Gina Stringer is founder and director of Stand Tall PR, a Yorkshire-based boutique communications agency offering PR, brand activation, content and design to brands on a mission.
The agency works with brands and businesses in food, drink, hospitality and lifestyle to bring their offering to life “with proper strategy and creative storytelling.” Its approach marries fresh ideas with strong relationships and a clear purpose to tell stories that people pay attention to and that your team can be really proud of.
Prior to setting up Stand Tall, Stringer spend over six years in-house at Yorkshire Tea owner Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate.
How did you first get into the industry?
I’ve always been obsessed with the media – growing up I used to collect magazines, enter radio competitions and apply for TV shows. At university, I became editor of the student newspaper and fell in love with writing.
After graduating, I threw myself into the job hunt, applying for anything and everything in journalism and PR. A marketing agency in Harrogate took me on as a PR intern, and the rest is history! 13 years of agency life and in-house roles later, I decided to start my own mini agency and Stand Tall PR was born.
What do you love about your job?
Getting to work with driven, creative people every day who I’m constantly learning from. And the variety too – no two weeks are ever the same!
During my time at Yorkshire Tea, I once teamed up with actor and proper brew-lover, Russell Crowe, to surprise the whole company with a live musical performance in the middle of the office. It was the wildest experience of my life!
Who – or what – has inspired you in your career?
My parents are both entrepreneurs and growing up, they both instilled in me the importance of working hard, aiming high and taking initiative.
Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing people including four incredible leaders who have shaped the way I approach PR and business. Sam Naughton (who I’ve now worked with in three roles and is a lifelong friend!) showed me the power of authenticity, relationship-building and staying calm in a crisis. Samara Ullman brought infectious energy and creativity, teaching me how to pitch well and manage accounts. Dom Dwight at Yorkshire Tea taught me to think big, encouraging bold, playful creativity and the importance of using social media for real connection. And James Sweeting ultimately helped me nurture the confidence to start Stand Tall PR – and I’ve never looked back!
What are the biggest challenges about your job?
Honestly? Accounting. The numbers part of running a business has taken some getting used to. I’m very much learning on-the-job about tax returns and invoicing. Thank goodness for accountants.
What skills have been the most crucial to you succeeding in your career so far?
Three things come to mind. Copywriting. Landing messaging clearly and with the right tone is such a big skill in PR. I think it’s important to ask for feedback on your writing too, even today I really value a second pair of eyes.
Listening. The best communicators listen first. Asking great questions and truly hearing the response can be a game-changer, it’s remarkable what you can learn just by paying attention.
Thinking big. Every Stand Tall project kicks off with a sheet of A3, a Sharpie, and a “no idea is a bad idea” mentality. Creativity thrives when there’s room to explore!
What was your first salary and what could someone getting into the industry expect to earn nowadays?
My first PR job started as an unpaid internship, so my salary was nothing except for a bit of mileage money, but the opportunity led to a junior role so it was worth it at the time. Times have changed today though!
What education or training would be most useful for someone looking to follow your career path?
I didn’t study PR or marketing, but I’ve always believed in following creative passions and throwing yourself into what excites you, because you never know where it might lead. At school, I focused on subjects that helped shape my skills – drama built my confidence, English sharpened my storytelling and French taught me how to communicate beyond language barriers.
When it came to job applications, I learned how to connect my experiences to the skills needed for PR. After that, it was all about grafting hard and seizing every opportunity to learn (there’s no shortcut for this I’m afraid!)
What advice would you have for someone looking to follow your path?
Aim high, stay curious and most importantly of all, be yourself. There is only one you and what makes you different is your superpower!
