What is Pinterest?

It has been widely described as a visual corkboard to which you ‘pin’ various pictures and articles. You can have more than one board and in each case you can curate the images into themes and categories.

While it has been likened to Twitter because you simply follow other users and share content, it’s also similar to stumbleupon, where you discover new lifestyle trends and cultivate shared interests with compelling pictures.

Instead of dealing in ‘tweets’ the currency is ‘pins’, and instead of ‘retweets’ it’s ‘re-pins’ where you put another’s image on your board. It’s that easy.

Why use Pinterest?

It’s simple to use and since many prefer a more visual social media experience it’s also more enjoyable. Although it launched in 2010 in the last ten months it has grown to 13 million users.

But the real reason everyone’s talking about it is the recent news that Pinterest currently drives more traffic to websites than rivals like LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube combined. Impressive, eh?

This is great news for online retailers who are already using it to advertise products, especially in craft and design.

Who should use Pinterest?

Social media campaigns, which are primarily measured by web analytics, can greatly benefit from this new app.

A recent survey which compared the US (where it holds its biggest audience share) and UK user data, found it is a particularly big hit with American women who are into fashion and interior design.

If you’re looking to increase your web presence then this might just be the thing for you.

Back in the UK Pinterest has a slightly less female dominated following, with more male users who are ‘pinning’ infographics about venture capitalism and marketing rather than fancy designer wear.

But you don’t have to use Pinterest for either fashion or data charts – the content can be as diverse and creative as you like.

Now it’s your turn…

If you’d like to know more, we find the best way to research a new app is to play around with it. And when you’re done, why not let us know what you think?

Andrew recently celebrated his two year anniversary working with the Admiral team, giving him almost 5 years experience within the PR industry. After joining as a senior account executive he worked his way up to senior account manager and now currently leads on a range of Admiral’s key accounts including; ADAS, FES International, Thorn Lighting, Go North East and SunGard Higher Education.

What do you do to relax?
After a long day at the office I find it difficult not to bring work home with me, physically and emotionally. I have a set routine which usually works at snapping me out of ‘work-mode’. I get home and change into comfortable clothing immediately, then take Inca, my black lab, for a long walk. If that doesn’t work I stick on the fire, put on an episode of West Wing and pour myself a dram of Johnny Walker. This routine is fail safe.

What is the best piece of advice anyone has given you?
‘Never let anyone tell you that it can’t be done’ – Philip Stuckey

What is your biggest challenge to date?
My promotion to account manager and taking over some of the agency’s largest accounts was a big challenge for me. There were many elements to the job and a huge change from being an account executive. I had to learn very quickly in order to get up to speed.

Who are your heroes, both in and out of business?
In business hero: Tarek Nseir, Chief Executive of TH_NK. It is inspiring how he has grown a small regional agency to one of the most acclaimed digital agencies in the country. Impressive.

Out of business hero: Robert Downey Jnr – I have little reason for this other than I want to be him. A perfect example of someone who hit rock bottom, turned his life around and is now on top. The man is a legend.

What first made you enter the PR industry?
Throughout University I was always interested in going into advertising. After spending four months on an internship for a marketing agency where I spent time on advertising and PR briefs, I found that I much preferred PR. I suppose you could say that I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after leaving Uni, four months in PR and I was hooked.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Winning national and regional awards for the quality of our work. Going up on stage with your team is a great feeling.

What is your key tool in any PR campaign?
My iphone. Essential.

What is your favourite aspect of your job?
Getting awesome coverage for my clients. Nothing better than turning over that page in the paper and seeing your handywork splashed across the page.

Favourite quote…
“Some are born great, some achieve greatness…the rest hire public relations consultants.”

First of the wins was Four Housing Group, a not-for-profit housing provider. Admiral will work to promote the organisation’s core values of social community, wellbeing and inclusion, increasing the group’s presence as a leading social housing organisation with strong community values.

We have also started working with Northern Washrooms, a North East based supplier of washroom services. With a current customer base standing at around 600 businesses, Northern Washrooms aims to further increase expansion throughout 2012 as it continues to employ more staff to accommodate an ever expanding customer base. A local firm with local values, the client has briefed Admiral to bring its brand to life and raise its profile.

