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New media training programme targets manufacturing issues

PR specialist highlights need for plant managers to improve their communications skills – before the TV crew is at the factory gate

A new media training programme designed to help plant and human resources (HR) managers successfully handle press interviews has been developed by specialist automotive and manufacturing PR agency Market Engineering. As well as traditional areas of media training, the programme covers how to handle issues such as plant closures, redundancies and strikes.

"When difficult issues arise, plant and HR managers can find themselves in the front line of media enquiries," said agency director Richard Gotch. "They are the local face of the company and have an in-depth knowledge of the relevant issues. This makes them an excellent choice as spokesperson, but they must approach the interview in the correct way, working with the PR function to understand the perspectives of all the relevant audiences and deliver key messages clearly.

"Local management can be very well received by the press. Having questions answered by someone actually involved with the issue shows a deeper level of concern than flying in an un-known spokesperson, which might not be possible anyway. My advice to factory managers is: don’t wait until the TV crew is outside. Prepare now, talk to your PR specialists and organise some training."

The Market Engineering course can be tailored to individual company requirements, selecting from modules that explain how the press work, how to get your message across, preparing for different plant-related issues and how to deal with different types of interview. Other subjects, such as community relations and enhancing recruitment, can be provided if required.

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