Category: News

Press coverage: The rhubarb renaissance

It’s great to see our client Place UK singing the praises of the delicious and versatile rhubarb. We loved working on this wonderful article with KL Magazine. Rhubarb is having something of a renaissance right now; from meals to air fresheners, you can find more than 30 products in the shop containing rhubarb ingredients. And […]

Pippa Lain-Smith becomes Norfolk Ambassador

At Plain Speaking PR, we’re passionate about helping organisations tell their stories, raise their profile and celebrate what makes them unique. So we’re delighted to share some news from our own team. Our managing director, Pippa Lain-Smith, has officially become a Norfolk Ambassador, joining a network of business leaders and advocates helping to promote Norfolk […]

New client news: Music in the Burnhams

Music in the Burnhams is busy planning an outstanding programme of world-class classical music for audiences in Norfolk in 2026, and we’re proud to have been appointed as the charity’s PR partner, helping them to reach even more people.   The musical charity brings world-leading artist to play in informal venues and schools across north-west Norfolk, […]

New client news: Norfolk Business Board

We’re proud to call Norfolk Plain Speaking PR’s home – a county packed with world-leading businesses and expertise across a diverse range of key sectors.  And we’re equally proud to announce we have been appointed by the Norfolk Business Board, working with their team to uncover, tell and share those energetic stories of Norfolk’s growth, […]

Our new client – Place UK

Plump red raspberries grown at Place UK in Norfolk

We’re pleased to share Plain Speaking PR has been appointed by Place UK. Place UK is a family-owned British food manufacturer based in Norfolk, and one of the UK’s leading growers of high-quality soft fruits including strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, as well as fresh and forced rhubarb. For over 70 years, Place UK’s proud reputation […]

Hannah contributes to book, raising money for Women’s Aid

Photo of Hannah Freeman, client services director at Plain Speaking PR with a quote from her essay, published in 'More Things I Wish I'd Known'

Our client services director Hannah has contributed to a new book, published on International Women’s Day (8 March 2025). ‘More Things I Wish I’d Known’ is a collection of personal essays, stories and viewpoints from women. Each author has shared some of the lessons they’ve learnt along life’s journey, covering topics from menopause, to grief, […]

PSPR appointed by iconic Norfolk brand

Plain Speaking PR is extremely proud to have been appointed as the Jarrold Group’s retained PR agency. We will be working with the internal leadership and marketing teams to support the business as it continues to create exciting shopping and dining experiences across Norfolk, innovates in new areas of leisure and business, and invests in […]

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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.

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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.

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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.