Mike Dernie trained and qualified as a newspaper journalist before embarking on a highly successful career in public relations with the UK energy sector.


He held senior PR management posts with British Gas plc and, from 1988 to 1999, with Midlands Electricity plc (where he was corporate relations director).


He set up Dernie Associates in 1999 to 'have more fun and fulfilment' running his own business and working with a wider variety of clients. He is now enjoying working with the corporate sector and arts and heritage clients.


Mike has extensive experience as a non-executive director and chairman of arts companies and as chairman or member of charity boards. In 2006 he was elected a Trustee of PDSA, the UK's leading veterinary charity, and is also a Trustee of the PDSA Retirement Benefits Plan. He is a Fellow of the RSA and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. Mike is active in the Methodist Church as a lay officer and preacher and sings bass/baritone with the City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus.

His expertise includes: