VMA Group - Recent News
View all of VMA Group's news pieces and press releases.
Wednesday 10th April 2013
Katrina Andrews Promoted to Board of Directors as VMA Group opens office in Singapore
VMA Group is delighted to announce that Katrina Andrews (Director of VMA Group, Asia-Pacific) has been promoted to its Board of Directors.
Friday 8th March 2013
Internal Communications Showcase Awards 2013
The industry's only peer-to-peer, best practice sharing event
Tuesday 19th February 2013
New Consultant Hired for VMA Group, Europe
Kim Johnson, an experienced communications recruiter, has been hired and will work out of the Brussels office.
Saturday 12th January 2013
VMA Group makes it's Simply TV Debut - Internal Communications Study 2012-13
VMA Group consultants Michelle Morgan, Andrew Holland and Tony Stewart discuss the 2012/13 Professional Development in Internal Communications Study 2012-13 live on Simply TV.
Wednesday 19th December 2012
New consultants at VMA Group’s Manchester office
Specialist communications recruiter VMA Group has appointed two new consultants to its Manchester office.
Tuesday 11th December 2012
VMA Group's Agency Practice
VMA Group’s PR Agency practice is going from strength to strength with consultants in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Monday 10th December 2012
Growth at VMA Group’s Midlands Office
Global communications recruitment firm, VMA Group, has expanded the Midlands practice this month with the appointment of two new consultants to the Birmingham office.
Friday 7th December 2012
VMA Group Announces the Launch of a Dedicated Digital Communications Practice
VMA Group, the global executive recruitment and professional development partner for corporate communications professionals, is pleased to announce that Tony Stewart has joined the business to further develop the company’s digital and social communications recruitment offering.
Friday 30th November 2012
VMA Group Sponsor The 2012 CorpComms Awards
Now in its seventh year, the CorpComms Awards are one of the highlights of the communications calendar for in-house professionals, and last week's event was no different. This year, a new award was introduced, “Best International Campaign” which was presented by Julia Meighan, Executive Chairman, VMA Group.
Friday 12th October 2012
Six Predictions: The Future for Communicators
A summary of the ideas, thoughts and predictions off the back of a series of events celebrating the opening of our Sydney office.
Monday 24th September 2012
VMA Group announces the launch of its Sydney office, to complement its Asia Pacific Hub in Hong Kong
VMA Group, the global executive recruitment and professional development partner for corporate communications, investor relations and human resources professionals, today announces the continued expansion of its international network with the opening of its Sydney office. This comes on the back of the recent announcement of the growth of VMA Group in Mainland Europe with the opening of its second European office in Amsterdam, to complement its operation in Brussels.
Wednesday 19th September 2012
Launch of UK Public Affairs Survey in Association with ComRes
VMA Group is pleased to announce the launch of its annual UK Public Affairs 2012 survey in association with ComRes.
Tuesday 18th September 2012
VMA Group's charity of the year: Connect
Over the next year, VMA Group will be working with Connect, a UK charity for people living with aphasia, a communication disability which usually occurs after stroke. Connect aims to improve the lives of people living with aphasia and communication disabilities, equipping them to re-connect with life.
Friday 14th September 2012
VMA Group announces the launch of its Amsterdam office and the appointment of Willem De Ruijter
VMA Group continues to expand its operation in mainland Europe with the appointment of a Head of Europe VMA Group adds to its operation in Brussels with the opening of an office in Amsterdam The appointment of Willem de Ruijter reflects the significant growth of VMA Group’s presence across Europe
Friday 7th September 2012
UK Public Sector Communications Awards, 20th November 2012
VMA Group is pleased to announce that we are sponsoring The UK Public Sector Communications Awards 2012. The event will celebrate and reward excellent communication strategies and campaigns, teams and individuals in local and national government, emergency services and not-for-profit bodies from across the UK along with agencies working for public sector organisations.
Tuesday 28th August 2012
Recent Placements – July 2012
Please see below an overview of some of our recent placements:
Thursday 19th July 2012
VMA Group's Professional Development in Internal Communications Survey 2012-13
VMA Group is delighted to launch the ‘Professional Development in Internal Communications Survey 2012-13’. The Internal Communications practice take the pulse of the profession every 18 months, focusing on careers, budgets, the influence of internal communications and professional development.
