London Borough of Hillingdon head of communications David Holdstock was named in-house professional of the year at last week's PRCA Awards 2009, held at the London Marriott, Grosvenor Square. Holdstock was recognised for the outstanding contribution he has made in the field of public relations, including his recent work as LG Communications chairman.
Bournemouth Council's communications department could face cuts of £68,500 after the council's overview and scrutiny management panel made recommendations in a special meeting. The plans include losing one full-time member of staff in 2011/12, getting rid of the twice-yearly A-Z of council services, and using email to communicate with staff instead of the staff magazine. The council's cabinet will have the final say on the recommendations.
Kindred managing director Laura Oliphant has advised agency staff to ask graduates for their perceptions of the public. 'Your graduates will think differently, because they are fundamentally different from you. They aren't constrained by the baggage of experience or wedded to the tried and tested,' writes Oliphant. For the full opinion article, visit prweek.com/uk.
The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has revealed vast differences in the amount of time British councils take to pay their suppliers. Using the Freedom of Information Act, the FPB asked local authorities across the UK how quickly they pay firms that provide them with goods and services. The research was timed to come a year after the Government urged town halls to settle invoices within ten days, but there are still 'massive variations', according to the FPB.
