Page 8 - International Women's Day Magazine 2020: Yorkshire Post

Jo is the the founder of feeling was always lurking that Women with incredible stories, story in a way that produces
Chocolate PR, an award
winning PR agency she established over 15 years ago, after working in journalism, media, and marketing. Always driven by a love of storytelling initially Jo’s focus was on working with big businesses and recognised brands, finding creative ways to help them communicate their values and connect with their audiences - Clients included the likes of Whistles, NSPCC, learndirect, Yo! Sushi, Dale Carnegie, Skipton Building Society to name just a few - but these days her focus is very different. Here Jo shares why she has changed direction, her passion for supporting challenger brands, and why she is championing female entrepreneurs.
“When building my business I enjoyed the thrill of working with big brands and big budgets, being playful with how PR could help raise the value of their brand - BUT - a niggling
PR was seen as inaccessible to many, and I REALLY believe PR is not just
for the big boys. A
couple of years
ago I attended a
female focused networking
event for
women who
had quit the 9-5tosetupin
business and
this changed
everything for
me. It opened
my eyes to the INCREDIBLE passion
and purpose driven businesses that were being created around kitchen tables. It introduced me to some amazing women who had quit hugely successful careers, to launch a business that they felt compelled to create.... and it showed me that these women where MASSIVELY doing themselves an injustice.
doing incredible things were hiding in the shadows, unsure of how to really get their message out and unaware of how powerful a story they had. From hereon I made it my mission to focus on helping these women, and others like them, to dare to be seen. From educating on what PR is and howtouseitin business, to helping them really nail their stories and identify media opportunities my focus has turned much more to championing women in business who deserve a stronger voice, especially those who suffer from Imposter Syndrome. I work with clients to create confidence in their message, and to craft their
pride around their business and an excitement for future growth.
The majority of our work now is with female entrepreneurs, ranging from startups who need direction and training, to 6 and 7 figure business owners who need a PR strategy and a passionate team to fulfil it. We love supporting those looking to challenge the market through their creative approach because championing a business we can get behind with our heart and soul is what we love to do best!
Chocolate PR is an award winning agency passionate about raising the bar and giving the industry a better name.
Jo Swann
0113 236 1835 www.chocolatepr.co.uk/ jo@chocolatepr.co.uk