Faye Binns is managing director at Space PR, a specialist property PR agency.
Space PR provides bespoke PR campaigns to a broad spectrum of property clients throughout the UK from its offices in Manchester, Leeds and Harrogate.
The agency is also owned by Binns, who gained her vast experience through a range of in-house and agency PR roles before establishing Space PR as a dedicated property PR agency in 2008.
Having specialised in property for over 20 years, she has built an enviable reputation as one of the North’s leading property PR professionals, working for some of the industry’s most prolific developers, property agents, hoteliers, investors, contractors, architects and industry specialists.
From entering the world of PR to the biggest inspirations, Binns shares her career journey and words of advice…
How did you first get into your industry?
I joined a national PR agency straight from university and it was working on property accounts there and in subsequent positions that sparked my interest in the property industry and led to me setting up Space PR.
What do you love about your job?
Working in an industry where there is so much physical progress is exciting and working with people and organisations to help make that happen is very rewarding. We are lucky to work with some of the best minds in the property industry which means that every day is an opportunity to gain new insight.
Who or what has inspired you in your career?
It’s been fantastic to see more women rise to senior positions across the property industry as the landscape has changed considerably in the last 20 years. There is, of course, always more work to do, but it’s inspiring to see strong, driven women rightly taking their place at the top.
What are the biggest challenges in your job?
The approvals process is always the slowest part of the job but a necessary one to endure!
What skills have been the most crucial to your success in your career so far?
The ability to understand people, what drives them and ultimately how to help them achieve their business aspirations. It’s so important to be clear, straightforward and to create a partnership of trust so that you can work quickly and successfully.
What was your first salary and could someone getting into the industry expect to earn nowadays?
I have absolutely no idea, but it wasn’t much! Salaries are so varied that there isn’t a one-rate-fits-all and different companies will place more value on different skills. More often people are looking for the drive and ambition people show as that is very hard to ‘teach’.
What education or training would be most useful for someone looking to follow your career path?
Strong written skills and an ability to listen, interpret and deliver content quickly and accurately. Social media content creation skills are also a huge asset as this continues to be an important communication tool for PR campaigns
What advice would you have for someone looking to follow your path?
Work for smart people and listen hard. Also don’t be afraid to speak your mind. I was in my twenties when I set up on my own and had to believe in myself when up against massive agencies with people twice my age leading pitches. I won that work because I prepped and was confident in what I was talking about. I definitely wasn’t complacent then and I’m still not now. Every job has to be earned.
