A Montage of Forward Ladies, with Etta Cohen, Founder (bottom right in white)

Women are excellent networkers – as highlighted in a Forbes article – and endorsed by Quest PR who puts the spotlight on Yorkshire’s dynamic female networking groups.

A survey of 12,000 small business owners global conducted by the authors of Business Networking and Sex (not what you think) revealed that our gender really does affect our networking skills. Co-author and BNI founder Dr Ivan Misner said that women focus on building the relationship first while men keep firmly focused on the business aspects. Do you agree?

We’re very proud of Yorkshire’s female networking groups which enable woman to forge and develop relationships which, in many instances, turn into long-standing business partnerships, new business ventures and collaborations – and true friendships.

One of the region’s most prominent and long-standing networking groups is Forward Ladies.  Founded by Etta Cohen in 2000 when a handful of professional women met on a cold blustery day in a cafe to share their business experiences, the forum has expanded across the UK. It hosts host over 400 events a year including Positive Women’s Days, Spa Evenings and Business Lunches.

The Forward Ladies offering also includes a bi-monthly development forum called Female Emerging Entrepreneurs which Quest PR MD Sharon Cain formed with Etta and high profile entrepreneur and speaker Deirdre Bounds in 2007. Members present their issues and challenges and share best practice in the truest possible sense and Sharon ran a group for three years in Leeds.

As the name suggests, Ladies Just Wanna Have Lunch created by Karina Navarro-Moreno Spittle working with Gill Laidler of Ghost Communications  provides monthly networking sessions at The Leeds Club (Club LS1) with presentations. Look out for details of forthcoming events when Quest PR’s Sharon Cain and Carol Rees will present a video blogging session.

Crème de la Crème is a Harrogate group founded by Sarah Sanpher who emphasises that, “Whilst the atmosphere is warm and friendly, serious business happens”.  Evening Networking Events take place every 2nd Wednesday of the month and Networking Lunches take place the last Friday of the month.

The Yorkshire Mafia Women’s group – also found on Twitter  and run by Sarah Louise Walker is described as a “thriving group of women who are also members of the Yorkshire Mafia”. The group has an active discussion board, hosts regular drinks evenings and meet-ups and is the fastest growing business group for female professionals in Yorkshire.

Send us a tweet, or leave a comment below to let us know if you go to any ladies’ only networking – if so, do you find it more useful than mixed-gender networking events?

As part of our ‘all that’s great about Yorkshire series, we want to highlight  the fab work of some of the media and editors a little closer to your home who have been instrumental in elevating the profile of local companies. Their papers may not be as widely known as those we showcased last week, but each and every one of them makes a huge difference to our local businesses and Yorkshire as a whole.

The Yorkshire Evening Post (YEP) is a Leeds-based newspaper which is published daily and provides an update of the day’s local news, business and sport. Business Editor, Tony (Antony) Clay, often provides insight into local business initiatives and the ongoing struggle against unemployment.

Chris Holland is the Business Editor at Bradford’s Telegraph and Argus. He returned to the company in early 2008, having previously worked with them covering industry from 1974-1984.In 2010, Chris was named “Yorkshire Business Journalist of the Year” in the O2 regional media awards. His love of local businesses was evident when he said “Bradford has a vibrant business community which provides endless opportunities or interesting stories”.

After achieving a BA (Hons) in Journalism in 2006, Julie Hayes is now the Business Editor at The Press, York. She has shared with us her personal experiences, including her visit to the local Yorkshire Mafia Conference and ensuring that local businesses are able to keep in touch with their peers.

David Todd, the Editor at the Sheffield Telegraph is well known for launching the Sheffield Telegraph’s Environmental Awards in 2007 sparked by his awareness of the city’s growing number of environmental initiatives. The Awards are popular with local businesses, organisations, local schools and individuals.

