An experienced In-house team

Our skills

We offer a rare combination of skills, knowledge and experience under one roof. This allows us to provide a joined up service and excellent value for money.

Our in-house team is made up of:

Strategists with a flair for creating communications campaigns and ongoing programmes of activities aligned to each client’s specific business objectives. They have run their own businesses, are commercially astute and results focused.

Former journalists who worked in print or broadcasting before they made the transition to PR and Communications. They have a real nose for news and the rare ability to help our clients to identify stories that will be of genuine interest to the media, building engagement with journalists, bloggers and other influencers.

Writers and proof-readers who trained as journalists and are now published authors.

Reputation management and crisis communications experts who have worked in busy press offices for the Avon & Somerset Constabulary and Avon Fire & Rescue Service as well as numerous clients at Empica. Their roles range from advising and managing incidents to dealing with the media and in some cases, working round the clock to prevent a story from seeing the light of day.

Social media and digital communications specialists who manage our clients’ online activities, identify and exploit new opportunities, create and amplify written content, audio and videos across all platforms. They are also heavily involved in our clients’ PPC and email marketing campaigns.

In-house videographer who is responsible for scripting, filming, recording and production of videos and podcasts.

Our values

Straight-talking: Our approach is refreshingly direct and straight-forward. You can rely on us for pragmatic advice and solutions that deliver the results you are looking for.

Savvy: We are masters of our trade. Our knowledge is born out of years of ‘real life’ experience.

Creative: We bring fresh thinking, insights and creativity to our clients’ communications, but in a commercially robust and sensible way.

Fast: We are highly responsive and quick to react, keeping on top of an ever-changing news agenda and any last minute or time sensitive requirements our clients may have.

Flexible: We understand that things change – regularly! We are flexible in our thinking and will always go the extra mile to accommodate our clients’ needs.

  • Martin Powell

    Martin Powell MCIPR has been advising on public relations and carrying out publicity campaigns for a wide range of national and regional businesses, and organisations since 1989.

  • Natalie Birrell

    As part of the leadership team, a key part of Natalie’s role is overseeing our client value proposition, making sure that the businesses, organisations and individuals we work for are getting the most out of their relationship with us. Natalie is also responsible for Empica's marketing and business development.

  • Neil Fraser

    Neil is an experienced media professional, having run his own PR consultancy for eight years before joining forces with Empica, and has developed national and regional PR programmes for a range of organisations, particularly in the professional services, financial services and commercial property sectors.

  • Kayleigh Penny

    Kayleigh has worked at Empica for over 10 years, promoting clients across a wide range of sectors during that time. Specialising in professional services, property, charity and lifestyle, Kayleigh is a proficient account manager, skilled in building relationships with both clients and media contacts.

  • Judith Skorupski

    Judith is based in our London office and has an extensive background in news and features. She has written for all the major titles on behalf of our clients including the Guardian, Sunday Times, Telegraph and the Daily Mail. Before moving into PR she headed the news team at the Government’s e-communications portal UK Online.

  • Paul Mullins

    Paul is an experienced PR professional and former business journalist with more than 20 years’ experience working in the media. Paul ran his own PR consultancy for many years before joining Empica and has delivered successful communication campaigns for a range of organisations in the legal, financial and not-for-profit sectors.

  • Darren Bane

    Darren joined Empica in April 2017 as the next step in a career spanning nearly 30 years in journalism, public relations, corporate communications and marketing. He holds qualifications from the National Council of Journalists (NCTJ) and Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

  • Nicki Sampson

    Nicki Sampson started in PR in the mid ‘80s, and has promoted the services and products of a wide variety of clients nationwide. She is equally at home working with clients in the care sector, schools and colleges, housebuilders, lawyers and on consumer accounts, whether through the media or by means of events organisation.

  • Grace Fox

    Grace shoots and edits videos for Empica for use in online news media channels and on social media. Before joining Empica she completed a First Class Honours degree in Lens Based Media and has written directed and produced award-winning short films (drama and documentary) receiving international recognition from 15 film festivals.

  • Will Powell

    Will joined Empica in 2010 and as operations director is in charge of running all aspects of our offices. He also operates the sales and bought ledger operations, ensuring that clients are billed properly. Prior to joining Empica he worked for a regional utility in its billing department.