Northern Lights, Author at Next-Up

Reaching out to wider audiences – how to help researchers develop effective social media strategies

Northern Lights | 3 November 2015

Catherine Manthorpe works at the University of Hertfordshire and after attending a one-day Training Gateway course on ‘how to develop a social media strategy’, led by Victoria Tomlinson, founder and chief executive of Northern Lights PR , has become very interested in how social media can be used by academics to extend the reach of … Reaching out to wider audiences – how to help researchers develop effective social media strategies

Dubai and Abu Dhabi – what’s the impact of the oil price slump?

Northern Lights | 28 October 2015

I’ve spent the last week between Dubai and Abu Dhabi with clients, at events and a number of coffees. A lot of UK clients have been asking me whether the UAE has been affected by oil prices, so here I give a snapshot of the coffee conversations. While everyone I meet is senior, I rate … Dubai and Abu Dhabi – what’s the impact of the oil price slump?

Jobs and profits at risk as 58% of UK bosses do not understand technology

Northern Lights | 19 October 2015

More than half of British companies risk losing jobs and profits because boards do not have the skills to manage the rise of artificial intelligence in the workplace, new research by a leading businesswoman and futurist has revealed. Pat Chapman-Pincher, who has built, run and chaired a number of internet and mobile phone businesses over … Jobs and profits at risk as 58% of UK bosses do not understand technology

9 tips for presentations ‘in the round’

Northern Lights | 16 October 2015

This week I supported our client, Pat Chapman-Pincher, to do her first big speech ‘in the round’. This is where the stage is round (surprisingly!) and in the centre of the room with tables and seating surrounding it. My colleague Ben, who used to be deputy editor at Yorkshire Insider, loves the format – … 9 tips for presentations ‘in the round’

7 ways for charities to increase membership

Northern Lights | 15 October 2015

I have helped charities for most of my life – it’s how I got into PR! It is always a challenge to deliver all the things you want with limited resources; usually people and money. But in this last month I have spotted a number of opportunities that charities are missing entirely. First the issues, … 7 ways for charities to increase membership

Could your boardroom ethics cost you £20bn?

Northern Lights | 5 October 2015

For too long, the issue of ethics in the boardroom has been seen as rather fluffy or for the CSR department and not about core business. But in the last few weeks we have seen just what the cost can be. Martin Winterkorn, chief executive of the world’s second-largest carmaker VW, has stepped down as … Could your boardroom ethics cost you £20bn?

Victoria Tomlinson, chair of the Management Division Advisory Board at Leeds University Business School

Northern Lights | 2 October 2015

Victoria Tomlinson, chair of the Management Division Advisory Board at Leeds University Business School pictured (centre) with Professor Nigel Lockett and board members. Victoria says: “The Advisory Board’s role is to help in two particular areas: employability – helping students to get jobs; and research – helping academics to shape their research projects in a … Victoria Tomlinson, chair of the Management Division Advisory Board at Leeds University Business School

10 inside secrets to winning an award – from the judges

Northern Lights | 21 September 2015

This week 24 judges decided which entries would win the prestigious CorpComms awards – the magazine for corporate communicators. I was honoured to be asked to join them. Judging the work of your peers is thought-provoking. It challenges you to think about the work you are doing for your own clients, the value and the … 10 inside secrets to winning an award – from the judges

10 tips for media interviews – don’t forget the microphone is on Prime Minister…

Northern Lights | 14 September 2015

Granted, Yorkshire can be a bit tribal but (as a Yorkshireman) I can say we pride ourselves on being the friendliest people in the world. So, when Prime Minister David Cameron was caught on microphone joking that Yorkshire people “hated each other”, it’s no surprise that he was instantly lambasted by an irate horde of … 10 tips for media interviews – don’t forget the microphone is on Prime Minister…