Also in the Sheffield Newspapers group is the Sheffield Star. As their Business Editor, Bob Rae has applauded local companies which are global leaders in their field and are helping celebrate the success of local companies beating global competition

As the Business Editor for Ackrill Media Group, Katie Oxtoby writes for titles including the Harrogate Advertiser, Knaresborough Post, Nidderdale Herald, Ripon Gazette and Wetherby News, Katie also writes the monthly eight-page Business Pink supplement and publicises the Ackrill Media Group’s Business Awards, which are held every March.

Share with us your favourite local news stories below or Tweet us your favourites @questpr on Twitter!

As part of our series to celebrate the best of Yorkshire, we put the spotlight on some of the biggest names in Yorkshire’s business media.  These regional journalists are instrumental in helping SMEs to cultivate their business knowledge and boost their profiles.

With a career in publishing and media groups since 2002, Richard Abbott joined the Yorkshire Business Insider as Deputy Editor in May 2010. Swiftly rising through the ranks and in February 2011, he was appointed Editor.  A self-confessed supporter of Southampton FC, Richard loves real ale and  walks in the Yorkshire dales.

Bernard Ginns is Business Editor of the Yorkshire Post, Yorkshire’s national newspaper.  He joined the company in May 2008 after an award winning position as Editor for Kent on Sunday.  The award-winning Yorkshire Post is viewed as the leading business newspaper in the North of England.

When Ian Briggs was promoted to Editor of The Business Desk.com Yorkshire in May 2011, MD and  former editor David Parkin, said: “Ian is a great journalist who has gained the respect of people inside and outside our business”.  Ian had previously worked as Business Reporter at the Yorkshire Post where he was awarded Business Writer of the Year at the Yorkshire Press Awards in 2006.

As the Editorial Director of Business Link Magazine Group (BLM Group), Steve Fisher is responsible for four monthly magazines, various periodicals and the BLM Group’s digital magazine content.  Steve is also involved in the brand’s strategy and development including reaching new audiences for the traditional paper-copies and increasing the online readership.

Clare Elsley is the Editor of the Brand Yorkshire Magazine, an organisation set up to help regional businesses to develop and grow. Clare previously worked for a range of commercial and public sector clients on a freelance basis; as a former trade journal editor and journalist, she has over 10 years’ experience in the field.

BQ Magazine offers a mix of business news, profiles of inspirational entrepreneurs and commentaries from leading business players, and they could not continue to be the “Life and Soul of Business” without their Editor Peter Baber, a former editor of the Yorkshire Business Insider .

Northside magazine was launched in 1995 as part of the Regional Magazine Company.  As the Business Reporter, Jane Cameron compiles monthly features which examine the motivations and challenges of Yorkshire’s most successful companies. Jane also interviews serial entrepreneurs and business figureheads, including Lord Sugar.

Which articles have these local business to business journalists written which have made a difference to your business?

Regardless of your musical preference Yorkshire has something for everyone – from folk to classical and modern pop to rock.

Spring is in the air and the music festival season has arrived in Yorkshire, with a variety of styles to delight your ears.  Here at Quest PR, we are looking forward to hearing what you think of the upcoming festivals. If music be the food of love, play on…

We couldn’t talk about music festivals without mentioning the Leeds Festival.  From 24-26 August, Bramham Park will be hosting one of the most well-known modern music festivals in the UK.  Headliners  Foo Fighters, Kasabian, and Leeds-grown Kaiser Chiefs  are lined up for the main stage. The festival also gives local talent the chance to showcase their music, and this has been the launch pad for Yorkshire acts, including the aforementioned Kaiser Chiefs, the Artic Monkeys  and Pulled Apart by Horses, to name but a few.

Leeds will also be hosting Party in the Park, one of the largest free music festivals in the grounds of Temple Newsam.  This one-day festival on 22 July is expected to attract 70,000 people, and with the impressive line-up of British pop stars, tickets are often snapped up quickly; if you miss the opportunity, rest assured that local radio station, Radio Aire, will keep you jumping as it broadcasts live throughout the event.

