Press releases
View all of the VMA Group's news releases.
View all of the VMA Group's news releases.
Wednesday 15th February 2012
The latest rankings of the fastest growing recruitment firms in the UK once again highlight the recruitment industry’s ability to reinvigorate and flourish in the toughest of conditions.
Wednesday 15th February 2012
VMA Group, the global resourcing specialist for corporate communications and HR, has agreed a partnership with the MScom Alumni Association of The University of Lugano, Switzerland to professionally support the MScom Alumni with their strategic career planning and aspirations.
Tuesday 7th February 2012
Article by PRMoment.com, 7th February 2012 The Business Leaders in Communications Study 2012 commissioned by VMA Group, surveyed 95 directors of communications in leading FTSE organisations about their corporate communications function. The research highlighted changes that directors are expecting to see in their role in the next two years.
Monday 6th February 2012
VMA Group, the global resourcing specialist for corporate communications and HR, is pleased to announce that Sarah Lazenby has joined the Internal Communications practice. Sarah has worked within the internal communications field for over 20 years, holding senior communication roles in a wide range of industry sectors including finance, utilities, FMCG, transport and retail.
Friday 3rd February 2012
Gorkana article 3rd February 2012 By Julia Meighan, Executive Chairman, VMA Group The most important conclusions the communications industry should take away from the recent launch of VMA Group’s annual Business Leaders in Communications Study, is the debate around what we actually mean by communications, corporate reputation and whether it truly impacts the bottom line of financial performance.
Wednesday 25th January 2012
VMA Group last night hosted Charlie Mayfield, Chairman of The John Lewis Partnership at the launch of its inaugural Business Leaders in Communications Study. The retail luminary urged the audience of senior communicators to think about their purpose and effectiveness, saying that he believes communication is the most powerful lever to gain competitive advantage.
Monday 23rd January 2012
Results to be launched this evening at a panel event with Charlie Mayfield, Chairman, The John Lewis Partnership One of the largest ever studies into the role of corporate communications in FTSE organisations will this evening reveal a potential decline in the remit of marketing departments in favour of communications departments, when it comes to brand and reputation.
Monday 23rd January 2012
Senior communicators expect an increase in demand and influence but are resigned to budget cuts Results to be launched this evening at a panel event with Charlie Mayfield, Chairman, The John Lewis Partnership One of the largest ever studies into the role of corporate communications in FTSE organisations will this evening reveal that senior communicators expect their influence to increase over the next two years, yet currently report only moderate influence at board level. The study also reveals an expected increase in demand but decrease in budgets over the next two years.
Monday 23rd January 2012
Over a third of CEOs devote at least one day a week to communications activity Results to be launched this evening at a panel event with Charlie Mayfield, Chairman, The John Lewis Partnership One of the largest ever studies into the role of corporate communications in FTSE organisations will this evening reveal the role played by CEOs in communications activity. The unique study shows that more than one in three (37%) CEOs spend at least one day a week on communications activity[1], and one in twenty more than two days. The proportion of CEO time devoted to communications is particularly high in the financial services sector (22%), an indication possibly of the continued fallout from the banking crisis.
Wednesday 18th January 2012
So here we are in the first flush of 2012 and to usher in the New Year we’re delighted to present the first of a shiny new piece of commentary from VMA Group’s Financial Services and Investor Relations Practice. IR Pulse, as the name implies, will aim to gauge the state of IR and the IR profession at regular intervals throughout the year, to identify the particular challenges and issues facing IROs in these volatile markets. As a practice, we are in constant dialogue with Directors and Heads of Investor Relations and are well placed to consolidate your views and sentiments in these uncertain times.
Monday 16th January 2012
Many communication leaders in Asia-Pacific are faced with the challenge of how to communicate business strategy with global ideals but local values. This was certainly the common theme in a series of ‘Heads of’ Communication breakfast sessions I recently chaired throughout the region. Communicators are seeking ways to make strategy and values relevant to the local market – no small task when you factor in differences in culture, language and hard-to-reach audiences. Then consider that most employees have a matrix of strategies to absorb – global, local, country, function, team…with this in mind, are we setting ourselves up for failure to expect high levels of business strategy understanding when we conduct our engagement surveys?
