Linda Harrison, the founder of Linda Harrison PR, shares her experience working with Momentic’s Start & Grow York programme, where she has been receiving guidance for her growing freelance PR business. As a trained journalist with over 20 years of experience, Linda’s expertise in storytelling is undeniable. When it came to taking her PR business to new heights, she decided she would benefit from an external perspective.

Linda was paired with business growth advisort Janet Jay, local to the area and with a wealth of experience in helping local businesses to thrive. Linda sought guidance on refining her business plan and services to better cater to small business owners in Yorkshire. Since starting the programme, she’s made significant strides in shaping her offerings and growing her business. “I’ve been able to run my ideas for developing new PR packages and services by Janet, and she always gives extremely useful feedback and adds other brilliant suggestions and ideas to the pot,” Linda explains.

One major area of development has been Linda’s new online course, designed to teach small business owners how to get their stories into the press. “Her insight has also been really helpful for developing my new online course,” Linda shares, noting that the feedback she received was crucial in fine-tuning the course and its marketing strategy.

Beyond improving her services, Linda has also grown her business network. “Janet has put me in touch with other owners of small businesses in York who may need PR support, which has been incredibly useful,” she adds. This expanded network has helped Linda establish connections with potential clients, further strengthening her position in the local business community.

Linda’s journey with the programme has not only enhanced her business offerings but also provided the support she needed as a sole trader. “I really value Janet’s honesty, positivity, and enthusiasm,” she says. “Working on your own as a sole trader, you need someone to bounce ideas off – and for someone to tell you honestly what probably will (and might not) work.”

Since joining the programme, Linda has implemented changes to her PR packages and gained clarity on how to market her new online course. She has also built relationships with other local business owners, opening up new opportunities for collaboration and client growth.

Looking ahead, Linda is excited to continue her development by joining the next cohort of the Peer Networking programme, a virtual opportunity for local business leaders to collaborate and grow together.

In reflecting on the experience, Linda highlights the impact it’s had: “I feel she’s been able to give me an outsider’s view on my business, which I really needed.”

Through her hard work, Linda has positioned her PR business for continued success.