Portfolio

During the course of my 12-year communications career, I have amassed a wealth of experience in a range of different sectors, from lifestyle and sport to finance and B2B; representing some of the world’s best known brands.

My portfolio of work includes the development and production of seasonal PR toolkits for global use, copy to support major product launches and activity at international events, including the London 2012 Olympic Games.

In February 2017, I took up my current role of Senior Content Creative at Worcestershire County Council. Managing a six-strong dedicated content team, I am responsible for the council’s social media, digital and video content, whilst also leading a wide range of PR and marketing briefs within the wider communications team.

The examples below comprise work I’ve completed in my previous roles at Global Radio, Gung Ho Communications and Citypress.

You can find more of my writing on my two blogs that I occasionally get round to updating: www.thomastparker.com, and www.sleepyswimmer.com.

Examples of work:
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As part of Citypress’ brief as the trade communications agency for Coca-Cola European Partners, I managed the demanding process of producing its submissions for major product features in the grocery, convenience shopping and on-trade press. I also played a full role in communicating the launch of major products, including glaceau smartwater and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar.

Downloads:

Feature article outlining how wholesalers can capitalise on Halloween and Bonfire Night (PDF)

Predominantly writing on behalf of the Lloyds Bank’s SME team, whilst producing copy for its Mid-Markets and Key Markets operations, my work comprised a wide range of projects, taking in everything from customer case studies, colleague appointment announcements and the publication of major reports, such as the Lloyds Bank Healthcare Confidence Index. I also have extensive experience of preparing expert voice opinion pieces that are attributed to senior bank management.

Downloads:

Lloyds Bank Healthcare Confidence Index 2016 (PDF)
Comment piece about cybercrime (PDF)

As part of my previous full-time role with Gung Ho Communications, the retained global PR agency of Speedo International, I was fortunate to work with the world’s leading swimwear brand on a host of major projects.

These included the production of press assets, guidelines and seasonal PR toolkits to over 170 international markets, crisis management and brand reputation, running of the international press office, the creation and implementation of central brand campaigns, and event management, including the global launch of the Fastskin3 Racing System, and PR and sports marketing support in relation to events such as the FINA World Championships and the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Downloads:

Speedo Fastskin LZR Racer Elite 2 Press Release (PDF)
‘Get Speedo Fit’ Swimming Programme (PDF)

Again working with Gung Ho, the UK PR agency for New Balance, I was tasked with the production of seasonal press releases and assets for the athletics brand’s comprehensive performance and lifestyle collections, as well as its major national campaigns.

This included the 2012 celebration of the brand’s 30th anniversary of UK manufacturing, as well as involvement in New Balance’s major pre-Olympic campaign, ‘The British Miler’, and the launch of the brand’s sponsorship of the Irish Athletics team.

Downloads:

New Balance and Athletics Ireland sponsorship announcement (PDF)
New Balance Minimus Product Tech Sheet and Press Release (PDF)

Gung Ho worked with Canterbury as it announced its sponsorship of the England team in 2012. As part of the team working with the leading rugby brand, I produced the full press pack to support the unveiling of the new partnership and, of course, the new England kits. Additionally, I was part of the event management team for each kit launch, and was tasked with the responsibility of writing scripts for the compere and spokespeople as the kits were unveiled to the media. We again worked with the brand in 2013, as new home and alternate kits were unveiled ahead of the QBE Internationals series.

Downloads:
England Is All Campaign Press Release, 2013 (PDF)
England Kit Factsheet, 2013 (PDF)
Unsung Heroes Biography (PDF)

Gung Ho worked with the Library of Birmingham to handle PR for the initial planning and construction phase of Europe’s largest public library. Between 2010 and 2011, I produced a wealth of copy to support the project, ranging from community engagement projects, Library newsletters and blogs, profiles of stakeholders and ambassadors, key messages and Q&As, as well as press packs to support major project milestones, including the launch of 3D renderings of the Library, and the visit of Prime Minister David Cameron to the site.

Downloads:
Community Engagement activity press release (PDF)
‘Rewriting The Book’ launch press release (PDF)
Faces of The Library of Birmingham profiles (PDF)

In almost four years as website editor for Heart FM’s stations in the West Midlands and East Midlands, I was primarily responsible for online editorial content, producing feature and promotional articles generally aimed at Heart’s female 30-39 target listenership. I also wrote a wealth of promotional copy, press releases and marketing material, and was the ghostwriter for a number of the stations’ newspaper and magazine columns.