Michael runs his own copywriting and media training business and amongst his regular projects is responsible for writing BT's quarterly Better World e-zine.
His working involvement in CSR comes reasonably late in his career, which has included such diverse roles as being a bookmaker, a journalist and a press officer for BT.
He says, "To be honest, my knowledge and enthusiasm for social and environmental issues was limited by my ignorance. But then I began researching and suggesting possible CSR stories for inclusion in the Better World e-zine. The more I found out, the more eager to learn I became and I could see the importance of sharing news and best practice in this area. Now, I work very closely with BT's CSR team and thoroughly enjoy it."
Grant graduated from the University of Exeter in July 2006 with a BSc (Hons) in Geography. Keen to use his scientific knowledge of climate change and sustainable development, within a corporate environment, Grant decided upon a career in the Corporate Social Responsibility sector.
Grant gained a work experience placement within the BT CSR communications team in October 2006 and spent 6 months learning how environmental and social responsibility fitted in to the corporate framework. The placement confirmed his interest in the sector and he wanted to broaden his experience of Corporate Social Responsibility by working for an Agency that specialises in CSR Public Relations (PR).
In February 2007 Grant secured a job as a Client Executive at PR company Trimedia Harrison Cowley in their specialist CSR team. His work covers many different areas from sustainability issues, education, charity, climate change and social inclusion.
Kirsty joined Futerra in January 2007 as Head of PR. She is an experienced communicator in the field of planning and sustainability. Formerly a senior Government press officer, Kirsty has extensive media handling expertise. Her roles have involved advising Ministers on how best to communicate complex and difficult issues effectively to a wide range of audiences, and generating national, regional and specialist media coverage. Kirsty previously specialised in planning for climate change as Director of Communications for the Town and Country Planning Association. She has a BA Hons degree in Political Philosophy, and is currently studying for an MSc in Business Strategy, Politics and the Environment.