'I don't have the luxury of a team behind me': Northern Ireland PR consultant earns place in UK’s Independent Impact 50 for second year
Co Down communications specialist Sara McCracken has again been recognised among the UK’s top freelance PR professionals for her work across strategic communications, public affairs and crisis management
Northern Ireland PR consultant Sara McCracken FCIPR has, for the second consecutive year earned national recognition in the Independent Impact 50 Awards, which celebrates the most influential freelance PR professionals from across the UK.
Commenting on her inclusion on this prestigious list, Sara McCracken, Chartered PR practitioner and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (FCIPR) said: “To be named as one of the top 50 PR independent practitioners in the UK for the second time is terrific.
"As an independent PR, I don't have the luxury of a team behind me.
"Every decision I make, every recommendation to clients and every training course I deliver all stems from my own extensive PR knowledge built up over 25 years.
"And that is the benefit of working with me as an independent PR. I bring extensive skills and knowledge, and these awards recognise that, continuing to bust the myth that you need to be agency or in-house.”
Sara's experience is diverse, across sectors including health, education, politics and agri-rural enterprise. She now uses this knowledge to help small businesses, charities and large organisations to develop strategic communications, public affairs and crisis comms plans as well as delivering bespoke training to teams across the UK. Mentoring and coaching and interim support are also offered to a wide variety of clients.
Sara McCracken added: "I love working with ambitious business leaders and organisations to raise their profile, tell better stories and take control of their reputations.
"Being part of the Independent Impact 50 allows me to clearly demonstrate the importance, impact and contribution of the UK’s independent PR sector. And, even while working in a rural location near Dromore, Co Down, I can deliver PR to the highest standard regardless of where my clients are based.”
In addition to running her PR consultancy, Sara works with small business through PRESS, a membership community designed to help business owners become more visible, confident and media-ready without having to hire a PR agency or second-guess their message.