One Of Ten Teenagers

Phil Batty, managing director of Hull-based marketing agency Force-7, has been named as a winner of Ten Teenagers, an initiative launched earlier this year by leading independent PR and communications agency ING MEDIA.

Phil, who took part in Hull City Council's Youth Enterprise Programme whilst he was still at school, has gone on to be a successful young business man.

In a bid to change the way young people are portrayed in the media, the London-based PR agency will now provide Phil Batty with free PR and communications support for six months, helping communicate Force-7's dynamic business nationally.

Phil received particular praise from the judges for his commitment to developing a business whilst completing his studies. Force-7 has gone on to establish itself nationally, winning new clients in the public, private and voluntary sector, and delivering innovative and insightful campaigns with its staff base of 46 young professionals, all aged 14-24.

Phil pictured with Secretary of State for Children Schools and Families, Ed Balls

 

The Ten Teenagers programme was launched in January 2009 to promote the reality and diversity of teenage lives and encourage the positive development of other young people. After receiving interest from across the UK, a judging panel has selected the ten candidates from a shortlist of 35.

Leanne Tritton, managing director of ING MEDIA, said:

"Ten Teenagers was conceived when we were considering what to do to celebrate our 10th Anniversary. From those humble beginnings we have been delighted at the response we have had from teenagers, adults and organizations.
Phil Batty is a fantastic example of a focused, bright teenager who - with the right support - can help challenge the negative stereotyping of youngsters in the media. To be heading-up a company that is still expanding in a gloomy financial climate is no mean feat, but to be doing it at the age of eighteen must require a huge amount of commitment as well as natural business acumen."

Commenting on his win, Phil Batty said:

"Ten Teenagers is another fantastic way to change the public perception of young people, not just in the media, but in communities and the workplace. I am extremely grateful to ING MEDIA for providing me with this great opportunity. There are hundreds of great stories of young people in Hull achieving fantastic things in sport, music, leadership and enterprise, and I hope that Ten Teenagers will be a step towards promoting this."

01, Jul, 2009