Tuesday 17th July 2012
Carla Phelps is promoted to Consultant in VMA Group’s Internal Communications practice to bolster freelance offering
VMA Group, the global executive recruitment and professional development partner for corporate communications, investor relations and human resources professionals, is pleased to announce that Carla Phelps has been promoted from researcher to consultant in the Internal Communications practice.
Friday 13th July 2012
Julia Meighan awards Aviva at CorpComms 2012 Digi Awards
On Tuesday 10th July VMA Group’s Chairman, Julia Meighan presented the award for ‘Best Digital Team’ at the 2012 CorpComms Digi Awards, on behalf of VMA Group.
Wednesday 20th June 2012
‘Staying Ahead in a Regulated Market’ cross sector regulatory breakfast
On Wednesday 20th June VMA Group hosted a breakfast meeting for senior communications professionals working in regulated industries.
Tuesday 10th July 2012
VMA Group’s continues to expand its Agency Practice with the appointment of Lucy Stone
VMA Group, the global executive recruitment and professional development partner for corporate communications, investor relations and human resources professionals, continues to build its profile in the agency market with the appointment of Lucy Stone.
Monday 2nd July 2012
VMA Group’s communications team develops with promotions in the Northern office
VMA Group, the global executive recruitment and professional development partner for corporate communications, investor relations and human resources professionals, is pleased to announce the further development of its communications team in the North.
Tuesday 26th June 2012
VMA Group announces the winners of the Internal Communications Showcase Awards 2012
VMA Group is delighted to announce the winners of the 2012 Internal Communications Showcase Awards which took place at BMA House in central London on Tuesday 26th June.
Thursday 7th June 2012
Steve White joins VMA Group’s Human Resources practice
VMA Group, the global executive recruitment and professional development partner for corporate communications, investor relations and human resources professionals, is pleased to announce that Steve White has joined as Head of the Human Resources Practice, London.
Wednesday 6th June 2012
VMA Group launches freelance practice to meet the growing demand for highly skilled, hands-on contractors
The freelance practice has four recruitment consultants across external communications, internal communications and human resources, focusing on the mid-level market. The team will work with clients looking to cover maternity leave and long-term sickness, as well as those looking to ease the pressure of an increased workload.
Friday 11th May 2012
Expansion gathers pace at VMA Group as it opens its third UK office
VMA Group, the leading resourcing and career partner for communications and HR professionals, is to open its third UK office in Birmingham. This follows the announcement in late 2011 of the opening of VMA Group’s Asia-Pacific operation.
Thursday 3rd May 2012
You need to prove PR’s worth in order to influence the board, says VMA Group’s Julia Meighan
There is a “more-for-less” culture pervading through communications departments, as highlighted in our recent Business Leaders in Communications Survey 2012 and in PRmoment's recent article covering its findings.
Monday 30th April 2012
Annual In-house Investor Relations Career and Salary Survey
We are pleased to announce that VMA Group’s Annual In-house Investor Relations Career and Salary Survey 2012-2013 is now open. Our theme for this year’s survey is ‘Reflections from the C-Suite’, addressing some of the key issues concerning the relationship between IROs and senior management teams.
Friday 27th April 2012
Annual UK Public Affairs Survey 2012 in partnership with ComRes
For the second year running VMA Group, in partnership with ComRes, is conducting the UK Public Affairs Survey for public affairs professionals.
Thursday 26th April 2012
Business Leaders in Communications 2012 breakfast series
When the results of the Business Leaders in Communications Study 2012 were compiled it was concluded that a more detailed discussion and analysis around the results would increase the value of the study significantly for participating organisations.
Friday 23rd March 2012
Sophie Collins joins VMA Group’s External Communications Practice to Bolster Interim Offering
VMA Group, the global resourcing specialist for corporate communications and HR, is pleased to announce that Sophie Collins has joined their External Communications practice. Based in the London office Sophie will handle interim assignments within external communications, across all industry sectors. She has over 10 years’ experience in PR, working both in-house and within agency.
Thursday 22nd March 2012
VMA Group’s Manchester Team Hosts ‘The Insiders’ Internal Communications Group
On Thursday 22nd March VMA Group’s team in Manchester held its second meeting of ‘The Insiders’, in partnership with the Institute of Internal Communications.
Thursday 22nd March 2012
VMA Group Corporate Communications Lunch, Amsterdam
On Thursday 22nd March VMA Group’s European office hosted a corporate communications lunch in Amsterdam.
