What does PR really mean for a business—and why is it so much more than just a glossy façade?
In this episode of the Pocket-size PR Podcast, Charlotte sits down with Richard Bradley, Executive Chair at Dyer Engineering, to explore PR as “a window into the heart and soul of a business.” Richard shares his journey from a finance background - once skeptical of PR - to becoming a firm believer in its power to build trust, attract talent, and strengthen culture.

They discuss:
Why authenticity matters more than perfection in PR.
The overlooked importance of internal communications in shaping brand reputation.
How culture and everyday interactions can be as influential as marketing campaigns.
Why relationships and consistency safeguard businesses when things go wrong.
The balancing act of sustaining PR investment during tough economic times.

Whether you’re a marketer, communicator, or business leader, Richard’s refreshing perspective will inspire you to see PR not as a cost, but as a vital connector between people, purpose, and performance.

Nadine Hudspeth has a degree in public relations.
 
And even she admits it is a tough cookie to define.
 
Having worked at Gateshead College for 24 years, she's currently the institution's director of brand and learning experience.
 
And in this episode of Pocket-size PR Podcast, she sits down with Harvey & Hugo's Charlotte Nichols for a fascinating chat about the complexities of overseeing messaging for one of England's top-performing colleges.
 
From the importance of culture to planning the 'perfect exam experience' (think music and smell), Nadine talks about the power of PR, brand and marketing - and her love of alliteration.

In this episode of the Pocket-size PR Podcast, Charlotte Nichols welcomes Jane Peverley, Head of Communications at Hays Travel Group, for a powerful conversation on the evolving role of PR in shaping modern business reputation.

Jane shares how Hays Travel’s deeply embedded values guide internal and external communication, especially in times of change, like their acquisition of Thomas Cook branches just before the pandemic. With over 4,500 team members across the UK, Jane discusses how consistency, clarity, and compassion are key to impactful PR.

From nurturing inclusive communications to navigating crisis messaging and the power of real-world advocacy, this episode is a must-listen for comms professionals and brand guardians who believe that reputation is everything.

In this episode of the Pocket-size PR Podcast, Charlotte chats with Liz Atkin – founder of Refreshing Comms, bestselling author, and TEDx speaker – about one of the most overlooked but powerful tools in any business leader’s toolbox: internal communication.

Together, they unpack why great internal comms is more than just sending out emails, it’s a critical part of shaping your company’s reputation, strengthening your brand, and building lasting employee engagement. You’ll hear real talk on why poor communication creates chaos, how leadership mindset affects message delivery, and what to do when your workplace culture feels a bit disconnected.

Plus, we dive into the double-edged sword of AI in communication, can it streamline processes without losing the human touch?

If you’re a business owner, marketing professional, or team leader wanting to boost both internal and external PR impact, this episode is packed with honest insights, practical examples, and a few "why didn’t I think of that?" moments.

In this insight-packed episode of the Pocket-size PR Podcast, Charlotte Nichols is joined by Emma Thwaites, founder of Allegory and Director of Global Policy and Corporate Affairs at the Open Data Institute, for a compelling conversation that challenges conventional ideas about public relations, communications, and the evolving role of AI in our industry.

With over 15 years of experience spanning journalism, civil service, and agency leadership, Emma shares a uniquely honest and practical view of what PR really is, not just media coverage, but a persuasive, conversational, and strategic tool that drives behaviour change.

Together, Charlotte and Emma unpack how PR professionals can adapt in a digital-first world, what communicators need to do to cut through the “beige slop” of AI-generated content, and why real thought leadership must go beyond templated posts to deliver genuine value. They explore the rising pressure on junior comms teams, the blurring lines between marketing and PR, and how generative AI, from custom GPTs to deep research tools, is reshaping the creative workflow.

Key themes in this episode include:

• Defining PR in a multidisciplinary, digital landscape
• The difference between AI hype and AI reality in communications
• How to use generative AI (like ChatGPT) responsibly and effectively
• Why thought leadership still matters — and how to do it right
• The critical need for authenticity, trust, and truth in modern PR
• How small agencies can level the playing field with big firms using smart tools
• The future of early-career PR and comms professionals in the AI era

Whether you're a seasoned marketing leader, PR strategist, or just starting out in the communications industry, this episode offers unfiltered advice and fresh perspectives that will help you stay relevant, credible, and impactful.

In this must-listen episode of the Pocket-size PR Podcast, host Charlotte Nichols is joined by Jim Entwistle, Course Leader in Journalism and Sports Journalism at Teesside University, to explore how communications education is evolving in response to our fast-changing media and PR landscape.
 
Whether you're a PR professional, marketing strategist, communications lecturer, or content creator, this episode delivers essential insights into what it takes to prepare the next generation of storytellers for careers that may not yet exist. Jim shares how he equips students with both hard and soft skills, from foundational communication techniques to the confidence to build human connections in an increasingly digital world.
 
The conversation dives into the vital importance of face-to-face communication, media trust, and the ethics behind creating impactful content in a saturated space. Jim explains why relying solely on digital communication can weaken storytelling, and why picking up the phone is still one of the most powerful PR tools available. He shares real-world examples from his classroom, where he encourages students to embrace uncomfortable tasks like cold-calling and live reporting to build resilience and relevance.
 
