Chamber connections pave the way for tailored media training session

A Birmingham charity has strengthened its media readiness through a tailored training programme delivered by industry experts, following a connection made at a Chamber networking event.

Senior leaders of the Queen Alexandra Charity (QAC) took part in this session which was tailored to their needs by Chamber members Phil Collins and Sandra Hayes who operates Hayes Collins Media.

Following a review of its media policy, Queen Alexandra Charity identified a need for specialist media training for its senior leadership team.

The opportunity arose through a connection made at a networking event facilitated by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, where QAC’s head of income generation Cathryn Worth met Phil Hayes of Hayes Collins Media.

Working alongside colleague Sandra Hayes, the pair went on to design and deliver a bespoke media training programme tailored to the charity’s specific needs and challenges.

Participants learnt strategies, received top tips and had the chance to take part in mock radio and tv interviews in both positive press situations and also in negative and crisis areas.

At the end of a full day of training participants felt more confident and knowledgeable in their ability to deliver interviews when the need arises. 

Mark Abrams, chair of Queen Alexandra Charity, who took part in the training said: “Phil and Sandra led a great session where we learnt how to navigate the interview process using scenarios relevant to our charity. 

“The experience of myself and the team were at varying levels and we all managed to improve as the day went on.

“We now feel more confident and prepared when asked to give an interview and here’s to them being good press stories where we can celebrate the fabulous work of QAC”

Phil Hayes said: “Sandra and I are used to working all over the world, delivering media training in places as diverse as Seoul, Washington and Paris, but we’ve wanted to give something back to the place we’re based, so we were delighted when the Chamber introduced us to the Queen Alexandra Charity, right here in Birmingham.

“We spent a great day with their senior leaders, testing not just promotional messages, but the kind of interviews you need to do in a crisis, when something has gone wrong and you need to get your side of the story across.”