Logged-off: Greg Simpson, Press for Attention PR

Greg Simpson

Press for Attention PR is once again sponsoring this year’s TheBusinessDesk.com Summer Barbecue, so, ahead of the event, we asked owner Greg Simpson how he likes to unwind after a week at work.

How do you relax at the weekend?
I’m normally clear of any story or content creation by about 3pm on Friday. It is rarely wise to issue anything to the media after midday as it tends to get lost in the Monday morning email avalanche or it can be used but missed over the weekend, neither of which are ideal for me as the vast majority of my clients are B2B.

So I’ll normally head out for a meal with my wife Laura on Friday evening before heading to the gym to pay my dues on Saturday morning or we’ll be out walking our dog, Blue. Saturday evening tends to see me entering the kitchen armed with little more than a great deal of enthusiasm, a garlic clove and a vague recollection of a dish I’ve seen a chef make earlier in the morning. Results and reviews vary.

How many hours do you work at the weekend on average?
Maybe two or three but only in my head. I do all of my planning for the week ahead on Friday for my business and my for my clients in terms of their content. I’m actually pretty good at switching off from the day-to-day but my challenge is I’m always spotting client angles and the news agenda doesn’t stop on weekends. I tend to make notes or take screen shots of story angles and email them to myself. I never check my emails on weekends. Clients know they can text or call if anything is urgent and thankfully it very rarely is.

What is your favourite…

Holiday destination?
I have two. The Languedoc in France and Fuerteventura. My mum lives in the former and my dad the latter. It is great to be able to get away relatively quickly when a break is needed and I have found the ‘need’ tends to sneak up on you if you’re not careful. We honeymooned in Mauritius last year and that was stunning. Pure relaxation and not a newspaper in sight.

Book?
I have a degree in Literature and Philosophy and used to run author events at Waterstones so I should say something really smart here but I just love The Lord Of The Rings. It is a classic and I like it, so there.

Album?
I’m one of those dreadful people who uses streaming services or YouTube more than anything else so I’m more likely to listen to a genre really. I do love a bit of Motown, especially during ‘ambitious’ cooking attempts.

Food?
In a pub, fish and chips. In a restaurant, a ribeye steak WITHOUT sauce. For takeaway, curry.

TV programme?
I am currently in TV mourning due to Game of Thrones finishing. I don’t want to talk about it. Sorry.

Website or app?
Probably Asana in terms of an app – its a project management thing and not at all cool. Website wise Football365 for a break and The Independent for news.

How do you usually spend Sunday evenings?
Cursing the TV schedules for not putting any ‘proper films’ on despite having a billion channels to choose from then debating whether to get a take away or nip out for a meal although in the winter I might attempt a Sunday roast with all the trimmings.

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