For those who like their music a little more traditional, OK, a lot more traditional, there is the York Early Music Festival. This is a national first, with a festival of historically informed performances presented in historically appropriate venues throughout Yorkshire, including York Minster and Harewood House between 6 – 14 July.

South Yorkshire will also be celebrating the 40^th anniversary of their biggest festival of music and dance in 2012!  The Wath Festival, established in 1972 by the people of Wath-Upon-Dearne, is held on the May Day bank holiday weekend (4-6 May) and has become known as the “friendliest festival in the region”.  It celebrates a variety of music and dance styles, ranging from traditionally English Maypole and Morris Dancing to the more varied Irish Dancers, Samzeo Georgian Singers and Sword Dancers.  There will also be workshops in African drumming, drama and street dance.

Finally, with 2012 celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Leeds marks the event in a classical musical style.  On 2 June, Leeds Town Hall will host a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebratory Concert featuring the Leeds Philharmonic Chorus and Manchester Camerata performing Handel Coronation Anthems, Mozart Piano Concerto No 18 in B flat, KV456 and Mozart Mass No 15 in C major, KV317 (Coronation Mass).

Whether classical, traditional, modern or pop strikers the right chord with you, you will find it in Yorkshire.  Which music festivals, concerts or shows are you hoping to enjoy this year?

What are you planning for the Easter holidays?

Despite the drop in temperature predicted by the weather forecasters for the bank holiday, here at Quest PR we have been buoyed up by a glorious couple of weeks of unseasonably warm weather. We can’t wait to flex our green fingers and help the spring blooms along their way.

If getting grime and soil under your fingernails isn’t your thing, we have a few ideas for local days out up our (green)sleeve! There is a huge choice of amazing floral venues to visit that will satisfy adults and children alike – and all within the beautiful borders of Yorkshire.

To the East of York you’ll find Scampston’s walled garden, a thoroughly contemporary attraction adjacent to a larger park designed by Capability Brown. The garden was derelict for half a century until restored by the current owners and reopened to the public just eight years ago.

Another thoroughly modern attraction, the Forbidden Corner can be found near Leyburn in North Yorkshire. Originally constructed as a private folly, the Forbidden Corner now comprises a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers and surprises – and is perfect for kids to explore!

Thorp Perrow Arboretum near Bedale claims to be the ultimate family day out with its Birds of Prey and Mammal Centre. Learn more about these winged hunters and see full-grown  and juvenile birds close-up, watch flying demonstrations then pay a visit to Meerkat Island – who could resist! The Gardens are home to several National Plant Collections and over 60 “Champion Trees” according to the Tree Register of the British Isles; definitely worth a look.

Up in the Dales another walled garden, this one at Helmsley, dates back to 1759 and provides fantastic opportunities for the disabled, elderly and disadvantaged to undertake work experience and horticultural rehabilitation in order to restore confidence and social skills. Why not visit the tranquil neighbouring Rievaulx Abbey at the same time?

With so many fantastic experiences to choose from, possibly the jewel in the crown is our near neighbour, RHS Garden Harlow Carr. A stunning garden and visitor centre which really needs more than a day to do it justice, Harlow Carr Gardens offers something for everyone and is flying the flag for sustainable development. The icing on the cake is Betty’s Cafe Tearooms onsite. So what are you waiting for?!

Share your Easter plans with us. Which other stunning Yorkshire gardens deserve to be on our list?

This year the fabulous Yorkshire fishing resort of Whitby which inspired Bram Stoker to write his chilling novel ‘Dracula’, hosts the centenary Bram Stoker International film festival with lashings of Goth garb and eyeliner – and with a special appearance from Vampire Queen Rosie Lugosi.

Quest PR’s Sharon Cain has been savouring the delights of the resort whose famous sons include 18th century explorer Captain James Cook.

Share with us your favourite seaside memories and snapshots below or DM us @questpr on Twitter.

Wild, windswept and rugged are among the wonderful adjectives to describe Yorkshire’s stunning seaside resorts which overlook the bracing North Sea and boast some fantastic quirky customs.

