Account manager Ian Bolland is joined by David Boot, Head of

Public Affairs and LNER and Chair of the CIPR’s committee on Public Affairs.

The pair discuss the current landscape for lobbying in the

UK, the current legislation that governs the practice, the differences for

individuals, companies and agencies, and the reforms he feels that need to take

place.

David also offers his advice on how to go about including

public affairs in public relations campaign, demonstrating how to follow the

rules, and how to be seen to follow the rules.

Account manager Ian Bolland is joined by Andrew Bruce-Smith, director of Escherman and Chair of the AI in PR Panel for the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Drawing on his extensive expertise in artificial intelligence tools, Bruce-Smith discusses the evolution of AI in PR and marketing, outlining how these technologies have transitioned from complex and specialised systems to accessible, everyday tools. He explains how the rise of user-friendly software has sparked a significant increase in adoption across the industry, transforming workflows and enabling professionals to achieve better results with greater efficiency. Bruce-Smith also offers practical insights into how businesses can effectively implement AI technologies into their communications strategies, ensuring they maximise opportunities while avoiding common pitfalls.

Account manager Ian Bolland is joined by David Wallach, Head of Marketing at PolyScience. After meeting at Lab Innovations 2024 with Phil Parkinson, Manager of Wrexham FC, present on the company’s stand, the pair discuss how using a figure from a seemingly unrelated field can help generate interest at laboratory trade show.

The pair delve into Wallach’s thinking in targeting Parkinson – which featured his Emmy Award winning background – how he went about it, and why such a daring marketing campaign can reap rewards.

Account manager Ian Bolland is joined by Neil Mead, marketing & strategy director at Kuka Robotics to discuss what it’s like to move over from trade journalism to marketing within the engineering sector.

Neil explains how his background in journalism informs his work as a marketeer today and provides insight into what he looks for from public relations professionals.

The Junction Box: insights into technical PR and

manufacturing media

In this episode of The Junction Box podcast, account manager

Ian Bolland welcomes Marc Thirkell, editor of Manufacturing and Engineering

Magazine (MEM). Known for delivering the latest UK engineering and

manufacturing news, MEM provides insights across a broad spectrum of industry

sectors.

Marc reflects on his diverse career, transitioning from the

manufacturing industry to public relations and eventually journalism. Sharing

insights from his role at MEM, he discusses the characteristics of an effective

PR firm in engineering and technical industries and the importance of

understanding what journalists need from press releases and feature pitches.

The conversation also dives into how PR companies play a

critical role in bridging the gap between businesses and media, offering expert

guidance to ensure their clients’ stories make an impact. Whether you're

exploring podcast services or seeking insight into manufacturing media, this

episode provides practical knowledge for industry professionals.

Discover how understanding public relations and media can

elevate your brand’s voice. Listen to the full podcast now.

On the first episode of The Junction Box, account director Leah Elston-Thompson is joined by Nikesh Mistry – sector head of industrial automation at GAMBICA – covering the effects of Industry 4.0 and the effect that automation has had on businesses.

The duo talk about GAMBICA’s footprint in the sector, as well as the automation trade media landscape.