Tuesday 29th November 2011
Early on 29th November VMA Group welcomed senior level communications professionals from a range of leading B2B insurance firms for a breakfast meeting. Over coffee and croissants, the discussions centred on the findings of VMA Group’s recent survey ‘The role of Communicators in a Changing Environment’. This survey was completed by over 200 Communications professionals within financial services, with 21% of the respondents coming from the insurance sector.
Thursday 1st December 2011
Libby Trace, Principal Consultant in VMA Group’s Financial Services practice, celebrated 20 years in PR and communications recruitment last night. Held at VMA Group’s London office, a lively crowd of senior communicators, made up of current and old contacts, joined Libby to mark her two decades in the profession. One particular success story of the evening was a candidate who was placed by Libby 18 years ago and is now a flourishing Managing Director at an agency.
Monday 14th November 2011
Washington, D.C., November 4, 2011 - Patino Associates, LLC, a leading executive search firm specializing in the corporate communications, public affairs, investor relations and marketing functions, today announced that Jennifer Pennell has joined as Executive Director and will open Patino Associates’ second office in San Diego, CA. Ms. Pennell brings over a decade of experience at Russell Reynolds Associates handling senior level executive searches and leadership assessments. Most recently Ms. Pennell led efforts to identify and attract executive recruiting professionals to Russell Reynolds.
Friday 28th October 2011
VMA Group, the global resourcing specialist for corporate communications and HR, is pleased to announce that Andrew Holland has recently joined as a senior consultant working in the Internal Communications practice.
Friday 28th October 2011
A new mentoring programme aimed at senior industry practitioners has this week launched giving direct access to the industry’s highest-calibre communications professionals. The VMA Enhance Mentoring Partnership is a new initiative from VMA Enhance, the professional development arm of VMA Group.
Monday 17th October 2011
Directors of Communications in FTSE organisations including BP, GlaxoSmithKline, PWC, IHG, Hammerson and Rolls Royce are taking part in a pioneering study into corporate communications in the UK. The study has been commissioned by VMA Group, the international resourcing specialist for corporate communications, and will not only provide the most comprehensive overview of the function, structure and role of corporate communications today and in the future, but will give participants a unique benchmark of their own function.
Friday 14th October 2011
Katrina Andrews, Director, VMA Group Asia-Pacific, hosted an open evening in London for communications professionals who are looking to make a career move to Asia.
Wednesday 28th September 2011
September 2011, London: VMA Group, the specialist corporate communications, PR and investor relations executive recruiter, reveals the results of the largest ever survey of financial services communications professionals.
Monday 26th September 2011
Further international expansion follows the successful growth of operations in Europe and the United States, coupled with the significant growth of its UK operation Events for clients and candidates planned in London to coincide with the launch VMA Group has announced the growth of its international network with the opening of its new Asia-Pacific operation, headquartered in Hong Kong, with significant reach to other core Asia-Pacific markets. The news follows the successful establishment of VMA Group’s operation in Europe, headquartered in Brussels, to cover wider European territories, and the partnership agreement with US based Patino Associates, headquartered in Washington.
Monday 26th September 2011
Establishing a Business in Asia What I wish I knew a year ago by Katrina Andrew, Director VMA Group, Asia-Pacific With puny or non-existent economic growth, western countries are tough places to do business. Asia, on the other hand, is where the real money is and UK publishers are heading over there in search of growth. The main challenge facing them, writes Katrina Andrews, is bridging the cultural divide between east and west.
Thursday 15th September 2011
On Thursday 15th September 2011, VMA Group's HR practice, in conjunction with Sean Watts of hr3 Consult, hosted an informative and engaging seminar on how to manage your employer reputation. Held at the Hale Marriott, VMA Group's HR practice was joined by a number of senior HR professionals from across the region, representing businesses including The Co-operative, TalkTalk, DWF, Promethean, Home Retail Group and Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue.
Monday 12th September 2011
Nina Arnott has moved to VMA Group after 15 years in the PR industry, most recently as Interim European Director of Communications for McDonalds. Nina will head up the External Communications Practice across its London and Manchester offices and will focus on strengthening VMA’s offering at Director level.