For example, if you visit Scarborough on Shrove Tuesday you may be understandably bemused to see locals and visitors skipping along the highway. Far from losing their collective marbles they are exercising (literally) their rights as part of an old tradition dating back over a hundred years.

On the same day – and still in Scarborough – you may also hear the pancake bell ringing loud and clear in a custom started by the town’s wives to let their men toiling in the fields know that they were about to whip up a pancake storm to signify the beginning of Lent. 

Fast forward to a bitterly cold boxing day and you will witness an unusual charity venture making a big splash when local business people board self-made rafts in sub-zero seas while being bombarded by flour and eggs! 

When it comes to beaches, you would search far and wide to find a more beautiful  beach and coastline than that of Scarborough’s more subdued neighbour Filey where Quest PR’s FD Steve and I have trained for the Great North Run to boost support for  Henshaws Yorkshire for the last three years.

There’s something for everyone including a stunning Seafront Sculpture Trail inspired by Filey’s natural heritage and designed by artist Russ Coleman in consultation with local residents. Twitchers will chirp with delight at the great crested newts in the Filey Dams Nature Reserve and the Bird Garden and Animal Park.   

With a history stretching back 1200 years to its origins as a remote fishing and farming community, the town also hosts an annual Edwardian Festival with live music, brass bands and Punch and Judy shows.

Fifty miles further down the coast as the seagull flies and you can savour the sights and smells of Bridlington’s beaches and harbour. The town is the venue for the British Open Darts Competition and you can discover Bridlington’s back story at the Beside the Seaside attraction. You can also tune into a piano concert or recital at Sewerby Hall and Gardens situated on a magnificent cliff top.

Our fourth featured resort is Robin Hood’s Bay which started its life as a deep sea millions of years ago when sea animals buried in the mud became fossilised – the name is said to be derived from the old English word Fygela which meant marshy ground and its potent past was rife with smuggling. Exploring on foot enables you to savour the wonderful architecture and abundance of cobbled streets and fishermen’s cottages. The beach is hailed as one of the UK’s best for unearthing fossils.

And if that’s not enough, antique and collectors fairs, an annual Victorian Weekend and ghost walks evoking the tales of the strange and supernatural set against a backdrop of smuggling, sailors and shipwrecks are among the additional pursuits to explore. Another must-see is the Laurel Inn whose bar is carved out of solid rock.

 When it comes to accommodation you’ll be spoilt for choice with options spanning luxury retreats such as Raithwaite Hall   to caravan parks such as Robin Hood Park. Among those providing food for thought on the wining and dining front are Green’s Restaurant, Graveleys and Tricolos.    

Next week we’ll be broadcasting from Whitby – and finding out how it inspired Bram Stoker to write the novel Dracula after staying in Whitby in 1890 and contemplating whether it was an appropriate resort for a family holiday!!

What is your favourite seaside resort? – share your photos and memories with us .

Yorkshire folk pride themselves on their friendliness and approachability, so it’s no surprise that our regional accent has been frequently lauded as one of the country’s favourites.

Less than five per cent of the UK’s residents speak what is commonly known as BBC English. It’s very flattering that, with over 200 regional accents to choose from, TV shows and movies are guilty (in the nicest possible sense) of choosing a Yorkshire accent for characters who are to be portrayed as plain speaking – for that, read honesty and common sense.

Equally, to us Tykes it’s no surprise that a BBC series such as Last of the Summer Wine – whose success was due in no small part to its gentle caricaturisation of Yorkshire dialect – was the longest-running comedy programme in Britain and the longest-running sitcom in the world.

So what is it about the Yorkshire accent that makes us so proud? Significant interest in chronicling the history of the Yorkshire dialect dates back to 1894, when a committee was established to collect material for the English Dialect Dictionary, eventually developing into the Yorkshire Dialect Society – now the world’s oldest such society.

