Role: Managing Director
Company: Barry Turley PR And Public Affairs
Track Record:
TRACK RECORD
“I’m in my mid 40s and like everyone else in my generation, I was born in a Northern Ireland where the Troubles blighted every facet of life. Having been a journalist for 15 years, and then having had the privilege of working as SDLP Communications Director in the late 90s and early 2000s during the talks process, I’ve seen up close how much our society has changed. While I’m no longer involved in the SDLP, I now work across all the parties as a lobbyist and PR consultant.
“I run my own consultancy which specialises in integrated Public Affairs and PR. My work is hugely varied, but typically involves helping organisations, charities and businesses connect with the Northern Ireland Assembly, and bringing their issues to the public’s attention through the media. Among my clients are Momentum – the voice of the Digital sector, Action Mental Health, Ulster Hockey, Join In Local Sport, SDC Trailers, the Denroy Group, John Thompson and sons, the Stroke Association, Napp Pharmaceutical, and CAUSE – the mental health carers’ charity,” said Barry.
06.45
Most days begin with the sound of Good Morning Ulster, followed shortly thereafter by our 5 year old, Theo climbing into our bed for a morning cuddle.
After that, now that summer is over and the children are back to school, it’s up and into the fray of getting three boys under the age of 9 ready for school, fed and out the door. Between locating stray socks and retrieving PE bags, it’s frenetic to say the least!
After that I’ve recently begun going to the gym for an early morning workout, so I’m often there by 8 and away by 8.45.
9.00
The great thing about my business is that no two days are ever the same.
As a lobbyist, I’ll often hold a breakfast meeting with members of the Assembly Health Committee on issues as diverse as stroke prevention or mental health service provision, and then move onto a range of different meetings or events with clients.
Currently I’m working on a sectoral development strategy with Momentum, the voice of the Digital sector, where we’ve recently staged a Digital Summit, which brought together all of the relevant stakeholders across government, education, and the industry itself sign up to a plan which can help create 20,000 jobs over the next 5 to 10 years.
Without any doubt it was the most complex and ambitious project I’ve ever been involved in, bringing 6 Executive Ministers to the table, and taking the plans we have put forward significantly along the road.
If I’m honest though, the biggest thrill I’ve had since starting my own consultancy was the opportunity to do the PR and public affairs around last years’ visit by Manchester United to Belfast for the Harry Gregg testimonial. Spending the day with the team, and meeting Sir Alex Ferguson was an incredible honour for me, as I’ve been a Manchester Utd fan since 1975! It’s a day I’ll never forget.
12.30
As press officer for Bredagh GAC, I’ll often spend 15 minutes over lunchtime updating the website, or checking if anything needs to go to the local newspapers from the on-going Gaelic games calendar.
I’ve been press officer for 3 years, and am coming to the end of my tenure as PRO, but I’ve loved every minute of my involvement with such a dynamic and forward looking club.
1.30
I do a huge amount of work in the health field, and in particular, in the mental health area. Action Mental Health is the Assembly charity of the year and we’ve had considerable success this year raising the profile of mental health as an issue with MLAs and their staff.
I’m also writing a manifesto for the carers of people with mental health problems, for the charity CAUSE.
Recently I’ve hosted a series of evening events aimed at bringing mental health carers together so that I can understand the pressures they live under, and start to give them a voice in their communication with government.
3.30
If a client is launching a policy document or holding an event, I’ll spend a lot of time liaising with journalists or news desks, to ensure that press releases have reached them, or photographs have hit the picture desks on time.
5.30
I’m usually home around tea time, and it’s straight into the joyous chaos that is early evening.
My wife Marcella is usually juggling homework, the evening meal (where I usually say ‘Eat your dinner’ 27 times)and football strips, hurling, cub scouts or whatever else is crammed into the weekly schedule. Three boisterous boys mean home life is always noisy.
I always try to put the boys to bed at night, so teeth are brushed, faces washed and stories are read.
At the moment I’m reading them The Silver Sword by Ian Serrailier which is going down very well. It’s a special time, reading to the boys, one which I cherish, knowing that these days will pass when adolescence hits a few short years from now.
It’s my special time with them, before hugs and sleep time.
8.30
Once the boys are down, I make the school lunches, and then will often catch up on e-mails or any outstanding bits of work which need attending to.
I watch very little television so I’ll wind down by reading about Manchester United on the internet, catching up on American political blogs and chatting to Marcella about the day, the boys and the hundred and two things which we need to get done tomorrow.
Life is busy and hugely enjoyable. I’m very lucky.