MPA Inside Stories Podcast

Growth is a long game; you have to build the relationships.”Cindy Simmons is joined by Sue Benson (The Behaviours Agency) and Fergus McCallum (TBWA\MCR) to recap the key talking points from this year's MPA Breakfast Briefing. The event was focused on how we approach the growth of business, people and communities.Sue and Fergus share their strategies for business growth, client engagement and industry collaboration. Plus, they discuss how Manchester is viewed on the world stage.This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com. 

“Even your rivals are cheering you on”Cindy Simmons brings you the key moments from this year's MPA Inspiration Awards, along with guests Sue Benson, Founder and Managing Director of The Behaviours Agency and Leigh Herbert, Director of Client Services, Republic of Media.Sue and Leigh share their insights into what winning an award means to them, along with some tips on how to enter (and win) next year’s awards. This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com. 

‘Our approach is to always be playful with the content’Cindy Simmons, the MD of the MPA, catches up with Dan Brain and Ian Houghton from MAD//Fest, the MPA’s latest partner. Madfest began as a start up in 2018 and is now the UK’s largest marketing festival with 12000 attendees. Next year is the first time it’ll be in Manchester.  It's coming to Factory International in February 2025.  Ian and Dan discuss the festival's origins, its unique approach to industry events and what it means for the city’s marketing scene. This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.

“It really highlights your achievements to the Manchester community”Host Cindy Simmons gets the inside story from two of the judges of this years’ MPA Inspiration Awards. Fliss Jones from Mobsta won the Rising Star Award last year - this year was her first experience as a judge. Phil Cookson from Creative Resource, offers his insights as someone who’s been judging for the past five years. They discuss the judging process and tips for future entrants.  Phil and Fliss also reflect on what they’ve learnt about the health of Manchester’s digital and creative industries, from seeing so many high calibre entries. This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.

“We have to get past nervousness and accusation”Emma Slater from Wavemaker recently hosted a panel at the WPP Campus, to look at the results of the MPA’s diversity and inclusion survey. Lisa Thompson from Wavemaker, Paul Reid from Ideas Foundation, Christina Thakor-Rankin from the All-in Diversity Project Charles Reid from Carat UK all shared their experiences.  They discussed the importance of ethnicity, neurodiversity, gender, intersectionality, and age in creating a better working environment.  You’ll hear edited highlights from this Big Debate, which was hosted in association with Ideas Foundation.  From the challenges of social mobility to the role of middle management in fostering diversity, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how businesses can make strategic interventions to drive meaningful change.This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.

"We want to enable communities across the city"We Love Manchester is the MPA’s latest charity partner, alongside continuing support for Prevent Breast Cancer.  Host Cindy Simmons catches up with Simon Wright, from the charity, for a deep dive into their history, their work and some tips on what you can do to support them. We Love Manchester is dedicated to supporting the dynamic and diverse communities of Manchester.  Simon shares insights into their mission, the impactful grants they provide, and their unique initiatives like the Rising Stars programme. Discover how We Love Manchester is making a difference in the lives of young Mancunians and fostering a stronger, more inclusive community.This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.

“I’m so proud of Manchester’s nightlife” Sacha Lord is the man behind some of Manchester's biggest parties, from the Hacienda, to The Warehouse Project to Parklife.  In 2018 Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham appointed him as Greater Manchester’s first ever Night Time Economy Advisor.  Sacha’s also now a Sunday Times bestselling author, thanks to his book ‘Tales from the Dancefloor’.  Sacha was interviewed about the book at an exclusive event for MPA members, by MPA board member Lisa Morton.  Lisa is the founder of Roland Dransfield, and co-founder of Purposeful Podcasts, who make this podcast.  They met at WPP’s Manchester campus for a conversation that’s as entertaining as it is informative. This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of music, history, and urban revival.This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.

“This is a change the world innovation”How is AI going to impact you; your business, your loved ones and your colleagues? Discover Oliver Yonchev’s take on generative AI, from highlights of his keynote speech for the MPA’s recent breakfast briefing.  Oliver is the CEO of Flight Story, a marketing and communications company, which was founded alongside Steven Bartlett.  His fascinating speech included a deep dive into the world of generative AI, including its application in marketing, automation, and productivity. From the ethical dilemmas to the creative breakthroughs, this episode is a call to embrace change, lean in, and explore how AI is not just reshaping our digital experiences but redefining the very concept of innovation. This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.Connect with the MPA: WebsiteTwitter Instagram 

“We want to do nice work for nice people.”Freelancers are key to supporting the industry, so how can they be better supported? Host and MD of MPA Cindy Simmons gets the perspective of Polly and Rick Ward, the father and daughter founders of We Are The Allies. Allies is a creative freelance network putting freelancers together with clients and exciting briefs.As well as how to bring fresh energy into your work, you’ll also hear about the latest upcoming MPA events and how you can attend. Both freelancers themselves, Rick and Polly bring fresh insights into how you can bring a freelancer onto a project and the benefits of doing so. They also divulge the most in-demand creative roles, plus how freelancers are adapting to a changing market with the rise of AI. This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.Connect with the MPA: WebsiteTwitter Instagram 

“Communicating and listening to our employees is critical”What does 2024 hold for Manchester’s Communications community? Host Cindy Simmons brings together the insights of psychologist and workplace wellbeing consultant Lee Chambers, and Richard Aldiss MD of McCann Manchester, to discuss the evolving landscape. This episode not only previews MPA events but also delves into the intricacies of hybrid working; the digital revolution, and the art of cultivating company culture. Richard and Lee discuss the strategies that top industry leaders are employing to navigate the future of work.This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.Connect with the MPA: WebsiteTwitter Instagram 

