'Working in PR gives you special access to people and information'

In this edition of our CIPR member spotlight series, we speak to Sanina Kaur, a Worcestershire-based public relations professional of more than 20 years and a director of SK Copy Co.

What does your current role involve?
I've been running my own business, SK Copy Co, for the last 10 years. During this time, I've helped countless sector-wide businesses of all sizes raise their industry profile.

In a nutshell, I help B2B and B2C organisations stand out from their competitors, convert prospects into leads and turn existing customers into loyal brand ambassadors - all via tailored content marketing and PR strategy support. Some days, you'll find me developing PR strategies and synopses, other days, I'm writing targeted email campaigns and annual reports and pitching to trade media titles.

And when I'm not working on PR or content marketing campaigns, I'm writing awards entries as part of my Awards Clinic offering, which has a 90+% success rate and rising!

What do you love most about working in public relations?
The opportunity to work with and meet so many different people. I'm a real people person; I think it's because my career started at the age of 17 in bustling newsrooms.

After spending six years in journalism, I went to work in the equally busy corporate comms and PR agency teams where I was always surrounded by lots of people and there were always conversations taking place all around me. Working in PR gives you 'special' access to people and information.

I've lost count how many times I've been able to interview CEOs and MDs of major organisations, speak to specialist teams all over the world, and be a trusted partner, working behind the scenes on campaigns and announcements before they break.

What's been the highlight of your career so far?
Setting up my own business, SK Copy Co, seeing it succeed from day one and survive a pandemic-shaped challenge! Running your own business is extremely hard work. But when you're generating results for clients, and knowing it's because of you and you alone that they're appearing in the right places at the right time and getting noticed by the right people, it's incredibly rewarding.

How long have you been a CIPR member and what made you join?
For the last six years. Being a CIPR member is a sign you're a true PR professional.

How does the CIPR support your career?
The training is invaluable. I always try to attend two to three workshops/classes a year in areas where I feel I need to brush up on my skills or learn about something new. Because the training is delivered to CIPR's standards, I know that I'm completing training that's respected and recognised in the wider world, which is extremely important to me.

Best piece of career advice you’ve been given?
Get mentoring support. This was something I discovered back in my corporate comms days. While I didn't manage to find a mentor back then, the benefits of mentoring were on my radar. That's why, when I set up my business, I decided that becoming a professional mentor was something I wanted to get involved in. I've been a member of Birmingham City University's professional mentoring programme for the last six years now, it's such a rewarding thing to do.

Find out more about joining the CIPR

Take the next step in your PR career and become a member. The CIPR is a supportive and inclusive community where everyone can connect, thrive and grow. Join the CIPR today.

'Working in PR gives you special access to people and information'

Find out more about joining the CIPR

Read more interviews with CIPR members