Julie sets a high charter mark in PR

Julie McCabe, managing director of Massive Public Relations, has become the first chartered PR practitioner in Northern Ireland. Chartered practitioner is a senior professional status awarded to members of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) who can demonstrate an outstanding level of professional practice and knowledge, and a commitment to continuous learning. Julie has worked in the PR industry for 14 years and has been the major driving force behind two well-known local PR firms, before setting up her own company last year. No stranger to PR accolades, Julie received the CIPR's Chairman's Prize for outstanding contribution and service to the PR industry in 2006 and was Outstanding Young Communicator of the Year at the CIPR PRide Awards in 2007. "This is the gold standard award for the CIPR and the public relations profession," Jane Wilson, CEO of the CIPR said. "This status delivers parity with other business disciplines, and supports our Royal Charter obligation to promote, for the public benefit, high levels of skill, knowledge, competence, standards of practice and professional conduct." Ms McCabe said: "I believe that as the PR industry continues to grow and develop, being a CIPR chartered practitioner will help to rein- force the credibility of PR professionals, as well as the important and influential role they play in the success of local public and private sector organisations."