• Case Study

Dipple & Conway

dipple conway customers

Plain Speaking PR was first appointed by Dipple & Conway Opticians in 2016 tasked with delivering a proactive PR campaign to celebrate its centenary year.  We remain their PR agency today.

Our first ever project for Dipple & Conway  was the delivery of a Brand Vitals© workshop where we helped the directors explore and clarify the company’s core values and tone of voice. The Brand Vitals© manual we produced has informed all marketing and PR activity since, ensuring consistency in the brand’s programme of communications. 

Since we began working with Dipple & Conway, we have become an extension of their team, securing ongoing PR opportunities and maximising sponsorships and community engagement partnerships. 

We are entrusted to lead campaigns including Dipple & Conway’s sponsorship of the Break Charity art trails,  GoGoHares! And GoGoDiscover! where we supported the business to significantly raise its profile and connect with its local communities, whilst also supporting the charity.   

We also delivered a campaign in 2017 to ensure the business extracted maximum value from its sponsorship of Norwich Fashion Week.

This integrated campaign went on to be award winning, and was recognised at the CIPR PRide Awards for the Thames, Anglia and Chiltern regions, with Plain Speaking PR taking home a gold award. 

The judges said: ‘This campaign was a good example of how effective communication techniques were embraced to help an independent, family-run business stand out and engage with audiences in a competitive marketplace.’

We’re committed to adding PR value to Dipple & Conway in many ways, including support with social media campaigns, copywriting, award submissions and online content, always upholding the brand’s exceptional reputation for delivering the very best in clinical eyecare to the people of Norfolk.

“Plain Speaking PR have delivered many fantastic campaigns for us over the years. More importantly, they have helped us to understand who we are and what we stand for, which has immeasurable value.”

Matthew Conway, Managing Director

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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.