What actually is PR? Why it matters and how to make it work for you

Most businesses know they should be "doing PR" but not so many understand what PR really is, how it differs from marketing, and how to use PR to effectively support business goals.

In this interactive two-hour workshop, led by Isle of Man-based PR consultant Kirstie Nickson Chart.PR, you'll learn exactly what strategic PR looks like and how it can help build reputation, increase trust, attract new opportunities and support your business's growth.

Through practical exercises, real-life examples and group discussion, you'll learn:

• What PR actually is (and isn't)
• The difference between PR, marketing and advertising
• How to align your PR activity with your business goals
• How to identify and secure PR opportunities for your organsiation

Whether you're a business owner, marketing professional, charity leader or a start-up founder, you'll leave with a clearer understanding of the importance of PR, its role in your organisation's success and practical ideas you can put into action straight away.

Who's it for?

This workshop is suitable for:

• Business founders who want to understand more about PR, its role in the business and gain practical tips for their organisation;
• In-house marketing teams who want to upskill in the area of strategic PR;
• Charities and smaller organisations who want to be more visible but don't have the resource/budget to outsource to a PR agency

About the host

This workshop is hosted by Kirstie Nickson Chart.PR, Co-Founder and Director of Sidekick, a PR consultancy that helps organisations build trust, protect reputation and achieve measurable business outcomes through strategic public relations.

Manx-born and bred, Kirstie returned to the Isle of Man in 2022 after building a career spanning almost 20 years at PR agencies in Sheffield, working with organisations across the UK and Europe, from ambitious SMEs to international brands operating in sectors including hospitality, healthcare, professional services, leisure, education and the third sector.

As the Isle of Man's first and only CIPR Chartered PR Practitioner to date, Kirstie brings a unique combination of internationally recognised professional standards and real-world agency experience.

Founded in 2016 by Kirstie, Charlotte Dimond FCIPR Chart.PR and Eve Worthington, Sidekick PR is known for combining strategic thinking with practical delivery, helping clients achieve their business goals through reputational management and effective communication.

Now based in Ramsey, Kirstie is excited to bring Sidekick PR's expertise to the local business community through the agency's first public workshop on the Island, helping organisations better understand how PR can support growth, reputation and long-term success.