The business journalist and former BBC broadcaster, who now delivers keynote speeches to business audiences, Penny Haslam, has been named ‘Speaker of the Year’ by the trade body for the speaking industry, the PSA.

Haslam, who speaks at events across the country about new trends in business and the latest thinking about the world of work, was awarded the accolade at the Association’s Spring convention in London last weekend (Saturday 14th April).

At the same event, she was also named as top speaker of the year by both the North West and the Yorkshire regions of the Association. The awards are voted by all the members of the Professional Speaking Association, so are awarded by possibly the toughest audience for any speaker – the UK’s top speakers.

The title ‘Speaker of the Year’ recognises excellence not only as a speaker but also as someone who upholds the professional standards of the industry.

Haslam has been a professional speaker for just 18 months, so is a relative newcomer. Her work involves delivering keynote speeches, chairing panel events and interviewing business leaders for live or pre-recorded business content.

She also runs a media training business that coaches senior leaders and business owners in broadcast interview skills, so they can appear as experts on television and radio.

Penny says the awards were a complete surprise:

“I’m utterly delighted to receive these awards, which came totally out of the blue, and for once I was rendered speechless!

“To receive the top prize from my peers means a lot to me, as there is so much talent and experience between them. Speaking professionally is an exciting business to be in and is really rewarding.

“I love working with companies, large and small, who are looking for a fresh perspective to help them deal with skills shortages, improve employee engagement, get more women into senior positions and drive productivity – so they can compete more successfully in our ever-changing world.”

Steve Houghton-Burnett, a Fellow of the PSA, who helped make the winning decision said that Penny deserves the recognition of winning National Speaker of the Year:

“She is one of the most talented, professional speakers I have the privilege of knowing. Her messages are clear, insightful and business focussed.”

Haslam’s keynotes are tailor made for each business she works with and has delivered a variety of talk topics such as “Competing in a Changing World”, “Get The Expert Advantage” and “Strong Leaders Use The F Word, So You Can Too”.

She has spoken at business events across the country at Deloitte, IoD NW, EY, RSM, Tyco, IPSE and BAE Systems Naval Ships. Penny also delivered a TEDx talk in Cumbria, called The Power of Visibility for Women, featuring the nuclear company, Sellafield.

Contact Penny for more information: 07808 477423 or email hello@bitfamous.co.uk