Spotlight on Birmingham’s Social Enterprises

Around 60 people from a host of different social enterprises spent an afternoon learning how to raise their profile in the local media at an event organised by John Taylor Hospice and Social Enterprise West Midlands.

Social Enterprise – Be the News included a host of speakers sharing their expertise in newspapers and press releases, film, social media and PR.

Key speaker Alun Thorne, PR director with Hockley-based Barques and former editor of the Birmingham Post and Coventry Telegraph, shared some tips on contacting journalists and ensuring stories are news-worthy.

A panel discussion featuring Big Cat managing director Anthony Tattum, Be Inspired Films founder Ravinol Chambers and founder of Spot On Marketing and Communications Sally Edwards discussed the benefits and risks of social media, the importance of an online presence and the advantage of using film to tell a story.

John Taylor Hospice head of brand and media Diane Parkes said: “At John Taylor Hospice we love to share stories about how we make every moment matter for everyone we care for. We understand the value of media in helping us share those stories across Birmingham and beyond.

“We are a not for profit social enterprise and we know that so many other social enterprises also have great stories but struggle with the best way to tell them. Our aim with the event was to give them a few pointers with the help of a panel of experts.

“All of the speakers gave us plenty to think about and lots of ideas to take away and make our own. It was a really enjoyable and insightful afternoon which has brought real value to social enterprises in and around Birmingham.”

The free event at the Priory Rooms in Birmingham city centre attracted people from social enterprises in a range of sectors including health and well-being, education, charity support, the environment, events, catering and music.

SEWM Marketing Manager Claire Reynolds said: “Social Enterprise West Midlands were delighted to co-host this event with John Taylor Hospice to help local social enterprises access expert advice to help them raise their profile in the media.

As a membership organisation for social enterprises and social businesses we hear, and share, so many fantastic stories of organisations making positive impacts in communities. We encourage our members to harness the power of the media to showcase how and why they do business differently but understand the challenges in sharing those stories in to wider audiences.

We were delighted to see attendees taking away many top tips from the experts’ industry insight which will help them raise their profile in the media and the social enterprise sector as a whole.”