‘I fell into PR while running a restaurant’

Name: Laura Sutherland
Job title and company: Head of Scotland, Copper Consultancy
Location: Glasgow
Time in PR: 23+ years

What does your current role involve?
I was appointed to help grow the business for Copper Consultancy in Scotland. Copper helps pave the way for ambitious, society-changing projects in infrastructure and the built environment.

Our ambitious growth plan is underpinned by the business development strategy and growing the team. I'm also on hand to give strategic counsel to clients.

I work across renewables, water, transmission and transport. I help gather intelligence across the sectors, join the dots for opportunities and to ensure a positive experience.

What do you love most about working in public relations?
I originally fell into working in public relations while managing a restaurant. A regular customer asked me to work for her. But that was over 23 years ago, and I’ve never looked back!

I’ve tried to vary my career to make it interesting by working in agency, in house, running my own consultancy for 15 years and working across different sectors. I’ve found the journey fascinating and think we’re privileged to be able to get to know so many different sectors and businesses/organisations so intimately.

I’ve tried to take the opportunity to invest in the next generation through mentoring and encouraging them to look at CPD as a key component of learning and development.

What's been the highlight of your career so far?    
When I was awarded the prestigious CIPR Sir Stephen Tallents’ Medal in 2019. I wasn't expecting to be awarded something so illustrious in my career. 

To be recognised by senior colleagues in the industry is a testament to my passion and dedication to improving the industry, and the positive impact I've had, reflecting my personal growth and the value I set out to contribute to individuals working in public relations and communication. My medal hangs beside my desk.

How long have you been a member and what made you join?
Gosh, a long time. Maybe 15 years or more! joined because one of the agencies I worked for said that it went in our favour when writing proposals and responding to tenders. I didn't pay for my membership back then, so I was happy to get the perk!

But since I became a member, I've been involved in the CIPR from a Scottish committee level all the way to a board director. I've volunteered for most of my time as a member as the more you put in, the more you get out of your membership.

How does the CIPR support your career?
Learning and development has always been a priority for me. I've never stood still. Through the brilliant webinars and learning opportunities I've managed to expand my knowledge and skills in a variety of ways. It's enabled me to stay ahead of the curve and on occasion be one of the first to explore a new area of work.

It's given me a network of amazing people across the world, too. People I learn from every single day. And I'd also say crucially all of this has given me the confidence to be the strategic advisor I am today, both to colleagues and clients.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve been given?    
Don't always look to get up the ladder. Look at the opportunity to enrich your experience, knowledge and skills by looking to the side and for new ways to develop. I can see the value in that now.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT JOINING THE CIPR   

Take the next step in your PR career and become a member. The CIPR is a supportive and inclusive community where everyone can connect, thrive and grow. Join the CIPR today.