The founder of M7 Public Relations, Mandy Rose, recently retired from arts PR after nearly four decades of helping to raise the media profile of the region’s culture offering, both locally and nationally

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

I originally wanted to join the police force from college, but having passed the exams I decided it wasn’t for me. I had always loved the arts and although I had no training in PR, I secured a job at Arts Council England’s press office in Birmingham. I then became press assistant at Birmingham Hippodrome and worked my way up to press officer and media and communications manager. I got to work on some of the biggest stage and outdoor productions, from Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins and Les Mis to pantomime and dance productions and outdoor events. I met many talented actors, musicians and performers, including Darcey Bussell, Kenneth Branagh, Brian May, Joan Collins and many more! I was special projects officer at the-then NIA and NEC Arenas, working on large scale concerts from the likes of ACDC and U2 to Robbie Williams and Britney Spears.

IT’S WHAT I DO

I set up my own consultancy, M7 Public Relations in 2016 focusing on arts and culture. I helped to create content for TV, radio, online and print to raise clients’ media profiles, which in turn helped to promote their product. I also served nearly five years on the board of trustees at Open Theatre Company.

BIGGEST SUCCESS

Having Birmingham Royal Ballet as a client from 2022 up to my recent retirement. During this time, I had the opportunity to run the regional PR for Carlos Acosta’s Black Sabbath ¬– The Ballet. The world premiere was attended by Sharon Osbourne (in a fabulous trouser suit!) and members of Black Sabbath. Definitely one for the memory box!

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED

Don’t ever doubt yourself, or be afraid to challenge people, or move out of your comfort zone – life is too short.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM

That’s easy! Despite funding challenges, the rich culture scene in Birmingham and across the West Midlands continues to provide audiences with such a variety of things to go and see and experience. From Birmingham Rep, to Symphony Hall and the Hippodrome to famous companies such as the CBSO and Birmingham Royal Ballet who take the name of the city across the UK and internationally. And there’s all the small to middle scale companies, interesting venues in pubs and smaller theatres – not forgetting the vast number of outdoor festivals and live music events!

DOWNTIME

I recently moved to a market town in the Staffordshire Moorlands with my husband. It’s a very creative place with a fantastic arts centre which I visit a lot. I’m looking forward to getting back to travelling. I have relatives in Australia that I want to see and I want to explore South America. There’s so much to discover in the UK too, so we plan to get a camper van at some point. Retirement has given me the space and time to reflect on the next chapter and, in all honesty, it’s great to just ‘be’ for a while.