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, Lindsay, 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. Lindsay 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. Lindsay 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. Lindsay 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. Lindsay’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 info@harveyandhugo.com.

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!

PR isn’t just for press releases and product launches — it’s the foundation of how your business is seen, trusted, and remembered.
In this episode of the Pocket-size PR Podcast, host Charlotte Nichols is joined by Danielle Croce, Commercial Director at Intersight and Tees Businesswoman of the Year, for a conversation that strips PR back to its most powerful purpose: building real connection through clear, confident communication.

Danielle reveals how PR has helped position Intersight as a trusted name in the tech and health & safety sectors, and why awards, storytelling, and personal brand have played a bigger role in that journey than you might think. She shares her honest thoughts on stepping into the spotlight, how she’s grown more comfortable with visibility, and why recognition matters — not for ego, but for credibility, culture, and growth.

In this episode Charlotte and Danielle unpack:
• The real reason awards matter (and how to choose the right ones)
• Why PR in tech is all about demystifying and educating
• How visual consistency builds trust across every brand touchpoint
• Turning a Parliamentary mention into a PR campaign
• Why personal branding isn’t just for influencers — and how it’s helping Danielle stand out in a male-dominated industry

If you’ve ever felt unsure about your PR approach, or you’ve dismissed awards or personal branding as “not for you,” this episode will change your mind. Danielle’s grounded, no-nonsense take on PR is packed with tips for businesses that want to grow — with purpose, personality, and pride.
Whether you're running a startup, scaling a business, or leading a team — this one’s for you.

🎧 Tune in for a 20-minute masterclass on using PR to build visibility, credibility, and a brand people connect with.

Join Charlotte Nichols and special guest Kirsten Donkin, Head of Communications at Double Eleven, on the latest episode of the Pocket Size PR Podcast as they explore the true value of public relations.

They discuss the power of PR in crisis management, the critical importance of strategic planning, and why building genuine relationships and cultivating brand ambassadors can significantly influence your brand's reputation and business growth.

Kirsten shares practical insights on measuring PR effectiveness, the essential differences between PR and marketing, and why authenticity in leadership is key to successful communication.

Tune in to learn how PR can elevate your brand's credibility and long-term resilience.

What does PR look like in the future? And what happens when authenticity becomes the most valuable currency in communications?

In this episode of Pocket-size PR, we dive into the real role of PR with Erica Marshall, Group Director of Marketing & Business Engagement at the Education Training Collective.

Forget the clichés—PR isn’t just about press releases and crisis control. It’s about shaping reputations, building trust, and making meaningful connections. But where does PR end and marketing begin? And does PR actually make a difference, or is it just corporate window dressing?

Host Charlotte Nichols and Erica explore why PR and marketing are more like competitive cousins than identical twins, how PR can transform businesses beyond just "good news stories," and why a strong communications strategy is essential in today’s world. They discuss whether PR works best in-house or outsourced, how organisations can stop seeing PR as a last-minute fix, and the reality behind the so-called glamour of the industry.

If you work in PR, marketing, or run a business that depends on trust and credibility, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.

#PocketSizePRPodcast #PublicRelations #ReputationMatters #PRvsMarketing #TrustAndCredibility

Think PR is just about press releases and glamorous events? Think again!

In this episode of the Pocket-size PR Podcast, host Charlotte Nichols sits down with Hannah Duggleby, Head of Marketing at Channel Studios and a marketing guest lecturer at Gateshead College. Together, they dive into the evolving world of PR, breaking down common misconceptions, the fine line between PR and marketing, and the overlooked strategies that businesses can leverage for greater impact.

Hannah shares her insights from over 15 years in the travel and hospitality industry, managing international campaigns, and how PR plays a vital role in reputation building. She also discusses the latest PR trends, the growing importance of authenticity in the AI era, and why data-driven storytelling is an untapped goldmine for businesses.

If you've ever wondered why PR isn’t just about press releases and glamorous events, this episode is for you! Discover the real power of PR and how it can drive visibility, trust, and long-term success.

In this episode of The Pocket-size PR Podcast, host Charlotte Nichols is joined by Dan Smith, Venture Director at Growth Capital Ventures, to discuss the powerful role PR plays in brand credibility, marketing integration, and business success.

Dan shares his thoughts on why PR is a crucial part of the marketing mix, how the "Golden Thread" approach ensures brand consistency, the role of PR in building trust, especially in high-risk industries like finance, the evolving impact of AI on marketing. They also discuss the importance of internal PR alongside external efforts, and the key metrics to measure PR success.

Emily Bently is marketing and business development manager at Jackson’s Law as well as being a director of Tees Valley Business Club.

Emily believes in the power of networking for your business, but you have to choose the right network carefully as well as allowing time to invest in it to see a return.

She’s also a big advocate for outsourcing your PR needs to reap the full benefits and help grow your brand.