Testament to previous success, Admiral is about to begin work on the third campaign in a row for Newcastle University. A continuation of the University’s societal challenge themes, the 2012 campaign focuses on Social Renewal. A team from Admiral’s northern offices will work to promote the University’s new Institute for Social Renewal, highlighting Newcastle’s role as a civic University and as a world leading centre for research into society and its challenges.

Our North West office will soon be announcing its work on a prestigious VIP event for one of the biggest groups of hospitals in Europe, and is also under way with a very successful first quarter for international parcel shipping company Forward2Me on a social media driven campaign.

Next month will see the commencement of a very exciting science and technology project with new client Phase Focus, in the very niche field of microscopy.

Commenting on the recent new business wins, Georgie Cameron, managing director of Admiral, said: “The recent wins signify an exciting time ahead and they are testament to the hard work and professional ability of the Admiral team. In times of economic uncertainty we cannot underestimate what a fantastic success these wins are for the agency.”

A strong, creative PR Account Manager is required to handle a mix of predominantly b2b accounts in this exciting Newcastle-based PR and public affairs consultancy. This national award-winning consultancy has a great reputation, a strong and high-profile client list and an enviable new business pipeline.

The North East office is a thriving hub and the head office of a growing network, including another office in Manchester and satellite offices in London and Edinburgh. The team is friendly, fun and is a ‘can-do’ bunch that helps each other out.

This role would suit a skilled, creative and dynamic Account Manager who is confident and ambitious. The role will involve working on UK and pan-European accounts, in a fast-paced environment to assist clients with the management of their brand reputations.

Candidates should be self-starters with a minimum of three years’ experience (most of which should be within an agency environment). Experience in one or more of the following sectors would be beneficial: science and tech; education; environmental; healthcare; and professional services.

The role requires excellent organisation skills as the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring all projects are completed to deadline and within budget.
Key skills/knowledge areas:
- Campaign creation and delivery
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
- Proven experience in b2b PR environments
- Previous experience of managing client budgets
- Excellent national media relations experience
- Strong awareness of online PR and social media
- Good people skills including being able to work in account teams
- Attention to detail/deadlines
- Forward thinking and proactive – able to plan ahead

Please email your CV and a cover letter to andrea.dixon@admiralpr.com

Print circulations are declining, ad sales are falling but web usage is growing rapidly online. News flow is real-time and constantly evolving, and through Twitter, individuals have been given an unregulated medium to express themselves.

The success of Twitter in opening up new channels of interest and communication on a global scale, defying geographical, cultural and political boundaries is one of the most significant developments of our time.

The world of PR has changed vastly with these technological advancements, with journalists posting media requests, individuals blogging and becoming influential self publishers, and news spreading world-wide in an instant. With so many competing voices, it’s hard to know who to listen to online. With this in mind, Admiral has launched a vast collection of Twitter lists highlighting the movers and shakers from various industry sectors. (See bottom of page for lists and links.)

We researched the Twitter accounts of influential bloggers, publications, journalists, individuals and companies by key industry sectors. Each list contains at least 20 tweeters.

Now, contacting the most influential tweeters in a specific sector is just one click away.

Admiral will be regularly updating these lists and welcomes any suggestions.

Please let us know yours via our Twitter @admiralpr

Full Collection of Twitter Lists
• Financial Services
• Technology Media
• Lighting Media
• Construction Media
• Food Media
• Energy Media
• Manchester Business News
• Agriculture Media
• Education Media
• Science Media
• Environmental Media
• News Media
• Business Media
• PRO’s Creatives
• Travel Media
• Transport Media
• Property Media
• Healthcare Media

Enjoy!

What do you do to relax?
I am a bit of a ‘foody’ so enjoy trying out new restaurants in the Toon however I do enjoy a glass of wine in front of the TV to switch off from a busy day.

What is the best piece of advice anyone has given you?
You never know until you try! I live by this advice every day.

What is your biggest challenge to date?
Living away from my family.

Who are your heroes, both in and out of business?
Out of business – David Attenborough, he is an inspiration!
In business it would have to be Nicky Kinnaird, founder of Space NK. She has built Space NK into one of the world’s top luxury cosmetics and skincare brands which is amazing for a Belfast girl.

You run the very successful work experience programme at Admiral. What qualities do you look for in an intern?
Somebody who is confident, eager to learn and can use their own initiative.

