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Following a creative and collaborative inaugural event, I’m running the second in my series of small group all-day in-person PR workshops for small business owners on 4 July, and I’d love to see some BCI members there!

BOOKED IN A DAY 🎉

📅 Friday 4 July 2025, 10am – 4pm
📍 Tobacco Factory, Bristol
đŸŽŸïž Only 6 spaces (4 left)
🔗 Details + tix: https://bridiehinson.co.uk/bristol-pr-workshop 

Designed for small business owners, I’ll help you reach more people with your mission and message, build trust, and put yourself forward for new opportunities.

It’s a chance to learn how to position yourself, craft key messages and stories, and pitch for opportunities such as guest podcasts, guest workshops, speaking gigs, press features, collaborations, partnerships and more!

You’ll gain skills, confidence and resources to promote yourself beyond social media 🎉

The day will be informative and interactive with time to action the learnings during the workshop itself, you’ll also get mini 1:1s with me and peer support in a small group (around 6)👌

You’ll leave with:
💎 what you do, your expertise, and experience shaped into PR hooks and stories
💡 exciting ideas to promote your business beyond social media
đŸ’Ș confidence to put yourself out there and pitch

Abi said: “Booked in a Day was just amazing. Bridie’s expert advice combined with the networking and peer support was the best. I feel so inspired and energised from the day. I would highly recommend it.”

Morin said: “Booked in a Day was transformative. It expanded my understanding of where my voice belongs and needs to be heard. Having my ideas and approach validated by a PR expert has completely shifted how I feel about pitching myself and my expertise from ‘ick’ to ‘yay!’”

The event takes place on the top floor of Tobacco Factory with a spacious balcony and spectacular views 😍

BOOKED IN A DAY 🎉

📅 Friday 4 July 2025, 10am – 4pm
📍 Tobacco Factory, Bristol
đŸŽŸïž Only 6 spaces (4 left)
🔗 Details + tix: https://bridiehinson.co.uk/bristol-pr-workshop 

Walking through the halls of SXSW London this year, I couldn’t help but reflect on how dramatically the conversation has shifted since my last visit to the festival’s original Austin home in 2019. Back then, I was there with Funnel Music, the company I co-founded, and the industry was consumed with one word: copyright. Panel after panel dissected rights management, streaming royalties, and the complex web of music ownership in the digital age.

But here’s what struck me most about 2019 – while the conference rooms buzzed with legal debates, the real magic was happening in the venues. Acts like Fontaines D.C., Black Midi, and Squid were tearing up stages, creating sounds that felt genuinely revolutionary. These artists weren’t just following algorithms or trends; they were forging entirely new paths through raw creativity and human intuition.

Fast forward to SXSW London 2024, and the pendulum has swung dramatically. The dominant theme wasn’t copyright – it was AI. Every other session seemed to explore how artificial intelligence would reshape content creation, marketing strategies, and audience engagement. The enthusiasm was palpable, and admittedly, some of the possibilities are genuinely exciting.

Yet something felt missing. Where 2019 had those breakthrough musical moments that made you stop in your tracks, this year’s festival felt notably light on those serendipitous discoveries. Perhaps it’s coincidence, or perhaps there’s something deeper at play about how we’re approaching creativity in the age of AI.

The Homogenisation Risk

This shift from copyright concerns to AI fascination has me thinking deeply about our industry. As Director of Growth at Mostly Media – a top 50 independent media planning and buying company – I spend my days hearing our team’s strategies that cut through the noise to reach the right audiences with the right message at the right moment.

The promise of AI in media planning is undeniable. It can process vast datasets, identify patterns human analysts might miss, and optimise campaigns with impressive precision. But here’s the critical question we need to ask: if everyone has access to the same AI tools, analysing the same data pools, and following the same algorithmic recommendations, where does differentiation come from?

We’re at risk of creating an echo chamber of strategy. When every media planner is using similar AI models trained on similar datasets, we inevitably converge toward similar solutions. The nuanced understanding of brand voice, the intuitive grasp of cultural moments, the ability to spot emerging trends before they’re reflected in the data – these uniquely human capabilities become our competitive advantage.

