Experience, insight and results

What I bring to your challenges

There are many excellent PR advisers out there, so why choose me?

I’ve spent over 30 years in communications, 20 of which were managing complex challenges for organisations facing scrutiny and pressure. I'm as comfortable with strategy as I am with delivery, combining both to protect and enhance reputations. I've worked in-house and agency, in public and private sectors, and in teams large and small.

Career overview

See my detailed biography for more details; however, this is me at a glance:

Started as a local radio journalist with the BBC
Served with NHS and Scottish Environment Protection Agency in-house teams
Led media relations for Edinburgh council
Cut agency teeth with global consultancy Weber Shandwick
Director with major independent agency BIG Partnership
Diploma and Fellowship from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Twice served on CIPR Scotland committee, most recently as chair.

Why that makes me different

That career to date has provided with a unique breadth and depth of experience that I can translate into practical benefits, delivered in genuine partnership with my clients:

Improving what you already have
I build capacity, not dependency. Whatever you ask of me, I leave you better off than when you started.

Working as a trusted partner
I advise with honesty. I work with integrity. We all need a critical friend from time to time; that's me.

Unlocking progress through clarity
I turn confusion into cohesion — translating strategy into clear positioning, campaigns or internal comms that connect and stick.

Helping to stop bad things from happening
Communications isn’t just about profile. I bring judgement and leadership to moments where a misstep could cost dearly.

Brining structure and calm
In urgent or sensitive situations, I create order and focus, making sure you have the words, actions and tone to hold up under pressure.

My associate network

Partners I work with

There are some sectors and disciplines where you would be better served by another specialist. I've been able to build a strong network over the years; if I don't already know the right person to help you, I have many peers to ask for recommendations.

If you're looking for any of these then I'd be happy to suggest other freelancers or even agencies:

Product- or service-based consumer PR, e.g. openings, launches, sales campaigns, stunts
'Business as usual' PR for charities and not-for-profits
Social media content and community management (but I can do LinkedIn)
Advertising and digital marketing
Websites and SEO (except copywriting for B2B sites)
Branding and design.

Help with tendering

If you are looking to brief or commission such services I can provide an independent assurance service to make sure you get the right processes and outcomes in place. Just as with any type of recruitment, getting your freelance / agency support wrong can be an expensive mistake.