#PRPays – PR and the energy sector

The CIPR has released the second instalment of its #PRPays series – an interview with Lawrence Slade, CEO at Energy UK. This is accompanied by additional energy content from the CIPR, in the shape of its Energy and Leadership Platform’s An Introduction to Energy PR.

The #PRPays campaign aims to highlight the strategic value of public relations to the business community. The interview with trade association Energy UK follows the first edition with Heathrow’s CEO John Holland-Kaye.

Talking about the importance of PR to Energy UK and businesses in general, Slade is an advocate of well-organised PR teams whether it’s working on the Energy Switch Guarantee, preparing the organisation for a crisis or dealing with the market post-Brexit.

Check out the full interview here:

This interview has been followed by the first publication from the recently formed thinktank the Energy and Leadership Platform. The guide is aimed at educating and inspiring PR and communication practitioners across the world to pursue a career in energy PR.

It draws on the complexities of the sector and the fact that energy PR is not confined to just a few topics. The guide says: ‘Energy communications is never just about oil or gas or power. Geopolitics, capital markets, international trade, environmental cost and protection, engineering/technology (amongst many other issues), resettlement and local culture also need to be considered.’

The short guide is split into three main areas – strategy; building, rebuilding and maintaining trust; and community engagement – and is a must read for anyone working in or with the energy sector around the world.

Ella Minty, co-chair of the Energy Leadership Platform said: ‘The energy sector is at a significant crossroad – the demand for cleaner, cheaper energy is considered a given in the developed economies while in the less fortunate regions of the world a lightbulb is considered a luxury.

‘An Introduction to Energy PR’ marks the beginning of our journey to demonstrate the value of Public Relations as a strategic management function in the Energy sector, and the significant benefits strategic communicators can bring to build bridges across the complex energy stakeholder profile.’