The Human Edge in Media Planning

The best media planning has always been part science, part art. Yes, we need the data, the analytics, the performance metrics. But we also need the human insight that recognises when a TikTok trend is about to break mainstream or understands that a particular audience segment responds to authenticity over polish – or spots the cultural moment that makes a brand message resonate.

At Mostly Media, we’re embracing AI as a powerful tool, not a replacement for strategic thinking. We use it to surface insights, automate routine tasks, and optimise performance. But our value lies in the interpretation, the creative application, and the strategic direction that only comes from human experience and intuition.

Learning from the Music Industry

The contrast between those 2019 SXSW breakthrough acts and this year’s more muted musical landscape offers a valuable lesson. Fontaines D.C., Black Midi, and Squid didn’t emerge from algorithmic recommendations – they came from scenes, from human connections, from the kind of organic cultural movements that happen when creative people push boundaries without knowing exactly where they’re going.

Similarly, the most effective media strategies often come from understanding the human stories behind the data. It’s about recognising that behind every click, view, and engagement is a person with complex motivations, cultural context, and emotional needs that can’t be fully captured in a dataset.

Moving Forward

As we navigate this AI-powered future, the key is balance. We should absolutely leverage these powerful tools to enhance our capabilities and deliver better results for our clients – and in truth, we’re on an AI train which is not for turning. But we must resist the temptation to let AI think for us entirely.

The future belongs to those who can combine AI’s analytical power with human creativity, cultural insight, and strategic intuition. Those who can use technology to amplify their uniquely human abilities rather than replace them.

Just as those breakthrough artists at SXSW 2019 didn’t follow formulas but created something genuinely new, the most successful media strategies will come from planners who use AI as a springboard for innovation, not a crutch for conformity.

The question isn’t whether AI will transform our industry – it already is. The question is whether we’ll use it to become more human in our approach, or less.

 

🌿 Festival of Sustainable Business 2025: Unlocking Net Zero Growth in Bristol

The Festival of Sustainable Business returns to Bristol Beacon on 9–10 June 2025, offering a vital platform for businesses to drive action on climate and sustainability. Organised by Future Leap, this event features an energising Conference designed to inspire practical change, alongside a free Exhibition with over 70 organisations showcasing sustainable innovations.

Choose your ticket here

Don’t miss our session Engaging Across the Divide to Drive Impact interactive session will explore the tensions and polarities in climate action, offering strategies for listening, bridging divides, and fostering collaboration on Day One of the Programme.

From creative agencies to digital startups, FoSB offers the tools, connections, and inspiration to accelerate your sustainability journey. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your sustainability strategy, the Festival will help you explore realistic solutions that align with your values and goals.

đŸŒ± What to Expect

đŸŽ€ Conference Highlights

Explore the full programme here

Day One will cover:

Day Two is your chance to ‘Hear from the Horse’s Mouth’, directly from businesses who’ve been there—who’ve faced the challenges, made the changes, and are now reaping the rewards of sustainable transformation.

🔍 Free Exhibition

Explore a curated showcase of over 70 sustainability solutions, featuring innovative products and services from across the region. This exhibition is designed to connect you with the right knowledge and partners to support your business’s transition to net zero.

Opportunities to connect, learn, and lead are at the heart of the festival, making it a must-attend for businesses ready to make a meaningful impact in the South West and beyond.

đŸ€ Why Attend?

👉 Learn more and register at festivalofsustainablebusiness.co.uk

 

📍 Join Us in Bristol

As the green capital of the UK, Bristol is the perfect backdrop for this transformative event. FoSB is more than just a conference; it’s a movement towards a sustainable and resilient future. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this pivotal moment in business sustainability.

For more information and to register, visit the Festival of Sustainable Business website.

Weston College is proud to announce the launch of its brand-new T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production, starting this September. This exciting qualification is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience to thrive in the fast-moving creative and media industries. 

As part of our commitment to connecting education with industry, we are inviting local employers to two key events in partnership with Business West. These events will showcase our campus facilities, explain the structure of the T Level programme, and highlight how businesses can benefit from offering industry placements. 

Whether you’re a small business or a large organisation, the need for high-quality media content is growing and we have the talented learners who can support your goals. 