“It’s about being an advocate for your own body”Emma Slater from Wavemaker UK and Kelaine Blades from GroupM Nexus recently shared their inspirational journeys and battles with breast cancer, at an MPA event held in aid of the charity Prevent Breast Cancer.  They were joined by Nikki Barraclough from the charity. You’ll hear a mix of enlightening personal stories and expert perspectives on breast cancer and women's empowerment.Host Cindy Simmons is also joined by Sue Benson from The Behaviours Agency, who previews a panel on achieving gender equality in business leadership roles. Plus you’ll be brought up to date with other upcoming MPA events.  This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.Connect with the MPA: WebsiteTwitter Instagram 

“It’s that feeling of community in Manchester”The MPA Inspiration Awards were recently held at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. It’s one of the biggest dates in the MPA’s calendar, and the awards are all about recognising the amazing talent across the city region.  They span the creative industries as well as innovation in digital and media industries. Host Cindy Simmons brings you a flavour of the night as well as interviews with some of the winners. Featuring: MIC Media Smart Media Havas Media Manchester Immediate Media Manchester The Growth Company ManchesterCarat ManchesterMedia Concierge This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.Connect with the MPA: WebsiteTwitter Instagram 

‘This is an example of why disruption works’TBWA Manchester have spent the summer working on a campaign for British Cycling, which is the national governing body for the sport of cycling in Britain. It’s a prestigious client for the city, so Cindy Simmons, Managing Director of the Manchester Publicity Association, caught up with Tom Holmes and Emily Adams from TBWA, to get insight into their pitch and details on the campaign itself. This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.Connect with the MPA: WebsiteTwitter Instagram 

‘Manchester is full of fantastic media and creative talent’Mark Brogan, the Managing Partner at Wavemaker and Charles Reid, Client Managing Director at Dentsu UK, join hosts Christian James and Cindy Simmons, to talk about their recent office moves.  As Charles says, Dentsu UK and Wavemaker are:“two multinational global, creative, and marketing businesses who are choosing to invest significantly in one of the best cities in the goddamn world!”  Cindy and Christian hear about what it’s like keeping teams motivated during a time of great change like this and how moving to a different space has improved opportunities for collaboration in this new, hybrid working world. This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.Connect with the MPA: WebsiteTwitter Instagram 

"It's a safe, inclusive space to network and learn"The MPA recently launched its Next Gen initiative. It’s all about supporting young people who work in PR, media and the creative industries, to help them grow their own networks and collaborate effectively.  Christian James and Cindy Simmons hear from Max Brookes, from Universal McCann and Sophie Hill from Hearst, who along with Sophie Yesufu from Mediaforce, are the brains behind Next Gen.  This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.Connect with the MPA: WebsiteTwitter Instagram 

Nicky Unsworth was CEO at the award winning creative agency BJL for 15 years.  In 2019, BJL was sold to Dentsu, one of the largest global marketing and advertising agency networks in the world.  Nicky is now a Non Exec Advisor, who works with independent agencies to deliver growth.  Host Lisa Morton hears Nicky’s Inside Story and gets some great insights into where Nicky has come from in her career.  Lisa and Nicky discuss the skills you need to lead a busy agency - from juggling multiple tasks; to the importance of diversity in your team and the best ways to lead. Lisa also discovers why it was so important to the team at BJL that the values of their business would be incorporated into Dentsu’s approach moving forward.  This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.Connect with the MPA: WebsiteTwitter Instagram 

"Disability isn't a dirty word. Say it and be proud"The MPA held an event recently with ITV, all about diversity and inclusion when it comes to disability. The MPA’s landmark study on D&I in 2019 found that we need to do more to champion greater disability inclusivity in the North West’s creative industries.  ITV have been working hard to transform their approach to this. Hosts Christian James and Cindy Simmons bring you highlights from the event.  You’ll get an insight into how ITV’s Diversity Acceleration Plan has transformed their programming, recruitment and staff policies, and how you can learn from their experience and research.  A number of useful organisations are mentioned in this discussion: ITV Able  is ITV's Disability network for ITV colleagues. We are here for everyone who wants to learn more about Disability.Triple C Dank - works with and brings together professional disabled artists and key decision/change makers in the industry to take a solution-focussed approach.Purple Goat is a marketing agency providing disability marketing to some of the world’s biggest brands Evenbreak offers careers advice for disabled candidates This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.Connect with the MPA: WebsiteTwitter Instagram 

What's up and what's on in the communications industry in Manchester? Christian James, the MPA's Chair and Managing Director Cindy Simmons, bring you up to date with the latest industry news and events from Manchester's Publicity Association. This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.Connect with the MPA: WebsiteTwitter Instagram 

‘Media, digital or creative - we look after your interests’The Manchester Publicity Association connects you to the communications industry in Manchester.  For this first episode of ‘Inside Stories from the MPA’,  hosts Christian and Cindy turn the tables from their presenting duties, by asking MPA member Darren Proctor to interview them.Darren is well known in the MPA community. He’s been a presenter on Hits Radio and more recently he set up his own radio station, Happy Radio.  He’s also very well known for keeping order every year as a host at the MPA Christmas party! Darren finds out about the history of the MPA and its purpose. He also discovers how membership of the MPA can help you, if you work in the digital, media or creative industries in Manchester.  This podcast was produced by Purposeful Podcasts. If you want to build a community around your business or your brand, please do get in touch with the team at purposefulpodcasts.com.Connect with the MPA: WebsiteTwitter Instagram 

Inside Stories From The MPA is coming soon.