10 Minutes with… Louise Read, Saltwater Communications

We have, over the last two years featured people who are or have been involved in some form of powerboat racing. The time has arrived to give others a chance and what better way to start than someone who spends their day, promoting other people products, the Public Relations personnel. Saltwater Communications, founded by Clive and Georgina Bartlett, is one of Britain’s leading PR and Advertising agencies that specialise in the marine market. Louise Read is Senior Account Executive with Saltwater Communications and she gives us an insight into the tasks carried out by Saltwater.

WOP: WHEN YOU WERE LOOKING AT A CAREER, WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE PR.

I was originally looking at a career in art and design, but the deeper I looked into my options and the possibilities available from a creative aspect, I felt that PR would be more suited to my particular skills and strengths. PR is an incredibly diverse field and would appeal to anyone who doesn’t shy away from the everyday challenges, whether you’re packing up press kits, meeting tight editorial deadlines, or managing press events you need to stay calm and focused.

WOP: FOR ANYONE ABOUT TO LEAVE SCHOOL AND SEE MARINE PR AS AN INTERESTING AND EXCITING CAREER, WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU REQUIRE.

For anyone leaving school and see marine PR as an interesting and exciting career path, you do not need any compulsory qualifications but due to the competitive nature of the PR industry, I chose to study for a BA (Hons) Degree in Public Relations to get a broader understanding of what’s involved as well as learn the fundamentals about marketing, public affairs, law and various other overlapping areas of expertise. If you choose to study PR first, I would recommend researching sandwich courses that include a 40 week work placement. Whilst this could be unpaid or low pay, if you’re able to take the time out of a higher income I personally felt it beneficial for developing my skills. It’s also a great taster to see if it’s really what you want to do. English, journalism and business related qualifications are also beneficial. Likewise, if you have the written and communication skills then a job in PR may be for you. If you’re not looking to study, then experience in media or marketing roles can help to enter into PR and indeed a background in the marine industry itself, if you’re looking at marine PR specifically. There are various agencies in the UK that specialise in marine PR.

WOP: DID YOU GO TO UNIVERSITY TO GAIN YOUR BA OR IS THERE AN EASIER WAY.

I went to University to study my BA (Hons) degree.

WOP: WHAT PART OF THE JOB DO YOU PREFER, GETTING OUT AND ABOUT OR WRITING PRESS RELEASES.

This is a difficult question to answer, as a large part of the job is writing, which I really enjoy, but it’s also important to get outdoors and get involved at regattas, boat shows and sea trials. A combination of office and outdoors makes for a really interesting and balanced career in marine PR.

WOP: IF YOU WERE NOT IN PR WHAT OTHER JOB WOULD YOU LIKE.

I have an appreciation for art, having studied it at college, although I quickly became aware that the written word is more for me. I’ve been working in PR since I left University and it’s something that I chose to do, but if I was unable to, I would probably have tried at being a dance teacher.

WOP: WHAT HOBBIES DO YOU HAVE.

I haven’t had much time for hobbies recently as any spare time I do have is spent doing up my house, however, when I’ve got the time I really enjoy attending dance classes – anything from Latin to Bollywood.

WOP: WHAT ARE THE BEST OF YOUR JOB.

The best bit of my job is the variety; quite simply every day is different. I could be handling press enquiries and writing copy in the office on Monday and then doing a factory tour and boat sea trials throughout the rest of the week.

WOP: WHAT ARE THE WORST PARTS OF BEING IN PR

PR is often considered to be glamour and parties, but in reality you need to be hardworking and dedicated – the long hours are most likely spent in the office! Don’t get me wrong, PR is an exciting job and there’s a lot of opportunity for socialising and networking, but you need to get the balance.

WOP: DO YOU PREFER YACHTING OR POWERBOATS.

Whilst I didn’t join the industry with a background in boating, I love being out on the water and quickly saw the appeal to the lifestyle; I crave the freedom that sailing gives me and the team spirit when racing, but equally enjoy the thrills of powerboating.

WOP: SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN IN PR, DO YOU HAVE AN EMBARRASSING MOMENT.

Yes I have had embarrassing moments on several occasions, but I soon learnt to wear the right shoes for the job. Well actually…

WOP: IF YOU WERE GIVEN UNLIMITED FUNDS HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE THE WORLD.

There’s obviously a lot of causes that I would support, but a personal quest for me would be to tackle homelessness.