Wednesday 17th August 2011
The Public Affairs practice hosted a ‘public affairs in financial services’ breakfast for senior public affairs, policy and government relations professionals across the financial services sector. Global institutions across the consumer, retail and investment banking where represented at the event which is one in a series of sector focused thought leadership events VMA Group’s Public Affairs practice will be hosting this year.
Friday 2nd September 2011
Through a period of unprecedented and continued economic uncertainty, today’s internal communicator has had to adapt in order to survive. With higher expectations from senior leaders and constant pressure to provide strategic value to help drive change, the role of the internal communicator has grown in remit and profile.
Wednesday 20th July 2011
Lucinda Moores and Lucy Keogh from the external communications practice hosted a construction and property breakfast roundtable on Wednesday 20th July. Guests enjoyed a lively discussion on a range of topics, including sustainability, CSR, thought leadership and of course the latest instalment of the ongoing News of the World scandal. Feedback was extremely positive and the team plan to hold another construction and property roundtable later this year.
Thursday 28th July 2011
This month’s breakfast for senior communications professionals in the insurance market included representatives from both the consumer and wholesale areas of the insurance spectrum.
Wednesday 20th July 2011
VMA Group hosted another thought provoking IR breakfast at the Wolseley with several Heads of IR.
Wednesday 13th July 2011
Our External Communications practice hosted summer drinks in the square on Wednesday 13th July. This event was exclusively for communications professionals that VMA Group has successfully helped to find a new role during their career.
Thursday 14th July 2011
In order to drive its expansion plans, the Group has restructured its board. Julia Meighan assumes the newly created role of Executive Chair and will spearhead the Group's international expansion, as well as initiating special projects in talent management within the Corporate Communications profession.
Thursday 30th June 2011
On 30th June 2011 the HR practice of VMA Group, in conjunction with Grant Thornton, hosted a lively roundtable discussion on the reward landscape. Held at Grant Thornton's offices in Manchester the VMA Group team were joined by a number of senior reward professionals from across the region representing businesses including BUPA, Kellogg, PZ Cussons and Kurt Salmon.
Friday 15th July 2011
VMA Group's Public Affairs practice hosted a Summer drinks party at the St Stephen Club, Westminster on Thursday 14th July to launch the first ever UK Public Affairs Survey.
Friday 15th July 2011
Fewer hours, more holidays, lots of variety, good money and no need to get involved in office politics ... these are some of he compelling reasons why more top corporate communicators are giving up the daily grind and instead opting to become interim managers. But this isn't a role for just anyone. It takes a very special type of corporate communications expert to succeed at being an interim: it is not simply a temping job. There is no job security and unless candidates have the ability to network well, there could be long gaps between posts.
Tuesday 5th July 2011
VMA Interim Performers, part of VMA Group, hosted an interim management seminar last night for communications and HR professionals who are thinking about a career in interim management. Those who attended were given an insight into the reality of interim working – both the advantages and the potential pitfalls – and whether it was suited to them personally.
Wednesday 22nd June 2011
VMA Group’s Financial Services and Investor Relations Practice held a breakfast at the Wolseley where, over indulgent Eggs Benedict and copious amounts of coffee,
Wednesday 22nd June 2011
Over 50 professional interim managers working in corporate communications and HR met at the Institute of Physics in Regents Park on Wednesday 22nd June 2011 to attend VMA Interim Performers’ regular networking event, ‘Interim Wednesday.’
Friday 17th June 2011
VMA Group, the specialist communications recruiter, is pleased to announce that Caroline Lynch has joined VMA Group to manage its healthcare practice.
Thursday 2nd June 2011
Claire Tuffin, Group Managing Director, and Libby Trace, Principal Consultant at VMA Group both played a part in the CIPR Excellence Awards 2011, held last night at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London.
Monday 23rd May 2011
Libby Trace, Principal Consultant at VMA Group, the international resourcing specialist for corporate communications and HR, was recently appointed to judge the shortlisted entrants for the CIPR Excellence Awards 2011.
