It's time to introduce myself:

My name is Elke Koessling Winzer. As a PR and Events expert, I specialise in utilising my proven S.T.A.G.E. framework to empower solopreneurs and small businesses, propelling them from the sidelines into the spotlight, thus amplifying their reach, influence, and income.

My career journey has been filled with diverse and adventurous experiences and opportunities. From my time at the Australian Embassy in Bonn to establishing my own business in Cologne and later moving to the UK, I've had the chance to explore various professional roles. My background in promoting Australian arts and culture, along with my work in journalism and PR, reflects my versatile skill set.

Throughout my career, I've remained deeply committed to community engagement and entrepreneurship. Whether working with Somerset County Council, organising events, or promoting Exmoor, I've always sought to make meaningful contributions to my surroundings. The Exmoor Food Fest, an initiative I founded, stands as a significant milestone, particularly as it approaches its 10th anniversary in 2025.

Balancing my career with the responsibilities of being a single parent presented its challenges, but it also reinforced my determination to pursue my passions and interests. With a foundation in international relations, arts & culture, and journalism, I've been able to bring depth to my professional endeavours and make a positive impact in various roles.

Finding my niche in event organisation, PR, and supporting local businesses and culture has been immensely rewarding. I take pride in the contributions I've made to the communities I've been part of and look forward to continuing this journey with enthusiasm and dedication.

Key stepping stones

• Exchange year at Goldsmiths College, London
• "Culture Line" was formed to bring the Scottish band The McCalmans back to Bonn (which resulted in a whole British Week, with representatives from The Globe in London, the British Army, the British Embassy and many more organisations taking part)
• MA in Economic History, Political Science & English Lit (Uni Bonn)
• 1989-1999: Australian Embassy Bonn (Public Relations & Cultural Affairs Officer; Assistant Coordinator Experience Australia '95 - a year long celebration of Australian culture)
• 1999-2002: 
  * Travel journalist
  * Own PR company in Cologne
  * PR for Saturday Night Fever - The Musical, Cologne
  * Author of three books (The Manual to the South of England; The Spooky Cookbook; The Sandwich Book - all published in Germany)
• 2002 Move to the UK
  * soon single parent of two little boys (and two dogs...)
  Over the years:
  * Body Shop at Home Consultant
• * Press Officer (Somerset County Council)
  * Registrar for Birth, Death and Marriage
  * Office Manager
  * Marketing Officer at local college
• 2012: Exmoor4all is born - to this date the largest online community promoting Exmoor as a tourist destination while also celebrating it as a magical place to live. Real life events like Tweetups and Exmoor markets followed.
  In 2023, Exmoor4all reached 2.4 million people on its Facebook page alone.
• 2015: The Exmoor Food Fest is launched in February - a month-long celebration of our region's outstanding hospitality sector (and a boost for participating restaurants at a time of year which is notoriously difficult)
  
  

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TLDR? I am a PR & Events expert who uses social and traditional media as well as bespoke events to promote my clients with close to 40 years experience across continents and sectors.

And here's a soundtrack to my life in PR and Events which all started with organising a concert for The McCalmans in Bonn as I wanted to hear them again and they were not planning another tour..... Enjoy!