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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 as a fantastic place to live, work, invest and grow.

The project is run by the Norfolk Business Board, which Plain Speaking PR has been working with for the past year.

For almost 30 years, Pippa has been championing her home county through her work in public relations.

Since founding Plain Speaking PR 20 years ago, she has worked with businesses and organisations across a wide range of sectors, helping them stand out on the regional, national and international stage.

Pippa’s appointment as a Norfolk Ambassador reflects a passion that has always been at the heart of her work; spreading the word about great organisations and helping their stories reach the audiences they deserve.

“There is so much going on in Norfolk, so many reasons to move here, build a life here and invest here,” said Pippa. “But we need to stop assuming that the rest of the world already knows about Norfolk and start being a little less humble about our corner of the UK.

“I’ve always been an ambassador for my county, but I’m proud to now be an official Norfolk Ambassador and to work alongside the Norfolk Business Board to help spread the word about everything that makes this county so special.”

From its thriving digital gaming sector and world-class agri-food industry to advanced manufacturing, professional services, culture and heritage, Norfolk has a powerful story to tell. As a Norfolk Ambassador, Pippa is committed to communicating that even further than we do already.

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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.