The Plain Speaking PR team

We believe the Plain Speaking PR team is pretty special.

hello@plainspeakingpr.co.uk

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Plain Speaking PR Agency was established in 2006 and our team is made up of experienced, senior-level PR professionals. We combine our skills, enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge to deliver exceptional work for Plain Speaking PR clients and the community groups and charities we support.

Experienced
PR specialists

Experienced
PR specialists

Passionate about what we do, and with a genuine belief in the power of what PR can achieve, we proactively seek out opportunities for our clients whilst remaining focussed on achieving results. We love our fast-paced, ever-changing industry and as members of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, continue to learn and develop our skills.

Dedicated PR specialists, we work with clients in a variety of sectors, including retail, fashion, food & drink, FMCG, b2b, leisure and tourism, third-sector and public sector organisations.

With offices in Norfolk and Suffolk, we work with clients across the East of England and nationwide.

The Plain Speaking PR team

pippa

Pippa Lain-Smith, Managing Director

hannah

Hannah Freeman, Client Services Director

Stephanie Callen, PR Expert

Our ethos
and values

The best agency/client relationships work when values align. Here’s a snapshot of our ethos and values:

Belief in the power of PR

A professionally devised and delivered PR strategy is a powerful tool for businesses, not-for-profits and communities, particularly when part of the senior decision-making process.

Business with balance

We strike many balances as a business: hard work v staff wellbeing; commitment to clients v time management; contribution to our communities v profitability.

Working together

Our aim is for our clients to be delighted by the value we deliver. If they don’t feel we are contributing to organisational success and the bottom line, then something is wrong.

Good people, doing good work

We look after each other and our clients, always operating with integrity and respect.

Do we sound like a good fit for you? If so, please get in touch.
Contact us
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.

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.

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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