Wednesday 29th February 2012
VMA Group hosts Charity IC Forum meeting
On 29th February, VMA Group hosted another in the series of Charity IC Forum meetings. The events are an opportunity for senior internal communications professionals working in the charity sector to meet peers, debate current issues and share research.
Tuesday 21st February 2012
The Asia-Pacific Communications Market Open Evening
On Tuesday 21st February VMA Group hosted an open evening at our London offices for communications professionals considering moving to work in the Asia-Pacific region. The event was an opportunity for guests to meet our Hong Kong based team of consultants and hear about living and working within communications in Asia.
Wednesday 15th February 2012
VMA Group Ranks as the Fastest Growing Private Recruitment Company in the Specialist Sectors of Communications and HR
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 partners with the MScom Alumni Association of The University of Lugano
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
Businesses demand more digital expertise, but fail to recruit enough PR specialists to meet it
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 appoints Sarah Lazenby to join internal communications practice
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
Corporate Communications – Impacting Financial Performance?
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
“Communication is the most powerful lever to gain competitive advantage” says Charlie Mayfield, Chairman of The John Lewis Partnership
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
FTSE organisations reveal the role, influence and challenges of communications in ground-breaking study
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
The CEO’s role in communications highlighted in new study
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
IR Pulse - 'Resting', 'at maximum', 'on target' or 'in recovery'? Your thoughts on IR in the current climate...
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
Think Global, Act Local By Katrina Andrews, Director VMA Group Asia-Pacific
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?
Thursday 1st December 2011
Libby Trace celebrates 20 years in PR and communications recruitment
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
Patino associates expands executive search capabilities with new executive director
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
Andrew Holland joins VMA Group’s interim practice
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
Career development boost for senior communicators with launch of mentoring partnership
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
Leading FTSE and international companies launch ground-breaking research into Corporate Communications
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
VMA Group Asia-Pacific hosts open evening communications professionals
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
VMA Group launches the largest ever report on the role of communicators within the financial services industry
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
VMA Group announces the launch of its Asia-Pacific operation and the senior appointment of Melcrum’s former Asia-Pacific Head
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 by Katrina Andrew, Director, VMA Group Asia-Pacific
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.
Friday 2nd September 2011
Internal Communicators adapt to survive By David Broome, Head of Internal Communications, VMA Group
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 13th July 2011
Summer Drinks in the Square for External Communications Professionals
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
VMA Group drives its expansion plans with Board restructuring
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.
Friday 15th July 2011
Public Affairs Practice Launches UK Public Affairs Survey in Westminster
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.
Thursday 2nd June 2011
VMA Group judge and present at the CIPR Excellence Awards 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
VMA Group’s Libby Trace appointed judge for CIPR Excellence Awards 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.
Tuesday 19th April 2011
VMA Interim Performers shortlisted for Best Interim Provider
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.
Friday 8th April 2011
VMA Group launches first public affairs sector survey
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
Friday 4th February 2011
VMA Group launches permanent HR division
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.
Thursday 20th January 2011
VMA Group announces the winners of the Internal Communications Showcase Awards 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
What Took Us So Long? by Oskar Yasar
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
Breakfast with The Apprentice’s Nick Hewer and Apprentice, Series One Winner Tim Campbell – 14th December 2011
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.
Wednesday 1st December 2010
VMA Group strengthens UK team on back of market growth
VMA Group, the specialist communications recruiter, is reporting a strong end to 2010 having enjoyed two quarters of sustained growth.
Wednesday 3rd November 2010
VMA Group recognised at recruitment industry awards
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.
Wednesday 27th October 2010
Victoria Fawcett joins the public affairs team at VMA Group
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
VMA Group on hand to help after the Government Spending Review
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.
Thursday 9th September 2010
VMA’s Crystal Walter to Give Style Advice at LK Bennett
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
Announcing the launch of VMA Group’s new website
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
VMA Group's European team strengthened
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.
Monday 21st June 2010
VMA Group Beats the Recession
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.
Tuesday 8th June 2010
Libby Trace to Head VMA Group’s Financial Services Practice
Libby Trace to Head VMA Group’s Financial Services Practice
Thursday 3rd June 2010
VMA Group Announces International Expansion into Europe and the United States
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
VMA Group Launches VMA Enhance
New Division to Provide Tailored Professional Development Services
Friday 23rd April 2010
CEO, Julia Meighan, to appear on BBC 2's 'Working Lunch'
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.