I am Tim Blanchard, a communications and PR professional with 27 years of experience. I’m a trained journalist who excels at translating academic and technical outputs into engaging content, and I have a track record of developing and managing complex content projects. I’ve led international PR campaigns and built strong media and stakeholder relationships, with a focus on clear messaging and practical results. Since 2014 I’ve worked as a freelance communications consultant/writer, devising proactive PR and communications programmes for universities and HR clients (including Cranfield University, The Open University, Lancaster University and Lancaster University Management School, University of Bradford, Loughborough University, CMP, and the Employee Assistance Professionals Association). I specialise in thought leadership writing, content development (web material, reports, vodcasts and podcasts), media relations, stakeholder relations and public affairs.

Tim Blanchard

I am Tim Blanchard, a communications and PR professional with 27 years of experience. I’m a trained journalist who excels at translating academic and technical outputs into engaging content, and I have a track record of developing and managing complex content projects. I’ve led international PR campaigns and built strong media and stakeholder relationships, with a focus on clear messaging and practical results. Since 2014 I’ve worked as a freelance communications consultant/writer, devising proactive PR and communications programmes for universities and HR clients (including Cranfield University, The Open University, Lancaster University and Lancaster University Management School, University of Bradford, Loughborough University, CMP, and the Employee Assistance Professionals Association). I specialise in thought leadership writing, content development (web material, reports, vodcasts and podcasts), media relations, stakeholder relations and public affairs.

Available to hire

I am Tim Blanchard, a communications and PR professional with 27 years of experience. I’m a trained journalist who excels at translating academic and technical outputs into engaging content, and I have a track record of developing and managing complex content projects. I’ve led international PR campaigns and built strong media and stakeholder relationships, with a focus on clear messaging and practical results.

Since 2014 I’ve worked as a freelance communications consultant/writer, devising proactive PR and communications programmes for universities and HR clients (including Cranfield University, The Open University, Lancaster University and Lancaster University Management School, University of Bradford, Loughborough University, CMP, and the Employee Assistance Professionals Association). I specialise in thought leadership writing, content development (web material, reports, vodcasts and podcasts), media relations, stakeholder relations and public affairs.

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Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Communications Consultant/Writer at Self-employed
January 1, 2014 - Present
Devising proactive PR and communications programmes to meet organisational objectives for university and HR clients; delivering communications strategy and messaging; writing thought leadership articles for academics and business thinkers; content development (web material, reports, vodcasts and podcasts); media relations; stakeholder relations; public affairs.
Principal Consultant at Communications Management
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2014
Development of strategy and delivery of national reputation programmes for a range of high-profile Higher Education and schools sector institutions, with a focus on profile-raising for senior management and experts; researching and writing articles, blogs and web content; delivering media relations, crisis communications planning and delivery; stakeholder relationship management; web content management; social media development; client team leadership; new business development.
PR Manager at University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2007
Initiated and set up a national and international media relations network in more than 20 countries; managed PR agencies and consultants; responsibility for news and publications content and internal communications for international audiences; regional partnerships with business development/marketing teams by region.
Head of Media Relations at Omobono
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2006
Management of media relations operation, establishing processes and managing freelance support; led high-profile campaigns (e.g., Space for Ideas for the East of England Development Agency) and contributed to the Destination Growth conference for regional SMEs.
Senior Consultant at Communications Management
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2004
Managed and delivered strategic reputation programmes, leading to expanded business from clients such as Roche Pharmaceuticals, University of Cambridge, Henley Management College, Lancaster University, and the Institute for Employment Studies; client lead for HE/business school clients; research and writing for articles, blogs and web content; media relations; crisis planning; stakeholder management; web content management; liaising with in-house marketing teams.
Publishing Editor at Hobsons
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2002
Developed and managed editorial content for a suite of high-profile publications for the British Council's Education UK campaign (worth over £3 million in annual revenue); devised and developed new publications as revenue-generating platforms; served as marketplace ambassador.
Senior Account Executive at Communications Management
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 2000
Managed and delivered strategic reputation programmes; expanded client base including Roche; led editorial and content development; client liaison and project delivery.
Account Executive at Marbles PR
January 1, 1996 - December 31, 1996
Technology PR, including work for US Netscape and other data warehousing technology providers.
Reporter at Cambridge Evening News
January 1, 1995 - January 1, 1996
News reporting and feature writing.
Reporter at Milton Keynes Herald & Post
January 1, 1988 - January 1, 1990
News reporting and feature writing.

Education

MA Modern History (Distinction) at University of York
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1994
BA (Hons) History and English (2.1) at West Sussex Institute of Higher Education
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1993
O-levels/A-levels at Sandy Upper School
January 1, 1983 - January 1, 1988

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Government, Other