At the helm of a `professional life-support system'.(Kate Harris, National Advertising Benevolent Society)(Brief Article)(Interview)

Kate Harris has the job of bringing NABS up to date. Jenny Watts interviews her

Kate Harris, the director of NABS, is in typically upbeat mood. Her year-long evangelising for the charity is set to reach a peak with the forthcoming NABS week.

Kicking off on 5 June, the week's activity will aim to highlight NABS' range of services, while sending the message that the charity is moving on by unveiling a new identity to reflect the business it serves. "It's about setting the record straight, dispelling myths and reminding people that NABS is for everyone," says Harris.

And people need reminding, as certain misconceptions still surround the organisation. While everyone knows of Peterhouse, its retirement home housing elderly industry veterans, knowledge of the charity's other offerings across its broad spectrum can be patchy. Harris knows this as well as any. "When I got to NABS I was surprised at the extent of work it does," she confesses.

Harris joined NABS in May 2000 after a lengthy career in advertising. She started in new business at KHBB in 1983, moving into account management and then leaving for Leagas Delaney in 1994. There she worked on the Adidas business, before moving to the BBC account and working on the award-winning"Perfect Day" ad.

In March 1998 she moved to Mellors Reay and, after it merged with Grey, ran the Jersey Tourism account before joining NABS.

Though the National Advertising Benevolent Society was established in 1913 to specifically look after the interests of the advertising community, it now addresses the needs of the entire communications mix. "We're not just about the A in NABS," as Harris puts it.