Wiltshire business leaders were turned into reporters in just 45 minutes, when journalist and public relations consultant Peter Davison let them into the secrets of How to Write a Press Release.

The bosses, who all attend Marlborough Profit Club, which is led by business coach Nigel Scott, learned the art of writing an attention-grabbing headline and hooking readers in the first few lines.

They also learnt how to identify angles, write in short, punchy paragraphs and use quotes to bring their press release to life in a bid to get exposure for their businesses through the media.

“This is a fascinating insight into how to structure a press release and give newspaper editors the story they are looking for,” said Tim Ashton of Marlborough-based web and video developers Mole Productions.

“It´s access to this kind of expertise that keeps me coming back to Marlborough Profit Club.”

Michelle Tinkley of Wigglephonics in Swindon said : I´m getting so much from Profit Club meetings, Pete´s presentation was both useful and entertaining.”

And Amanda Hatt, a director of James Hatt & Associates chartered physiotherapists, said: “The best thing about Profit Club is that we work together to tackle problems and find solutions in our businesses.

“Some of us have experienced problems getting the media to notice us, and Pete offered some great solutions.”

Pete, who spent 13 years in local newspapers before launching public relations firm Secret Agent Marketing six years ago, said: “The aim of the exercise was to share a few tricks of the trade, give attendees the confidence to use those tools, and get a press release promoting Wiltshire businesses written in 45 minutes.

“The final, and most important, part of the challenge was to get our press release published and read; so if anyone´s reading this now, we succeeded!”

To find out more about Marlborough Profit Club, or any of the other business coaching services offered by Nigel Scott, log on to www.actioncoach.com/nigelscott Wiltshire businesses looking to utilise marketing techniques to boost their business should head to www.secretagentmarketing.com

Pictured: Jonathan Tinkley, Physibets/Wigglephonics; Chris Elkins, SCS (Sovereign Communication Systems); Tim Ashton, Mole Productions; Nigel Scott; Louisa Clarke, Eva’s Cafe & Catering; Peter Davison, Secret Agent Marketing; Amanda Hatt, James Hatt & Associates; David Court, The Stationery Cupboard; Nicola Ashton, Mole Productions; Charlotte Lawrence, Twist Interior Design; Kerry Davies, The Spring Cleaners; Michelle Tinkley, Physibets/Wigglephonics