Learn more at our upcoming events: 

Workforce Ready: Media T Levels and the Future of Creative Talent
Wednesday 18 June 2025, 12:00 PM
Book your place here

Weston College Faculty Tour
Thursday 3 July 2025, 11:00 AM
Book your place here 

With every business increasingly relying on high-quality media; whether for digital marketing, brand storytelling or internal communications; Weston College is offering access to enthusiastic learners ready to make a real impact. 

“We believe this T Level will not only shape the future of the creative workforce but also provide immediate value to local businesses,” said Lynsey McKinstry, Partnership Manager.

Join us and discover how T Level learners can contribute to your business, while helping to shape the next generation of creative professionals. For further information, contact [email protected].

Project Management Bootcamp

This course is designed for people that are looking to upskill their staff and covers a wide range of topics to grow their skillsets, this includes:

Delivery Method: Face-to-face 10 Week Course (requiring day release one day each week), Bristol Training Institute

Start Date: 16th May 2025 or 7th November 2025

For employers wishing to upskill their employees, this course will be discounted by 70% (large employers contribute 30% of the cost of training with SME’s contributing 10% of the cost). (Eligibility criteria applies)

If there are people in your team you would like to upskill, please register your interest we can discuss dates, as well as next steps.
All enquires to come to [email protected] or 01934 411 796. 

On the evening of April 3rd, students from a range of fashion and creative courses at Weston College came together to showcase their talent at Elevate, a spectacular fashion show held in the Regency Suite on the Grand Pier.  This event gave learners the chance to present their work on a professional catwalk in front of friends, family, and the public.  Also, the £321 raised from ticket sales will be donated to Weston Hospicecare. 

The show featured collections and designs from A Level Fashion and Textiles students, Extended Diploma Fashion, Business and Retail students, and Fashion, Theatre, Special Effects and Media Make-Up students. Hair and makeup were also provided by learners from the HE Hair, Makeup, Prosthetics and Production course. We also had a range of volunteer models from across different subject areas, showcasing the amazing collaboration of the entire college.  

Each collection was the result of months of creativity, research, and technical skill, developing initial ideas, conducting visual and factual research, experimenting with illustrations and media, and refining their concepts before constructing their final garments in chosen fabrics.  

The Extended Diploma in Fashion, Business and Retail students explored themes such as Contrast, Refabrication, and Nostalgia, allowing for various interpretations and unique outcomes. Some examples include explorations of the architectural contrast within the National Trust’s Tyntesfield House, designs focused on the healing potential of flora, and investigations into the psychology of nostalgia through brain scans and synaptic imagery. Others took a more cultural approach, drawing on rock music from the 1970s to early 2000s.  

A Level Fashion and Textiles students brought an equally diverse range of ideas to life, exploring cultural heritage, mental health, and ethical issues in fashion. From intricate Sashiko-inspired patterns to visual critiques of the denim industry’s environmental impact, these students demonstrated powerful, individual visions that reflected deep personal engagement with their themes.  

The creativity didn’t stop at the garments. Students from the Extended Diploma in Fashion, Theatre, Special Effects and Media Make-Up created stunning looks that carried strong environmental messages. Their work responded to themes such as climate change, the ozone layer, California wildfires, and human impact on the planet—resulting in dramatic, thoughtful, and visually compelling headpieces and makeup designs.  

Pat Jones, Principal and CEO of Weston College, expressed her gratitude to both the students and the community for making this event possible, adding, “The Elevate Fashion Show was a true celebration—not just of the incredible creativity and talent of our fashion learners, but also of the community spirit that made it all possible.   

“Thanks must go to Michelle Michael and the team at the Grand Pier for so generously providing the Regency Suite free of charge, giving our students the unique opportunity to showcase their work in a truly professional setting. Thanks to this support, every ticket sold will go directly to Weston Hospicecare. We’re also grateful to St John’s Church for their kind loan of a lighting system that helped the show come to life. This event is a great example of what happens when education and community come together to lift up the next generation of creatives.”  

Elevate is a great example of how Weston College’s Career Excellence Hubs give our students the career-preparing opportunities to gain first-hand experience in presenting a collection within a professional setting, developing their confidence, communication skills, and understanding of the production and logistics behind a runway event. The evening also offered invaluable exposure to peers, industry professionals, and potential employers which is essential for anyone pursuing a future in fashion or performance industries.  

