BCU External Relations
The External Relations team has several responsibilities but chief among them is promoting the work of the University. Whether it's ground-breaking research or the latest community project, we're usually involved. We also connect journalists with academics, handle crisis communications, and support a wide range of University events, from Open Days and Family Days to fashion shows, conferences, and exhibitions. We also provide media training for staff, so if you work at BCU and keen to learn more, please email a member of the team.
BCU in the News
Take a look at some of the recent coverage we have generated for the University.
- BBC News - University names building in honour of late poet Benjamin Zephaniah
- Birmingham Chamber of Commerce - Blue plaque honours Birmingham's boldest free thinker, 250 years on
- The Conversation - The 'cortisol belly' myth: when diet culture is redbranded as 'wellness'
- Financial Times - Birmingham buffs its credentials as international jewellery hub
- Greatest Hits Radio - Birmingham City Uni leads project boosting creative technology sector in West Midlands
- The Guardian - Buy here now: Oasis to open series of merch stores before reunion gigs
- The Independent - Sir Lenny Henry calls on 'allies' to help tackle racial inequality as declares diversity is 'under real threat'
- Insight Magazine - Birmingham City University Develops AI Defence
- ITV News Central - Birmingham remembers heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne
- RTÉ - How to make friends in later life
- Shropshire Star - 'I deisgned a medal for Black Sabbath and they said it was brilliant' - student wows famous band
- Specification Online - Developers of Birmingham's tallest skyscraper inspire and learn from next generation
Contact us
Email: press@bcu.ac.uk
Mobile: 07808 200856 (External Relations Manager)
Post: External Relations, Marketing and Communications Department, Birmingham City University, Joseph Priestley Building, 6 Cardigan Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG
Meet the team
Phil Gordos
External Relations Manager
A former journalist with the Shropshire Star, Birmingham Evening Mail and BBC Sport, has a wealth of experience in media and leads the External Relations team at BCU. Phil’s role focuses on media work, crisis communications and collaborating with the wider marketing and communications team to promote the University’s new strategy - 'Rooted in Birmingham, Reaching Beyond’.
phil.gordos@bcu.ac.uk / 07808 200856
Kieran Witsey
Senior Communications Officer
With over five years of media relations experience, Kieran is passionate about demonstrating BCU’s ongoing commitment to the West Midlands region, offering journalists access to a wealth of expertise spread across BCU’s faculties. Kieran can connect you to a host of academic experts with real-life industry experience, providing quick responses to evolving regional, national and international news stories.
kieran.witsey@bcu.ac.uk / 07709 720842
Shelly Hampshire
Senior Communications Officer (Research)
Sharing research that’s transforming industries and improving the lives of people and communities in Birmingham and beyond. Contact Shelly to connect with BCU researchers, get their expert views on the latest news, and discover what’s driving innovation in the arts, healthcare, engineering, sports, law, and social sciences in the UK and internationally for a fairer society.
shelly.hampshire@bcu.ac.uk / 07442 394792
Phoebe Greggor
External Relations Officer
Being a journalist and BCU alumna, Phoebe has brought knowledge and storytelling skills to connect the university, academics and students to the media. Since joining the team in 2024, Phoebe has been getting staff confident in front of a camera or microphone, promoting exciting announcements about the university, managing media relations, and sharing academics’ expertise.
phoebe.greggor@bcu.ac.uk / 07935 341545
Anisah Vasta
External Relations Officer
Starting her career as a journalist, Anisah has brought her newsroom experience and media skills to the BCU press team. Through networking with academics as well as students she has shared stories with media raising the university's profile. As an alumna, Anisah has come back to her roots and been part of vital campaigns and announcements since joining BCU at the start of 2024.