Jim shares his expert thoughts on:
• How digital transformation has shifted the newsroom
• The balance between click-driven journalism and editorial integrity
• The growing role of entrepreneurial content creators and student-led news brands
• Why local journalism still matters in a globalised world
• The blurred line between journalism and public relations

He also shares a powerful final PR tip: “Invest time in people. Human connection is where real opportunities begin.”
 
This episode is packed with practical PR strategies, critical thinking around ethical communications, and tips on building credibility, confidence, and professional presence. 
 
If you're looking to future-proof your brand, boost your PR effectiveness, or simply stay ahead of the curve in marketing and communications, this 20+ minute listen is well worth your time.

In this episode of the Pocket-size PR Podcast, host Charlotte Nichols speaks with Katelyn Young, founder of Juin, about redefining what it means to work in marketing today. With a career shaped by determination, critical thinking, and a deep respect for strategy, Katelyn brings a grounded perspective to the evolving role of marketing and communications professionals.

She explores how PR shapes perception beyond media coverage, why authenticity must underpin every comms decision, and how young marketers are often set up to fail in environments that lack leadership, structure and strategic clarity. Katelyn also shares how she’s working to change that, through her agency, Juin, and her coaching role at Fabric.

From her creative approach to early job applications (including a CV designed as a property listing) to her current focus on aligning marketing with business goals, Katelyn makes a strong case for embedding strategic thinking and performance metrics into every marketing function. She also discusses the importance of understanding stakeholder communication styles—and how the book Surrounded by Idiots helped sharpen her approach.

Whether you're leading a team, building a brand, or mentoring the next generation of marketers, this episode offers practical insights on how to elevate marketing’s role from a service function to a strategic partner.

From farmer to fork, Laura Ryan's knowledge of the meat industry is second to none.

Now Laura – CEO of Lavenpark and Chair of Meat Business Women – joins host Charlotte Nichols to explore how she's harnessed the power of PR to reshape perceptions, amplify women’s voices, and drive real change across the global agri-food sector.

A Chartered Marketer and Executive Coach with over two decades of experience, Laura shares bite-sized insights on reputation building, personal branding, and the importance of strategic networking.

In this episode of Pocket-size PR, she reflects on her proudest campaign, She Looks Like Me, and reveals how it led to a landmark event at the House of Lords. Tune in for expert tips, candid stories, and inspiration on how to turn content into credibility.

In this episode, we dive into the real-world experiences of running your own business, the highs, the lows, and the lessons that come with it. Our guest, Linsey, shares her personal journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, highlighting how creating a business that fits around your life, rather than the other way around, can lead to greater happiness, energy, and success.

We explore the many pros of entrepreneurship, including the freedom to avoid the dreaded "Sunday night blues," the flexibility to choose ideal clients, and the ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Linsey discusses how every hour now has purpose, and how building a business aligned with personal goals, like spending more time with family and traveling, can redefine success.

However, running your own business isn't without its challenges. We tackle the cons of entrepreneurship, such as the constant mental load, the difficulty in switching off, and the financial pressures that come with not earning during downtime. Linsey offers an honest look into the emotional resilience required, the importance of setting boundaries, and the struggle with balancing client expectations, especially in industries like PR and marketing where results aren't always instantly visible.

A major theme of this episode is the crucial role that PR and marketing play in building brand trust and long-term business success. We discuss the frustrating but vital reality that PR is often the first thing businesses cut during hard times — despite being a key driver of brand value. Linsey explains why consistent, quality content tailored to your audience is more important than chasing the latest marketing trend.

We also explore managing client expectations, the dangers of unrealistic goals in PR, and why building strong, authentic relationships is more effective than short-term tactics. Linsey’s top tip for anyone investing in PR? Focus on quality over quantity and always take the long-term view.

This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and marketing professionals who want to build a sustainable, purpose-driven business. If you're looking to better understand the real impact of PR and marketing on business growth, and how to create a business that works for your life,  this conversation is essential listening.

For more information on how PR can transform your brand's credibility and trust, contact Harvey & Hugo today via harveyandhugo.com or email [email protected].

In this episode host Charlotte Nichols, is joined by Victoria Thompson, Marketing Manager at Ford Aerospace, to unpack the real-world application of PR in technical sectors, particularly manufacturing.

Victoria shares her practical wisdom from decades in the industry, emphasising the importance of relationship-building, not only with customers but with internal teams, media contacts, suppliers, and global stakeholders. She discusses how public relations in manufacturing often demands discretion, deep technical understanding, and a long-term strategic view—especially when bound by NDAs or operating in confidential environments.

Gain insights into navigating PR challenges such as restricted case studies, the underused power of white papers, and the essential role of PR during crises. From redundancy communication to managing last-minute event disasters (yes, even a collapsing roof!), Victoria highlights how honest communication, transparency, and empathy are the heart of effective crisis management.

The episode also explores the differences between UK and international PR practices, the importance of aligning PR efforts with business objectives, and why staying curious yet focused is her top professional tip.

Whether you're in B2B marketing, handling manufacturing communications, or looking for PR strategy tips that truly apply to real-life business situations, this episode is full of actionable advice and relatable anecdotes.

Topics include:

• Strategic PR for the manufacturing sector
• Crisis communications and compassionate leadership
• Making PR count beyond press releases
• The evolving role of metrics in PR
• Creating human-led content in technical industries

If you’re a marketing manager, communications professional, or a business owner wanting to sharpen your PR game, this episode is not to be missed!