Thursday 19th May 2011
Communicate Magazine article 19th May 2011 Directors of investor relations in FTSE100 companies are commanding salaries of up to £240,000, with an average salary of £110,000 throughout the index rising to nearly £180,000 for the FTSE50.
Thursday 12th May 2011
On Thursday 12 May, VMA Group, the specialist communications recruiter, hosted its first 'Rising Stars' breakfast of 2011 for internal communications professionals. As its name suggests, the aim of these regular events is to bring together those IC practitioners who are just embarking on, or are in the early stages of, their IC careers.
Tuesday 19th April 2011
VMA Interim Performers, part of VMA Group, today announced it has been shortlisted for Best Interim Provider in the 2011 Recruitment Consultant Magazine Industry Awards.
Thursday 14th April 2011
VMA Group's external communications practice hosted anEaster drinks event for senior communications professionals on Wednesday 13thApril.
Friday 8th April 2011
VMA Group, the specialist public affairs recruiter, has joined with the pollster ComRes and Public Affairs News, to produce the industry’s first in-depth survey looking at how it views itself
Wednesday 6th April 2011
The external communications practice hosted a breakfast at The Wolseley on Tuesday29 March for senior communication professionals within the transport sector.
Thursday 24th March 2011
On Wednesday 23rd March, VMA Interim Performers hosted its regular ‘Interim Wednesday' networking evening for senior interim managers.
Friday 11th March 2011
VMA Group North held a networking evening at LK Bennett on Thursday 10th March 2011 for senior communications, HR and change management professionals.
Tuesday 22nd February 2011
Oskar Yasar, Managing Director of VMA International, and Els Brands-Höhner talk about some of the key changes in European recruitment trends
Tuesday 22nd February 2011
VMA Group has simplified its trading by fully acquiring VMA Search and Selection Limited and VMA Interim Performers to present a single marketing global offering called VMA Global Resourcing Group Limited.
Friday 4th February 2011
On Thursday 27th January VMA Group officially launched its new permanent division for HR recruitment. In addition to the very established HR interim business, the Human Resources Practice will now provide a permanent resourcing service spanning both generalist and specialist mid management to board level appointments. Coverage will be nationwide across all industry sectors.
Friday 4th February 2011
VMA Group North held a bespoke workshop for HR professionals on Thursday 27th January. The aim of the event was to help human resources managers and directors to enhance their communications skills.
Thursday 20th January 2011
VMA Group is proud to announce the winners of its annual Internal Communications Showcase Awards which took place in central London on Wednesday 19th January.
Wednesday 15th December 2010
Oskar Yasar, Managing Director of VMA International, talks about the internationalisation and migration of PR talent and discusses the effects on UK’s talent pool.
Tuesday 14th December 2010
On 14th December VMA Group played host to more than 130 guests at the Law Society for our breakfast event with The Apprentice's Nick Hewer.
Monday 6th December 2010
The VMA Group team was in Birmingham on Thursday 2nd December to welcome people to its first networking event for communications and HR professionals in Birmingham.
Wednesday 1st December 2010
VMA Group, the specialist communications recruiter, is reporting a strong end to 2010 having enjoyed two quarters of sustained growth.
Monday 29th November 2010
VMA Group, the specialist recruiters, held its second advisory panel on 23rd November. The aim of the meeting was to discuss impending changes and trends in the Human Resources sector and representatives from VMA Group were joined by a number of leading industry professionals.
Friday 26th November 2010
Richard regularly acts for Respondent companies in breach of contract, unfair dismissal and a range of discrimination (including equal pay) claims.
Wednesday 3rd November 2010
VMA Group is pleased to announce that its contribution to excellence in recruitment has been recognised at the annual Institute of Professional Recruiters (IPR) Awards 2010.
Thursday 28th October 2010
Last night’s event at the CIPR was a great success. Thirty public sector communications professionals came along to hear sound advice on how to improve their chances of success in a competitive job market.
Wednesday 27th October 2010
VMA Group, the specialist communications recruiter, is pleased to announce that Victoria Fawcett has joined the company’s public affairs practice as a consultant.
