Media Training from Manchester.

I run media training in Manchester, across the UK and Europe, and online.

There are two different problems people ring me about. They need different days.

Which one do you need?

“We can’t get coverage”

You’re doing good work and nobody is picking it up. Your releases go into a void. You are not certain whether the problem is the story, the timing, the target or the pitch, which makes it hard to fix.

“We get coverage, and it goes badly”

You can land the interview. Then your chief executive freezes, or waffles, or answers a question nobody asked, and you spend the next week wishing they hadn't.

NOT SURE WHICH? BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION NOW

Why me?

I spent more than 20 years at the BBC. Over a decade at Radio 5 live, three editing the BBC's live world business radio output. I still make programmes and read the news for the BBC.

That means two things:

* I was the person deciding which stories made it on air and which contributors got asked back, which is the useful half of the job to have done.

* And I am still doing it, so what I teach is current rather than remembered.

“James taught me the difference between a good story and a great story… he would make a great mentor or coach to anyone looking to sharpen their skills in broadcasting, content or any area of media."”

— Alex Bell, now PR & Content Manager, Inked PR

What every session includes

  • A video call first, to work out what you actually need

  • A written proposal, so you know what you are buying before you commit

  • Recordings of everything you do on the day

  • A written summary afterwards, with what to work on

Where I work

  • I’m based in Manchester, UK

  • I will work anywhere in the UK

  • I’m happy to travel across Europe and further beyond

  • Online sessions are available

  • Travel outside Greater Manchester is charged at cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Usually it means preparing spokespeople to handle interviews, which is what I call interview coaching. It is sometimes also used to mean teaching a team how to get coverage in the first place, which I call communications training. They are different days and different skills, so it is worth being clear which you need.

  • If you cannot get coverage, communications training. If you get coverage and it goes badly, interview coaching. If both, start with interview coaching, because getting more attention while your spokespeople are unprepared makes things worse rather than better.

  • Four to six works best. Everyone gets enough time actually doing it rather than watching. Larger groups are possible with a second trainer.

  • All my packages are bespoke. That means there is no standard fee - it depends entirely on what you need.

    But you want an idea, right? Well…to give you a guideline, for a standard session delivered by me to 4-6 people for a communications consultancy I’d be looking at approximately £3000 + Travel.

    I have different rates for charities and non-profits - and will adapt to fit your budget.

    Getting started is simple. Reach out through the contact form or schedule a call—I’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • Anywhere in the UK or Europe, charged at cost. I also deliver online, which works for teams split across offices or countries.

  • Depends on what kind of training you need! We have access to studios in which you can train in Manchester; or we can travel to you & set up a remote studio.