What first made you enter the PR industry?
The idea started in school when studying business studies. I wanted to do something that keeps me on my toes and PR does exactly that. I enjoy working under pressure, meeting new people and being creative so I think I am well suited to my PR career.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Winning numerous industry awards for campaigns that I have been heavily involved in and seeing one of my interns being offered a full time job at Admiral.

What is your key tool in any PR campaign?
Admiral

What is your favourite aspect of your job?
Being creative and getting to work on exciting campaigns that make a difference to peoples’ lives.

Favourite quote…
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Buddy the Elf. It’s Christmas so why not.

Admiral PR has moved its North West operation into the Towers Business Park, Didsbury, while the company looks to develop the team and move closer to the science and technology heartland of Manchester.

The national PR agency, with offices in Newcastle, Edinburgh and London, decided to relocate its North West base following a recent surge of growth to its Manchester operation.

The 14-strong agency has prospered in sectors such as science, technology and education and its ambitious growth plans will be accommodated in the midst of a thriving business community.

Oliver Chesher, head of the North West Office, said: “Our relocation marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the company.

“Given the sectors we specialise in, we’re particularly pleased to be among some big-name neighbours, including the likes of Siemens, Cisco, Logica, SPX, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester College and NCC Education.

“Also, as a national agency with an international network our new premises provide our clients, from as far away as Switzerland and Belgium, an easier access route than a commute into the city centre.”

Admiral PR & Marketing
Adamson House
Towers Business Park
Wilmslow Road
Didsbury
Manchester
M20 2YY
+44 (0)161 955 4282

All of the Admiral team, across four offices, got together in Newcastle to celebrate another year of hard work and reminisced on the big campaigns they have been working on. This was Admiral’s debut at the awards and for our first year we didn’t do too badly.

By the end of the night our bags were considerably fuller than when we arrived. We won five out of eight shortlisted awards including being a finalist for Outstanding Consultancy of the Year. Our very own Nicola Williamson could not hold back on her excitement when bouncing on to the stage to collect the Outstanding Young Communicator award.

All in all, it was great to see so many PR agencies come together to celebrate the good work that comes out of this region and we would like to congratulate everyone who won, especially us!

Summary of awards won

Outstanding Young Communicator – Nicola Williamson

Gold Awards
• Best Event, Go North East Launch of The Key
• Crisis Communications, Northern Doctors Urgent Care
• Corporate Responsibility, Newcastle University Changing Age Campaign

Silver Award
• Best Use of Media Relations, Solution to airport liquid ban for Kromek

Admiral was also a finalist in the following categories:
• Outstanding Public Relations Consultancy
• Corporate and Business Communications – ADAS
• Not-for-Profit – Fashion Kicks

Outstanding Young Communicator – Nicola Williamson
Nicola has progressed exceptionally well during her short career in PR to date. During her time at Inferno in London and, more recently as an Account Director with Admiral PR in Newcastle, she demonstrated a strong gift for producing engaging work that delivers for clients and galvanizes colleagues. The judges were impressed by the global reach of her work and the impact it has made for clients and the agency. A hard-working, intelligent and talented professional, her passion for the industry and ambition for the future made her a deserving winner from a very high standard of finalists.

Gold Award for Crisis Communication – Northern Doctors Urgent Care
The team was working in a particularly sensitive situation which, if handled badly, could have had far reaching consequences for the future of their client. They worked well within the constraints of patient confidentiality to minimize damage and preserve reputation. In a complex situation, the team preserved the plurality and accuracy of reporting around its client’s involvement in an emotionally charged story.

Gold Award for Best Event – Go North East, Launch of The Key
A really lively and imaginative event which used a range of tactics to reach out to the various target audiences. The choice of song for the flashmob was inspired, and the Bus Stop Bingo a brilliant supplementary idea. The key to The Key’s success was that its calculated creativity delivered real results against objectives.

Gold Award for Corporate Responsibility – Newcastle University Changing Age campaign
This was an ambitious, well-researched campaign with clear CSR objectives. It used research together with its charter to not only generate heavyweight media coverage, but also through targeted stakeholder engagement, to reach the influence the highest levels of government. An excellent example of how research and a clear call to action can be used to make a difference to people’s attitudes and behaviour towards a major societal issue.