We brought in Phil Smith Communications to provide in-depth media training for some of our key academics. This was aimed at helping them to understand the value of working with journalists and to give them the confidence to engage with the media. The feedback from the sessions was overwhelmingly positive and several of those who took part have already started working with the PR team more to raise their media profile. Phil was great to work with and at ease with the academics. He had the right approach and knowledge to encourage the participants, giving them the skills needed to handle interviews confidently. And most importantly for us, to get them to see the value in engaging with the media. We would certainly recommend Phil and will be booking him in for further training sessions.

Judy Wing, PR and External Communications Lead, Loughborough University

I was one of the academics who undertook media training with Phil Smith Communications. I found Phil’s training to be informed and encouraging. He facilitated the group to be supportive whilst being constructively critical, allowing us to develop our skills in media. The session allowed us time to focus in specific areas and reflect on how we could impact in the media through our specialisms.

Dr Nicola Bateman, former Associate Professor in Operations Management, School of Business & Economics, Loughborough University

Phil Smith Communications provided media training to develop our understanding of working with the media. Phil clearly had an exceptionally good understanding of the specialised field in which we operate and had tailored his training to meet our quite specific needs. We genuinely felt that Phil took the time to understand our requirements and had invested time in creating something bespoke to our needs and reflecting on our current media presence. Phil’s training was interactive, purposeful and engaging and promoted critical thinking among the team to help us reflect on our strengths and identify next steps in order to move forward. We now have a very clear idea of how we can maximise all of the opportunities presented to us. We would recommend Phil’s services without reservation.

Emma Hollis, Chief Executive, National Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers

Phil Smith Communications’ media training for the Inspiring Futures Through Learning multi-academy trust gave me time to think and develop my knowledge and understanding about the media and the messages we portray. I became more confident to deal with questions that I might be asked and learnt to take a moment to consider and keep the narrative moving the way I want it to rather than allow myself to be deflected. The next day I spoke at a national conference and felt immediately confident about the messages I was delivering. I found Phil to be encouraging yet challenging. He guided me to reflect on the things I do well and the things to think about. Phil was knowledgeable and it was particularly helpful that he was knowledgeable about the education sector. I would recommend Phil to others who are interested in developing their understanding of PR and brand perception.

Sarah Hand, Head of System Leadership, Inspiring Futures Through Learning

I worked with Phil Smith Communications to deliver a briefing workshop for around 30 creative and marketing professionals including internal clients, account managers and creative teams. Following a period of change in the ways we worked this workshop was designed to get a shared understanding of what makes a good brief. In preparation for the workshop Phil spent time working with us to really understand the background and culture of our organisation to make sure the training was tailored to what we needed. For the workshop itself Phil was a professional, confident and engaging presenter using a mix of techniques to keep the group engaged throughout the day. We covered skills such as objective-setting, effective questioning, active listening, negotiation skills and assertiveness. Since the workshop we have gone on to develop a new template for taking a creative brief at the RSPB which is giving us better clarity on pulling out the right information to enable our creative teams to deliver really impactful communications.

Hannah Ranson, Head of Communications Operations, RSPB

As an Associate Lecturer, Phil Smith co-ordinated and delivered a Level 1 BA Communications and Public Relations module at the University of Lincoln from 2015-2020. Throughout this time his commitment has never been less than first class and his diligence and undoubted professionalism has been clearly demonstrated during his work with the University. Students have also found his expertise both informative and elucidating which has been especially effective in introducing the subject of PR to our undergraduates. Accordingly, I would have no hesitation whatsoever in fully commending his work and have been duly impressed with his contemporary and informative approach to the subject.

Alex Lewczuk, Programme Leader, BA (Hons) Communications and Public Relations, University of Lincoln