Meet the Committee – Jeni Beattie

Location: Altrincham


Tell me about yourself – what are your interests? What sets your heart on fire?  
I am addicted to Tai Chi and attend classes in a local park.  My other passion is the theatre and arts.

How did you get into PR?
I began my career as a reporter for a local weekly paper and then joined an advertising agency as a copywriter.  Eventually I established and managed the agency’s PR consultancy.  Subsequently, I joined an international PR consultancy and worked throughout Europe and the Middle East. 

Later, I established Accolade, my own PR consultancy, where I encountered clients struggling with broadcast interviews and missing opportunities.  Today, with a team of associate broadcasters, the business focuses on training individuals to handle media interactions proactively, or reactively in response to incidents or crises.

What do you love most about PR? 
The amazing and creative people I meet.

What PR campaign or project are your particularly proud of? 
A pro bono job I did to help a local hospital to keep its A&E Unit open and retain district general status.

If you weren’t in PR, what could you see yourself doing?  
Breeding guineapigs.

Describe your role in the committee and what it involves? 
I organise training sessions and learning-based events.

What do you think makes this committee unique?
I have been on the committee for twelve years and it is probably about time I sloped off.  It has a good mix of people from different backgrounds.

What piece of advice would you give to someone just starting out in PR?  
Learn the power of the edit.  There is something very self-indulgent about some of the long-form content which crops up on social channels – especially LinkedIn.

What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day? 
Tai Chi, nothing beats a bit of silk reeling.