Two of the team at Isle of Man Advertising & PR have become the first advertising executives in the Island to pass a prestigious industry qualification.

Katie Renard and Jenny Parkes passed the Institute for Practitioners in Advertising’s Foundation Certificate after completing an online course and sitting a two-hour examination.

The IPA is the professional body for advertising, media and marketing communications agencies in the UK, offering advice, information, and legal support to members. The Foundation Certificate, launched in 2004, is the industry’s entry-level qualification and is regularly updated to reflect the latest developments in the world of advertising. Katie and Jenny achieved their success alongside 765 other advertising professionals in the UK, with the Certificate now classed as the must-have qualification for new starters in the industry.

Isle of Man Advertising & PR Managing Director Helen Summerscales said: ‘As we are the only IPA agency based in the Isle of Man, we understand that Katie and Jenny are the Island’s first ever candidates to take the Foundation Course.

‘It is incumbent upon all IPA agencies to deliver the highest standard of creativity and service, and to do this we must invest in the continuous professional development of our colleagues. The Foundation Certificate provides the ideal platform for Katie and Jenny to further develop their careers and I’m delighted with their success. We already have another member of our team lined up to take the course next year.’

Isle of Man Advertising & PR, now based in Quay House, South Quay, Douglas, is one of the Island’s leading names in press and broadcast advertising, marketing strategy and management, graphic and website design, press and public relations and e-commerce.

Photo - (left to right):  Katie Renard, Helen Summerscales and Jenny Parkes.