• Case Study

Castle Quarter

castle quarter

Castle Quarter is Norwich’s leading social, leisure and lifestyle destination and became a Plain Speaking PR client in 2020.  

Since then, we have helped Castle Quarter shift its positioning and public perception from a shopping centre to an experiential, lifestyle, and social destination. 

As Castle Quarter’s retained PR agency, Plain Speaking PR supports the in-house marketing team to deliver regular ongoing media relations activity, building relationships with local and regional journalists and partner organisations. We share positive stories about what’s happening in the centre, its ongoing transformation and its community and charity engagement work, putting Castle Quarter firmly at the heart of the local community. 

Plain Speaking PR also works closely with the centre’s new and existing tenants to raise awareness of launches, what they have to offer and ensure people coming into Norwich know about all the reasons to visit. 

We are also retained as Castle Quarter’s press office team, which means we work closely with its management, operators, and partners to handle and communicate often sensitive messages with relevant audiences in a positive, timely and appropriate manner. This includes being the first point of contact for the media, managing enquiries, advising our client, facilitating interviews, and drafting press statements.

During an exciting time of transformation, we continue to help the business and its team members gain recognition for this success by drafting and submitting award entries.  

We are hugely proud to be part of the Castle Quarter team as its long-term PR partner, and to help support the transformation it has achieved over recent years.

“I love working with Pippa & Hannah. They share our ethos & are very down to earth & not easily offended! You are part of our team & that is the most important thing. You don’t act as if you are a contractor, you are just an extension of Castle Quarter”

Rob Bradley 

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Stephanie Callen, PR Expert

Steph began her career in communications almost 20 years ago as a journalist on local newspapers in Suffolk and Norfolk.

Every day involved meeting new people and writing about a diverse mix of topics, which gave Steph a real appreciation for the issues that affect people across the region and honed her ability to build trusted relationships.

When she left journalism to pursue roles in PR, Steph took her news instincts with her and has achieved valuable media coverage for organisations from a varied range of industries, including healthcare, education, housing and animal welfare.

Steph, a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, now brings her eclectic experience to Plain Speaking PR as a freelance consultant, supporting clients with bespoke copywriting, research and media pitching.

Outside of work, Steph enjoys family days out with her young daughter, cuddles with her rescue cat Clarence, a good thriller on the telly, and the – albeit occasional – run.

hannah

Hannah Freeman, Client Services Director

Hannah is our client services director and has been with the business since 2018. Pippa’s right-hand woman, she’s responsible for overseeing accounts, managing client agency relationships, and making sure we’re delivering a professional PR service that delivers real value, contributing to objectives and goals.

Working in PR and communications since graduating (let’s not count the years!) Hannah has worked in PR for 15+ years, mostly spent agency side, advising clients in a diverse range of sectors, spanning tourism, hospitality, B2B services, waste and recycling, public sector, retail, and charities. She completed the CIPR Diploma in 2010.

Hannah brings in-house experience too, having worked as a PR and communications officer for one of the UK’s largest social housing groups for 18 months. She gets what it’s like to be the client, understanding the challenges and demands of this role.

Outside of work, Hannah walks, lifts weights, occasionally paddleboards, tries to keep plants alive and watches Schitt’s Creek on repeat. Mum to two busy, sporty girls, she’s also their PA. In summer, an outdoor dip at Beccles Lido is her no.1 spot to enjoy time out.

pippa 1

Pippa Lain-Smith, Managing Director

Pippa is the founder and managing director of Plain Speaking PR and has worked within the communications sector for more than 25 years. Having worked on both client and agency side, Pippa is passionate about her job and will talk until she’s blue in the face about the value professional PR can bring to businesses and communities.

Whilst the Plain Speaking PR agency name derives from her maiden name, Pippa is a firm believer in a plain speaking, straight-talking approach to communications, with minimal jargon and maximum results. She’s proud to have helped many organisations navigate communications surrounding complex and sensitive issues; often during times of change or crisis.

In her spare time, Pippa enjoys attempting to keep fit, writing beauty articles for regional magazines and newspapers, enjoying the best of Norfolk’s food and drink, and planning her next holiday to Greece. She also supports a number of local charities and social enterprises including Miniature Donkeys for Wellbeing.

Pippa is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.