CIPR

Tom Bowden-Green studied English at Exeter University and worked as the South West college rep for Sony Music (now Sony BMG). After work experience in a wide variety of in-house marketing departments and national magazines, he began a career in PR at Grayling in Bristol in 2002.

He has served on the CIPR West of England committee since 2003, chairing the committee in 2009, running the successful Communicator's Conference in 2008 and launching the 'Traverse-Healy Forum' series of lectures. Tom lectured at universities in the region and ran the CIPR Diploma in Bristol between 2007 and 2009, teaching all modules and acting as examiner to several other regions.

He holds a CIPR Advanced Certificate (Merit), CIPR Diploma (Merit) and is currently studying for an MSc in Corporate Communications at Leeds Metropolitan University.

What is your current role and what sort of businesses are you working with?

I am a member of the senior management team in Grayling's Bristol office, and head up a wide variety of B2B and community relations accounts. Current clients include Burges Salmon, Frazer-Nash Consultancy and National Grid.

Describe the PR industry in the South West?

It's a very healthy scene, with a mix of large consultancies (such as Grayling) and smaller independents. Through the CIPR and PRCA there is a real sense of 'community' and a desire to establish the region as a real hub for the industry. It's a competitive market though, which helps ensure that the region is itself is competitive and progressive.

Have you always lived in the region?

No. I grew up in Worcestershire. I went to university in the South West and knew Bristol well through my work for Sony. When I left university I knew that I wanted to work in PR and Bristol was clearly a hub for the PR industry in the region. I've been here now for eight years.

What do you feel is the biggest misconception about the region?

That its economic success is of secondary importance.

What are its selling points?

A healthy and diverse economy, coupled with a unique mix of creative talent.

What can you do in the South West that you can't do anywhere else in the UK?

Work for the world's second-largest independent PR consultancy to the sound of seagulls overhead.

Three words to describe the South West?

Innovative, competitive, understated.

In January 2010, Grayling announced it had merged globally with sister agencies Trimedia and MMD. As a result Grayling is now able to offer solutions in a wide range of disciplines including public affairs, investor relations, digital media and events, as well as traditional public relations work.