Mark Cocklin

Experienced journalist, writing and editing for print and online media. Trained in digital marketing, including SEO and analytics. Have provided PR services for clients as a freelance.

Self-Employed Freelance Journalism and PR                                                                    May ’09 – ongoing

• Wrote newspaper copy as a freelance.
• Served as the Tamworth Live Website Content Editor, using WordPress to write, edit and collate content.
• Conducted PR and marketing tasks to promote live music and raise interest in a series of events culminating in a well-attended music festival.

Security Officer

Gold Standard Security                                                                                                         April ’18 – April ’21

Provided security at large events, venues, and festivals. Customer service skills. SIA-licensed door supervisor with NVQ Level 2 in Spectator Safety.

Warehouse Operative

Home And Retail                                                                                                           February ’16 – March ’18

Stocktaking, picking orders, loading. Required attention to detail and teamwork.

Group Leisure Editor

Tamworth Herald (Central Independent News and Media)                                                May ’06– March ’09

Ran the leisure section for a group of weekly newspapers for the CIN (Central Independent News and Media) group, including Tamworth Herald, Sutton Coldfield Observer, Walsall Advertiser, Great Barr Observer, and Cannock Mercury. Provided cover for editors.

• Collated and wrote articles for the leisure section, including cinema coverage, celebrity interviews, arts, music, radio and TV.
• Sourced copy and photos, editing and laying out pages in accordance with house style.
• Oversaw the work of reporters to maintain quality standards, offering feedback.
• Developed and nurtured a network of contacts as a basis for planning and organising future coverage
• Managed online content for several newspaper websites, editing copy and placing completed work with pictures onto the Internet.

Deputy News Editor                                                                                                                     April ’03 – May ’06

Senior Reporter, deputising for News Editor, co-ordinating the efforts of the reporting team, reviewing articles and delegating activities.

• Mentored and managed the efforts of junior reporters in relation to developing stories and contacts.
• Managed students on work experience, supervising and training.

News Reporter                                                                                                                  October ’98 – April ’03

Part of a team of reporters for the Tamworth Herald Series, with autonomous responsibility for reporting on health and local government:

• Undertook research, gathering and analysing information from a variety of sources including interviewing, press releases, agendas from public bodies, and developing topical articles.
• Built and maintained contacts to understand local issues with a view to developing relevant stories.
• Identified appropriate photo opportunities, organised photographers’ diary.
• Planned and organised a major public event called the ‘Herald New Year Honours’.

Further Professional Experience:

Trainee reporter at Liverpool Weekly Newspapers. Writer and advertising sales for L:Scene magazine. Contributed articles to a range of news, sport and lifestyle publications.

IAB Digital Marketing and Media Foundations Certificate (Google)

NVQ Level 4 Newspaper Journalism (Liverpool Community College)

BA Combined Studies (English and History) (NEWI/University of Wales)