Wednesday 20th October 2010
As an immediate response to the cuts that will be unveiled in the coalition government’s spending review, the specialist recruiters VMA Group, will hold a career surgery for communications professionals currently working in the public sector.
Friday 8th October 2010
On Wednesday 6 October, Interim Performers’ Communications practice hosted the third in the series of ‘Interim Wednesday’ networking events.
Wednesday 6th October 2010
VMA Group's Manchester office held a lunchtime seminar on Friday 1st October at BarCa Bar in the ever trendy area of Castlefield, Manchester. The topic; Exploring the nature of the relationship between a client and its PR agency.
Monday 13th September 2010
Many HR directors have indicated that developed communications skills for HR professionals are now more important than ever. Emma Flaherty reveals how HR professionals can influence the business, improve employee engagement and win over minds with the right mix of communication skills.
Thursday 9th September 2010
Crystal Walter, has been invited by L.K.Bennett to give her professional tips on how to create the right impression in the workplace.
Thursday 9th September 2010
The VMA Interim Performers team are delighted to announce the launch of our new corporate website which reflects our position as the leading interim specialists in HR, change management and corporate communications.
Thursday 9th September 2010
We are delighted to announce the launch of our new corporate website which reflects our growing vision as a leading global resourcing specialist for corporate communications, HR and change management.
Thursday 2nd September 2010
Els Brands has joined VMA Group Europe in Brussels as a senior consultant, where she is responsible for recruiting marketing and communications professionals across all industry sectors.
Thursday 5th August 2010
Marijke Hirst is joining VMA Group Manchester as a Consultant, where she will be responsible for recruiting PR, corporate and internal communications professionals in the North and Midlands regions.
Tuesday 29th June 2010
Paula Fassam has joined VMA Group’s Interim Performers team as a Consultant, where she will specialise in the placement of interim HR and change management professionals at mid-management to board level across the north of England.
Monday 21st June 2010
VMA Group has announced that it is bucking the recession in making 15 new hires since the start of 2010, in addition to creating a new professional development and services division, VMA Enhance.
Wednesday 30th June 2010
VMA are the proud sponsors of this year’s CIPR Corporate and Financial Group summer party. Come along and enjoy the spectacular view from Olswang’s roof terrace on what should be a beautiful summer’s evening.
Wednesday 9th June 2010
London might be hotting up after a harsh winter but is the financial world doing the same?
Tuesday 8th June 2010
Libby Trace to Head VMA Group’s Financial Services Practice
Tuesday 8th June 2010
At a time when the UK’s private sector communicators begin to regain confidence, a recent survey has indicated that the public sector is lagging behind in supporting its communication teams. Over 30% of respondents stated they aren’t always supported or their superiors don’t understand the importance of communications. However regarding remuneration, communicators are more content with nearly 2 in 3 of respondents polled stating their salaries were adequate. These are some of the findings of Taking the Pulse, a survey undertaken by VMA Group, a leading provider of stakeholder communications and change management professionals and Communicate magazine. The survey polled 200 senior communications professionals during March and April this year.
Thursday 3rd June 2010
VMA Group, Europe's leading recruitment and executive search company dedicated to corporate communications, has announced the development of its international network with the opening of its new European operation, headquartered in Brussels.
Friday 21st May 2010
New Division to Provide Tailored Professional Development Services
Friday 23rd April 2010
Following her appearance on Channel 4's 'How the Other Half Live', Julia Meighan will be appearing on BBC 2's 'Working Lunch' on Monday 26th April 2010.
Thursday 22nd April 2010
VMA is proud to present the Public Sector/Not for Profit Pre-Election Survey 2010, in association with Communicate Magazine.
Tuesday 13th April 2010
VMA North gathered together the Financial Services foremost communications experts for its North West financial services roundtable to debate the issues of today’s marketplace.
Friday 19th March 2010
Brett Meager a Consultant at Interim Performers, part of VMA Group, is heading out to Haiti on the 31st of March to work with Hands on Disaster Response at Project Leogane.
Monday 1st February 2010
Interim managers are increasingly challenging PR consultancies for project work as well as being sought by companies looking to bolster their in-house communications teams.