Blyth Tall Ship has appointed experienced voluntary-sector professional Iain Riddell as its new Marketing Officer and he is determined to make sure one of Blyth’s most distinctive attractions gets the attention it deserves.
Iain, who has spent his entire 22-year career working in the voluntary sector, has joined the charity with a passion for marketing, community engagement and the North East.
And he admits he has long regarded Blyth Tall Ship as “Blyth’s best kept secret.”
“I’ve always liked Blyth Tall Ship, and I’ve always thought it was Blyth’s best kept secret,” said Iain. “When I saw the opportunity to join the charity, I could really see myself doing a lot of good here and helping to take the organisation forward through its communications and marketing.
“There is so much potential. I want to help us do more exciting events, both on the ship and at external venues, really bang the drum for Blyth and celebrate the town’s fantastic maritime heritage.”
Iain began his career at Mencap at the age of 18, working on a pioneering regional fundraising model for the national charity which was subsequently rolled out across the country. He later joined St Oswald’s Hospice, working in direct marketing on its lottery and regular giving programmes. It was there that he discovered his passion for marketing and decided to study the subject at university.
He went on to study Marketing and Management at Newcastle University, graduating with a first-class degree. His dissertation, which achieved an impressive 92 per cent, was awarded the prize for the top dissertation across Newcastle Business School.
Iain subsequently worked for the Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland as Communications Officer, a role which gave him the opportunity to work with a wide range of charities and community organisations across the North East.
One of his responsibilities was supporting the High Sheriff of Northumberland’s charitable funds – and that brought him to Blyth Tall Ship on several occasions.
“I used to bring the High Sheriff of Northumberland to Blyth Tall Ship, so it’s quite nice to now be on the other side of the fence and come back here,” he said.
His career has also included working for the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle and more recently Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter.
That breadth of experience means Iain is joining Blyth Tall Ship with a strong understanding of both charity communications and the importance of telling compelling stories.
Now he wants to use that experience to raise the profile of the ship, attract new audiences and help create more opportunities for people to experience Blyth’s maritime heritage.
“There is a brilliant story to tell here,” he added.
“I’m really excited about being part of the next chapter for Blyth Tall Ship and helping people across the North East discover what is right here on their doorstep.”
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Photo: Iain at Blyth Tall Ship (Blyth Tall Ship)
PR keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951