Keith Newman - Owner, Highlights PR
From his floating office in Royal Quays Marina, North Shields, Keith helps businesses and organisations get the maximum amount of media coverage.
Here we find out what Keith gets up to on a typical weekend.
Do you ever have to work weekends?
All the time!
PR isn’t a nine to five job, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s hard to anticipate when I might get a call from a client or from a media contact needing urgent information. I also have a stall at Tynemouth Market most Saturdays selling books, collectables, and records so that takes up a lot of time. I do enjoy it as it’s a chance to talk to people and help them if they are looking for something unusual.
Are most weekends the same?
No, there’s always something different to do and my workload is constantly changing so there is a lot of variety. I also love to take my clients out onto the river for a Sunday afternoon cruise. The Tyne is steeped in history, and I have learned a lot about the old shipyards and buildings that once lined the river.
Do you find it hard to switch off?
I rarely switch off and know that the nature of my job needs my constant attention. I’m very lucky that I don’t really consider working in PR as a job. I think it’s fun and I love meeting new people and getting to know their business so that I can help them.
The way I try to switch off is through my love of music. I’m a volunteer at community radio station Radio Northumberland and produce a number of shows ranging from new wave to 80’s to general business and leisure. I also like to attend as many gigs as possible with my friends.
What do you do at a weekend which you can’t fit in through the week?
I do a lot of voluntary work and I tend to catch up on paperwork etc. I’m a trustee at the young people’s charity, Leading Link, and I’m also the national PR officer for the Maritime Volunteer Service. It’s important to keep up to date with what’s happening and that’s’ not always possible during the week.
Morning exercise or a recovery lie in?
I should do more exercise and I rarely lie in.
Big night out or a night in the house?
I love entertaining friends at home with one of my home cooked chilli’s, but I also like to dress up now and again for a good night out. I’m usually home by eleven as late nights are a thing of the past.
Do you watch or play sport at a weekend?
I’m a Newcastle United season ticket holder and get to the match as often as work will allow. I’m also a sponsor for the Under 7’s team at Willington Quay Saints so I check their progress on line if I can’t get to see a match.
Where do you like to eat out at a weekend?
The very best fish and chips in the North East are at Harbour View Fish and Chip Restaurant in Seaton Sluice. Gorgeous Icelandic Cod cooked to perfection. I try to get there on a Saturday after a busy day at Tynemouth Market. A great way to chill out after an early start and busy day.
I also enjoy Sunday lunch at South Causey Inn near Stanley. Big portions and they are dog friendly too so Millie can come along too. For a real treat, I love the Hard Rock Café.
How important is the weekend to you?
Sunday is the only real day I get to spend with my family. We will do something nice like going for Sunday Lunch or jump in the car for a drive. It’s also the day I plan my week ahead and check how the diary is looking for the working week ahead.
What’s the best thing about weekends?
A bit less pressure than through the week but also more time to eat out and enjoy myself.
Of a weekend, you’ll usually find me most happy..?
Playing music and pottering on the boat.
To find out more about Highlights PR see www.highlightspr.co.uk keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951