For many of the student models, walking the runway was a transformative experience. Stepping out of their comfort zones, they rose to the challenge with bravery and confidence, contributing to the energy and spirit of the event and supporting their peers on a night that celebrated creativity, courage, and collaboration.  Elevate was an amazing reflection of the talent and dedication of our Weston College students, enhanced by community to bring this event to life for a great cause.  

Well done to all our students who got involved in designing, creating, and modelling—this night wouldn’t have been possible without your efforts! Also, a big thank you to our fantastic Photography students: Harrison, Ethan, Cerys, Annabel, Taylor, Ellen, Toby, and Cameron for capturing the night perfectly! 

Our failures keep us humble. While basking in the sunset of a conference well-hosted last week, a shape appeared on the Bristol skyline as if to remind me that things didn’t always go so well…

It was an old foe, a silhouette of shame, the scene of my worst hosting nightmare many thousands of sunsets ago. I was a student at Bristol University, no more than 19 or 20. As the boffin of our student radio station (and the only one with a real bow tie), I was asked at the eleventh hour if I’d step-in as MC of a charity concert to be held at Clifton Cathedral. The time for rehearsal had passed, but the organisers had faith – and seemingly meticulous notes – so, surely, I’d be fine?

I’d actually been compĂšring concerts since secondary school and fine I was… until the star piece of the night, performed by a young child with the proverbial angel’s larynx. She was clearly accomplished and the audience was spellbound by her performance – I could see them from the wings, wide-eyed and visibly moved. As her last, long, lingering note faded away into the sugar-funnel roof of the cathedral, I waited for the inevitable applause to bridge my return to the stage… but applause there were none. I paused for a moment longer before spontaneously starting my own enthusiastic applause from the wings, hoping others would follow.

Still there was silence from within in the cathedral. The little girl looked over to me, flushed with embarrassment. I marched onto the stage to mount a rescue, still clapping (and now cheering) as I went, like something from Hi-De-Hi. As I did all I possibly could to whip the audience into the requisite frenzy, the girl calmly and professionally turned away from me… to carry on with her performance. The second movement of her piece…

More than two decades on, I revisit this horror of ill-judgement before every live event I host – and whenever else I need to bring myself to ground. Hosting events has become a major part of my portfolio career, especially since leaving the BBC to become freelance in 2023. Since then I’ve been hosting corporate events, moderating conferences and presenting awards ceremonies alongside broadcasting, podcasting and voiceover work. Last year I hosted more than twenty events, all over the UK – and, let me tell you, every single one was, in some way, fenced-off from potential disaster by the many lessons I learnt that day in the sweet funnel of failure.

Last week’s more triumphant event was Great Western Railway’s Safeguarding Conference in Bristol, which I hosted as their voice of safety (mine is the voice on GWR’s trains and stations which tells you to “Mind The Gap”, amongst other announcements). Although no child performers were present to sing, there would have been plenty of opportunities to, erm, slip up. The subjects were emotive, some of the case studies were tough and we had an unexpected tear or two alongside me on the stage. But my time on both the stage and the radio has taught me how to navigate all of this, how to react when the unexpected happens. As somebody very kindly put it, “you make all this look so easy, and yet I know it’s anything but”.

So, if you’re looking for an experienced (and, these days, dependable) host to bring polish to your event, to give direction to your conference, or to take the pressure off whoever normally catches the mic at your functions, drop me a line. I have a string of successes to my name
 but more importantly, I’ve survived a couple of movement-inducing failures, too.

We recently hosted the AHT (Association of Hairdressers and Therapists) Regional Competition for the South West! Students came from across the region including City of Bristol College and Bath College as well as our own students from UCW and Weston College. Higher Education competitors were able to show off their skill in makeup and materials in the ‘Create an Injury’ competition. The learners showed skill in carefully crafting their injury and then blending the injury with the surrounding skin to finish the contest. 

Also going on during the day was the Editorial Competition. This tasked learners with creating and executing a makeup look which would suit Vogue Magazine! Following the brief and executing the look to the highest standard possible was essential. Competitors were also able to showcase their creativity through the art of body painting.  