The cause of local variations in accent goes right back to when Vikings invaded in the 9^th Century and divided the region into what later became the three Ridings. Even now the influence of Norwegian words can be seen: the Norwegian word for “child” is “barn”: only a letter shy of the Yorkshire word “bairn”.

There are concerns that Yorkshire dialect – in fact localised speech across the UK – is dying out as modern words are introduced. Indeed, every year the dictionary loses a few old words to new ones – in particular those associated with traditional trades that are in decline. Some rare words are indeed only heard now in specific villages, handed down through the ages.

Change is inevitable and by no means all bad. Yorkshire, by its nature, is predominantly rural and in these communities it’s more likely that family traditions, including dialect, will continue in regular use. It seems almost criminal that classic phrases such as “Put t’wood in t’oil” – translated as ‘close the door’ – and “not so green as cabbage lookin” alluding to some who is naive, could ever pass without herald into the mists of time.  

Enough chuntering, ahm gonna shut me cakehole an’ ask thee what’s tha got to say about this?

Did you know the urban myth that makes it legal to shoot a Scotsman within the ancient walls of York, on every day except Sunday, if he is carrying a bow and arrow?

Rich in colourful history, Yorkshire’s definitely the mane (ouch, excuse the pun!) county when it comes to iconic landmarks and buildings which we’re catapulting into the spotlight this week.

Among our favourites and towering majestically over the rolling countryside is the resplendent Kilburn White Horse dating back to 1857 – and with staying power to ride high and proud for another two centuries.    

Our rich country and its wonderful architecture spans cathedrals to castles such as the wonderful Swinton Park Castle which you can luxuriate in via Celtic Castles headed by Yorkshire entrepreneur Roger Masterson – aka The Castle Man.    

Rich in colour and history, one of Yorkshire’s brightest gems is York Minster, the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe and the seat of the Archbishop of York (an avid Tweeter) – which is the second highest office of the Church of England.

Begun in 1230 and completed in 1472, the building boasts the world’s largest expanse of stained glass windows and around two million individual pieces of glass make up the exquisite stained glass windows.

Further South, Sheffield Cathedral is amongst our country’s many Grade I listed buildings whose online sermons are testimony to it keeping abreast of the digital age.

We can’t leave out the spectacular Castle Howard, one of England’s biggest stately homes. Set in 13,000 acres and a film star in its own right, the castle featured in the 1981 adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s ‘Brideshead Revisited’ by Granada Television.

And finally, closer to Quest PR is the stunning stately home of Goldsborough Hall, the former residence of Princess Mary which features in Brides magazines top 100 venues and well worth a coffee and look around.  

What’s your favourite iconic landmark or building – and why?

Phew – what a relief to be see and hear that more business are looking to consolidate their social media activities in 2012 as opposed to running themselves ragged trying to keep up with every development – and beating themselves up if they don’t.    

Social Media Examiner founder Michael Stelzner says ‘the old mantra of “Be everywhere” will quickly be replaced with “be where it matters to our business” makes for good old-fashioned business sense. This is particularly relevant in our tough climate where all organisations are expected to achieve more for less  while trying to keep sane and keep all the plates spinning.  

2011 saw an increasing number of companies harnessing and recognising the value of social media, 2012 will put the spotlight on adding value and being effective as a business – a goal we all want to aspire to.  

As an established Yorkshire  PR company which champions the  ‘joined up’ business and communications approach, we advocate the ‘Let’s get strategic with social media’ call to action which, if implemented properly, will enable companies to leapfrog their competitors.

As Seth Godin said, “No one can maximize on every engagement, every project, every customer and every opportunity. The art of it, I think, is to be rigorous about where you’re prepared to over deliver, and not get hooked on doing it for all… because then you just become another mediocrity, easily overlooked.”

And as per the adage that as some things change and some things remain the same, the importance of ensuring your marketing and communication tools and platforms are aligned with your business goals – is as relevant now as it was decades ago.     

Share with us what you’ve done to refocus your social media strategy.   

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