Our latest news, views and case studies

Post Filter

Read on for all our latest stories, news, views and client case studies.

At Plain Speaking PR, we support all kinds of businesses, from start-ups to nationwide franchise networks, not-for-profits to large plcs. When working with a PR agency, you need to know your investment in our services is going to provide real value. That’s why we devise PR campaigns and projects to meet specific, measurable objectives, to ensure your investment generates genuine value for your marketing budget and for your organisation. To find out more about our client projects, please click on a case study.
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

August 5, 2026 No Comments
News

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

August 5, 2026 No Comments
News

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

November 26, 2025 No Comments
News

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. 

November 26, 2025 No Comments
Plump red raspberries grown at Place UK in Norfolk
News

Our new client – Place UK

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

March 18, 2025 No Comments
Thoughts

What is #PRforGood?

You’ll often see that we use #PRforGood at the bottom of our social posts. But to Plain Speaking PR, it’s far more than just a hashtag,

August 23, 2024 No Comments
News

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

August 23, 2024 No Comments
sue lambert trust image 2
Case Study

Sue Lambert Trust

This charity PR case study explores how Plain Speaking PR has supported Sue Lambert Trust with brand strategy, press office support, media relations, sensitive storytelling and strategic communications in Norfolk.

June 30, 2024 No Comments
teknomek image
Case Study

Teknomek

This B2B PR case study shows how Plain Speaking PR uses media relations, thought leadership and specialist copywriting to strengthen Teknomek’s reputation across its key industries.

June 30, 2024 No Comments
castle quarter
Case Study

Castle Quarter

This Norwich PR case study explores how ongoing media relations, press office support and community engagement have helped reposition Castle Quarter as a leading leisure and lifestyle destination.

June 30, 2024 No Comments
green light trust project
Case Study

Green Light Trust

This charity PR case study shows how Plain Speaking PR supported Green Light Trust with media relations, fundraising communications and specialist PR consultancy during periods of organisational change.

June 25, 2024 No Comments
Minidonk Magic landscape
Case Study

Miniature Donkeys for Wellbeing

This charity and social enterprise PR case study explores how media relations support has helped Miniature Donkeys for Wellbeing raise awareness of its therapeutic miniature donkey visits.

June 25, 2024 No Comments
marie reynolds london shop1
Case Study

Marie Reynolds London

This beauty and wellness PR case study shows how targeted media relations, interviews and broadcast opportunities helped raise the profile of Marie Reynolds London across Norfolk.

June 25, 2024 No Comments
hive smoker scaled
Case Study

Sunnyfields

This tourism and experience PR case study explores how Plain Speaking PR used media relations, press interviews and a dedicated media event to raise awareness of Sunnyfields Apiaries.

June 25, 2024 No Comments
dipple conway customers
Case Study

Dipple & Conway

This long-term Norfolk PR case study shows how brand strategy, media relations, community engagement and award-winning campaigns have supported Dipple & Conway Opticians.

June 25, 2024 No Comments
Diane Danzebrink 34 scaled
Case Study

Menopause Support

This charity PR case study explores how press office support, media relations, event planning and social media management have helped Menopause Support reach wider audiences across the UK.

June 25, 2024 No Comments
"Plain Speaking really do live up to their name, and that’s what you want in a PR company. No nonsense!"
Response from client survey
"A real partner in PR - feels like one of the team."
Response from client survey
"I like that Plain Speaking PR is straight-talking and straight to the point!"
Response from client survey
"Always friendly, helpful and professional. Would always be my first stop for anyone needing help with PR."
Response from client survey
"Communication with me was great. Response from the media was excellent, loved working with you."
Response from client survey
"Pippa and Hannah are a true credit to PR and really want what is best for their clients."
Response from client survey
"Fun to work with, organised, collaborative, passionate, ideas driven, and you listen."
Response from client survey
plain speaking pr logo orange

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.