Makeup skills were tested throughout the day with the Glam Drag, Facepainting and Theatrical Aging competitions. An exciting competition in the afternoon challenged competitors to create an image based on Moulin Rouge! This was a team challenge, where each member of a team had a set amount of time to do their bit of the makeup and then this would be carried on by their teammate. This helped to build communication and teamwork skills. 

Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics for Production lecturer Tara said: “The students from BA Hons Hair, Makeup, and Prosthetics for Production course have showcased incredible talent in the AHT competitions, winning first, second, and third places across categories such as injury simulation, editorial glam, glamorous drag, facepainting and bridal makeup Their creativity and technical skills have earned them gold medals and a place in the finals in Blackpool this May. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to compete at a national level, gain industry recognition, and build confidence in their abilities. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements so far and excited to see them take on the best in the UK!” 

Head of Service Sectors Jenna said: “We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsor VTCT who helped to make this event possible. Thanks must also go to the fantastic judges who lent their expertise! Competitions like these have a fantastic impact on our students, giving them the chance to push their limits and show off the skills that they’ve learned.” 

This competition forms part of the Performance and Production Arts Careers Excellence Hub. University Centre Weston has eleven sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.    

A huge congratulations to the UCW learners who won medals! You can find a list of them below: 

Create an Injury 

Glamourous Drag 

Bodypainting 

Feminine Bridal Makeup 

Editorial Makeup 

Facepainting ‘Carnival’ 

The photo above shows the Bristol WordPress team at WordCamp Bristol in 2019 – a moment when the community was thriving. By less than a year later the World had changed and, despite best efforts, Bristol WordPress People had ceased to operate. There has been a void in the city’s WordPress community since.

It’s time to reignite the spark

The exciting news is that a small group of us have been meeting to discuss how we can reignite this once-thriving group. I’m happy to announce that Janice Tye, one of the original organisers of Bristol WordPress People has re-instated the official Meetup and scheduled some networking events at the King William Alehouse, 20 King St, Bristol BS1 4EF. Whether you’re an old friend or a new face, you’re invited to join us:

Tuesday, February 4th – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Thursday, March 6th – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Tuesday, April 6th – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

At its peak, Bristol WordPress People was a hub of inspiration – hosting expert talks, lively networking sessions, and delicious food thanks to sponsors like Atomic Smash and 34SP. This was more than just a meetup; it was a friendly, creative community where people shared knowledge, learned new skills, and helped each other thrive.

Now, we need your help to bring it back to life.

Whether you’re a seasoned WordPress pro, someone curious to learn, a website owner in search of advice, or someone with tips and stories to share, we need your help to revive our once-loved group.

Let’s rebuild this community together. Join us at the King William Alehouse and help shape the future of Bristol WordPress People.

See you soon!

 

 

Nine Tree Studios, Bristol’s biggest independent studio, has launched a WhatsApp Community to give back to local filmmakers, photographers, creatives, and production companies.

Primarily it’s a free loyalty programme offering studio discounts and freebies, including:

There’s also groups for advice and jobs, and private channels for production companies and studios to collaborate and share advice.

“We’ve always wanted our space to be able to support Bristol’s creative community” said Russell Jones, Co-Founder of Nine Tree Studios.

“Nowadays email newsletters feel old and clunky and aren’t really suited to what we wanted, like offering free studio hire to those who need it, and promoting and discussing events.”

“By virtue of having members we also hope it’ll be a space for freelancers, screen professionals, studios and production companies to share advice, post jobs, collaborate, and generally chit-chat.”

You can join the community at  https://chat.whatsapp.com/D64qZ5CmnxCASYEevxDFEV and visit https://www.ninetreestudios.co.uk/community for more information and terms.

***

Nine Tree Studios is Bristol’s largest independent studio.

Suitable for set builds, commercial productions, photography and HETV, the space features two main studios – a 4,640sq ft soundstage and a 567sq ft infinity cove – plus a podcast suite, green rooms, production offices and a 9,000sq ft backlot.

For more information visit www.ninetreestudios.co.uk or email [email protected].