Clare Gray
An interview with Mackman Group’s PR Officer Clare Gray
Q. What is your working background?
A. Prior to moving to Suffolk in 2005, I worked for a number of publishing companies in London. I was involved in the whole publishing process from commissioning writers, illustrators and designers right through to seeing the finished product on the shelf. Since I’ve been living in Sudbury I’ve worked as a freelance publisher and have carried out a fair amount of ghost-writing projects.
Q. What is it like working at Mackman?
A. Prior to joining Mackman, I worked alone from home, so it has been nice to work as part of a team where everyone pulls together. There’s a very pleasant atmosphere here and everyone has a lot of respect for each other. There’s a definite feeling that everyone is doing the best they can for our clients.
Q. What do you see as the primary goal of PR?
A. It’s about building and maintaining a positive awareness out there. For example, if we are representing a restaurant, we want to ensure that people think of that restaurant first when they go out to eat. Maintaining this level of profile can be a subtle process and one that you have to constantly feed.
Q. What media do you use?
A. If I buy a national newspaper I usually get the The Times because it is well-written and authoritative. I listen to Radio 4, watch Question Time, am slightly addicted to Facebook and, thanks to my step son, listen to lot of EuroPop. I also read all the local newspapers, as in a lot of ways, they are the most important publications in rural areas.
Q. Have you ever suffered from writers’ block?
A. Yes, it does happen from time to time. To get over it, I try and do something completely different like make a cup of tea or call someone about a different job. Meanwhile, I can work out the initial problem in another part of my brain.
Q. How do you spend your time away from work?
A. When I’m not running about after children, I like to get out into the beautiful Suffolk countryside we have on our doorsteps. I love walking and camping, and have recently got into rowing along the River Stour. Babysitters permitting, I try to get out to the theatre or cinema when I can.
Q. What are your passions?
A. I’m a big fan of literature and enjoy reading quality writing and discovering new writers. I also get a huge buzz from talking to creative people and exchanging ideas .
Q. What are your future goals?
A. As the media and technology is changing so quickly, I’m keen to develop my PR expertise in line with these developments. Personally, I simply want to keep learning more about life, watch my children blossom and to stay happy.