Industry and professional associations provide a collective voice for an entire sector – so it’s crucial they are heard loud and clear. And one of the best ways to amplify a message is through the media, which not only reaches a wide audience but is a sure-fire way to grab the attention of politicians and other key decision-makers.

How many media interviews have you seen that are best described as awkward, embarrassing or even humiliating? The unfortunate reality is media interviews can and do go completely wrong. But it’s a risk you can mitigate if you undergo media training in advance.

When you want to tell a powerful story that truly resonates with your target audience, numbers can speak louder than words. In an increasingly data-driven world, an ever-growing number of brands are using figures to craft compelling narratives that drive awareness and build credibility, across avenues ranging from unique media stories to tailored social media campaigns. Here are some important points to consider when creating and telling a story with data.

Cyber crises strike hard, fast and usually without warning, causing instant devastation.But beyond the initial impact there's another danger lurking which can hurt you even more in the long run - reputational damage arising from poor communication.

As you build your business empire, there comes a point when you need to up your PR and marketing game. Perhaps you need to employ an expert in this area for the first time or get additional support to execute a campaign to drive awareness about a new service or product

Times may be tough, but now is not the time to cut your media and marketing spend. It may seem like an easy way to make some savings in this difficult economic climate, but it’s a short-sighted move

Every organisation has a story to tell, but some just don’t know how to do it. It’s important to convey your story in the right way and at the right time as you go about meeting your business objectives and growing your brand.

When you’re pitching a news story to a journalist, it pays not to peeve them off.It sounds obvious but unless you’ve been a news journalist, you’re unlikely to know all the things that can irritate them.

A picture is worth a thousand words. It may be an old adage, but when it comes to the media it’s never been more relevant. Or true.

When you’ve got a story that you think is newsworthy, it can pay to pitch local.