BCU Press Team
We tell the media about what is happening at the University, providing a multi-service facility for journalists, including traditional press releases, audio soundbites, video footage and a news feed via Twitter.
We do this by:
- Issuing news releases, comment pieces and photographs to media outlets
- Publishing news releases on our website and on Twitter
- Providing an experts service and finding staff who can comment on their subject areas
- Providing broadcast quality audio and video
- Providing images of the University and University events for publication
- Offering opportunities for filming on campus
Contact us
Press Office
Marketing and Communications Department
Birmingham City University
University House, City Centre Campus
15 Bartholomew Row
Birmingham
B5 5JU
+44 (0)7543 303319
We offer an out-of-hours service for members of the media only.
+44 (0)7543 303319
Meet the team
Rich Dawson
External Relations Manager
Rich is the main PR contact for the University’s School of English and Birmingham School of Architecture and Design.
07543 303319
Rich joined the University in 2022 from the British Association of Social Workers, where he led on UK-wide communications and engagement activity. Before that, Rich worked in the press office at The National Lottery Community Fund and in communications roles for Birmingham Voluntary Service Council and the University of Birmingham School.
Lyle Bignon
Senior External Relations Officer
Lyle is the main PR contact for the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, as well as the School of Art, the School of Visual Communication and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
0121 331 5695 or 07925 818231
Lyle joined the University in 2019 following a decade working as a freelance PR consultant in music, media and academia across the UK, and managing communications in-house for Town Hall & Symphony Hall Birmingham.
He writes on music and music industries news and trends for a variety of media outlets, leads a regional music industry development body, and has lectured in music industries, music PR and music journalism at Birmingham School of Media and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Joe Whiles
External Relations Officer
Joe is the main PR contact for the Schools of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles and the Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences (BLSS).
07543 303318
Joe joined the University in 2022 having previously worked in communications roles at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust and at Shrewsbury Town Football Club. He also holds a master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communication.
He is passionate about promoting the work of students and staff within his schools and faculties as well as the wider University. Joe’s other interests at BCU include physical activity and sports science.