writer, author and owner of a marketing communications business - I would like to believe that inside of me is a true entrepreneurial spirit, even though there has been a PR guy trying to get out for a long time.

Leadership, management ability, and team building are certainly essential qualities of an entrepreneur, although for me the big draw to the startup world is jumping off a cliff with the expectation of assembling a hang-glider before I get to the bottom. Running a PR campaign is very similar.

As the director and founder of thePRfirm, I am continuously seeking new opportunities for my clients and new client opportunities and love a good challenge. For me a business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts. I broke some big stories as a journalist, plying my trade on national papers and well-known magazines, had a rollercoaster ride writing books about boxing, football, motor racing and horse racing and have worked with some of the biggest companies in the world as a PR guy.

The common denominator of success has been the people, the relationships - if you understand human nature, how people operate and what makes people tick, you understand business and how to communicate any business or idea to any person. Our clients are the real heroes and with their belief and support, we have transformed thePRfirm into the vibrant, young agency it is today through sheer hard work and determination. May the journey continue.

I have entered the world of PR from a rather unconventional background. After graduating from Keele University with a law degree, I pursued the arduous path to qualification as a solicitor with a well established North Staffordshire law firm.

During my time in legal practice, I encountered a vast array of cases, ranging from the drama of murder and manslaughter trials to the emotion of divorce and child care proceedings and no two days were ever the same. During my "legal life", I met a wide variety of people from a wide variety of backgrounds. From Judges and barristers to criminal clients and the police, I can confidently and comfortably communicate with people at all levels and from all walks of life.

When I became yet another statistic of the "Credit Crunch" and I lost my job in legal practice, I embraced the opportunity to change my career path. Fortunately, thePRfirm afforded me the opportunity to enter the world of PR and to utilise the skills I have developed in legal practice, excellent attention to detail, organisational and communicational skills, in the PR arena.

In my spare time, my passions are horse riding and going to watch football. I run a small livery yard (equine B&B) from my home address and I am a Stoke City season ticket holder and regularly attend both home and away games.

After graduating from the University of Sheffield with a degree in English Literature I was eager to put my writing and analysis skills to practical use. While researching various careers, I became an intern at Sheffield based PR firm, HR Media, and was immediately engaged by the variety of challenges on offer. There followed a 2 year ‘apprenticeship’ at a Chester based firm during which I worked on several accounts across various sectors, developing my skills and learning as much as I could about PR and business as a whole. Being part of a close-knit team allowed me to take responsibility on several projects and gave me a taste for the strategic side of communications.

As Account Manager for thePRfirm I am thrilled to be working for a dynamic, growing business with an enviable client roster and stimulating campaigns.

In my spare time I produce electronic music (I ought to impose some PR style deadlines – the fickle artist in me means I rarely finish tracks!). I also attempt to equal my ability to my enthusiasm on the squash court.

I have had the pleasure of working with surveyors, accountants, architects, engineers and solicitors in a variety of organisations for over ten years, as the in-house PR and marketing person. Some of the firms have been large global organisations with a definite corporate feel to them, whilst others have been smaller, more traditional partnerships.

Working in thePRfirm gives me a different and vibrant environment, which allows me to build on my experience and to continue to develop my skills in communication, campaigns, relationship building and business development.

My leisure time these days is spent outdoors as much as possible, either battling away on the golf course or pretending I know what I’m doing in the garden. Of course the odd dinner and drinks with friends, watching rugby, trips to the cinema or theatre take up some time as well.

Having just finished my degree in Human Resource Management and Sociology at Keele University I had a good understanding of industry and how markets work. I decided by the end of my degree that I did not want to pursue HR any further. I was looking for a new challenge.

I had worked for my family’s editorial business since I was 18 but over the past few years and during my university course I took on a major part within the business. I had an extremely diverse role, covering all areas of editorial work to office management, and helping organise my father and his business activities! It was both enjoyable and satisfying to be part of my family’s business. However I felt it was time to move on, carve a career for myself, and create a successful and exciting future off my own merits.

Hence, I was offered the opportunity to join thePRfirm, which I have embraced, and I can transfer and utilise my skills in new and exciting ways.I now have a dual role within the firm, as PR Accounts Executive and the HTMA Secretariat Administrator. It is a great time to be part of the company and I am very happy here.I look forward to moving forward with the company and helping with its continuing success as much as I can!

My family takes up my spare time, I have a young son who keeps me on my toes and is a constant source of laughter and amusement! I also love to read, cook, days out and of course always spend as much time with my close friends and family as I can!