We are inviting local business owners to join two practical and interactive workshop programmes running throughout 2026. The free two-hour sessions on PR strategy and crisis communications are designed to help businesses stay visible in an increasingly AI-driven world and ensure they are prepared to handle reputational challenges with confidence. 

The first workshop, Crisis Communications Essentials, has been developed to help small and medium sized businesses understand what they need to put in place to protect their reputation should the unexpected happen. Although major scandals often dominate national headlines, smaller businesses can be just as vulnerable to crises such as fires, fraud, data breaches, operational failures or social media mistakes. The workshop provides a clear, accessible introduction to the core elements of crisis planning and response.

Participants will look at how to identify and prioritise the types of crises that could impact their business, how to analyse and segment audiences to ensure communication lands effectively, and how to develop a structured crisis communications plan. The session covers preparation, rapid response techniques and the steps required to restore trust during the recovery period. It is designed to give business owners practical guidance they can adopt immediately to safeguard their reputation and maintain stakeholder confidence.

The second workshop, How to Stay Visible in an AI World, focuses on helping business owners set the foundations for a clear, effective PR strategy. As AI continues to influence how organisations are discovered and perceived, maintaining visibility among the right audiences is becoming a fundamental part of business success. The workshop is ideal for leaders entering new markets, launching products or services, seeking investment, attracting talent, or simply wanting to stay ahead as technology evolves.

During the session, attendees will explore how to identify and understand the audiences that matter most to their business, shape messages that resonate with them, and select PR activities that genuinely support their commercial goals. The workshop also examines how to measure PR impact in a meaningful way. By the end, participants will leave with the building blocks of a tailored PR strategy that aligns directly with their growth ambitions.

Karen Tinkler, Director at Partners PR said the workshops come at a crucial time for businesses across the region: “Yorkshire’s SMEs are operating in fast-moving and often unpredictable conditions. These workshops are designed to give business owners the knowledge, confidence and tools they need to stay visible, stay prepared and stay ahead.”

How to Stay Visible in an AI World will run on the following dates in 2026:
11 February,
14 April,
11 June,
11 August,
14 October
8 December.

Find out more and book your free place here.

The Crisis Communications Essentials workshop will run on
20 January,
11 March,
20 May,
7 July,
9 September
12 November 2026.

Find out more and book your free place here.

All sessions take place from 9.30am to 11.30am at Independence House, Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton, York.