PRWeek has just revealed its 40 Under 40 list, shining a spotlight on some seriously talented people in the UK’s public relations scene. It’s always interesting to see who’s making waves, and this year is no different. The list celebrates individuals and agencies that are really standing out. We’ll take a quick look at a few of them.
Key Takeaways
- James Barry from Mitie Group is recognised, highlighting his early start in corporate affairs as an apprentice and his growth in communications.
- Battenhall is noted for its innovative approach to PR in the social media era, achieving significant revenue growth and expanding internationally.
- Words+Pixels is celebrated for its rapid growth over five years, focusing on high-growth businesses and challenger brands, leading to increased revenue and industry recognition.
- The Taylor Bennett Foundation and CIPR are mentioned, addressing the ongoing diversity challenges within the PR industry and the work being done to improve representation.
- Tin Man is highlighted, though specific details about their inclusion are not provided in this snippet, suggesting they are also part of the PRWeek 40 Under 40 recognition.
1. James Barry
It’s not every day you see someone start their career in PR at just 19, but that’s exactly what James Barry did. He joined Mitie Group as an apprentice, and honestly, it sounds like it was a pretty good move for him. He’s now a PR Executive there, which is a big step up from where he started.
He mentioned that joining a FTSE 250 company straight out of the gate was a bit nerve-wracking, but he’s found it to be a great place to learn the ropes. Every day seems to throw something new his way, and he’s been able to put his skills to good use. It’s pretty impressive how quickly he’s progressed in the communications field.
Starting young in a big corporate environment can be tough, but it clearly paid off for James. He’s managed to build a solid foundation for his career.
Here’s a quick look at his journey:
- Started as an apprentice at Mitie Group.
- Progressed to become a PR Executive.
- Gained experience within a FTSE 250 company.
It’s a good reminder that apprenticeships can really set you up for success. You can read more about other notable figures in the industry, like Matt Buchanan, and see the kind of impact they’re making.
2. Battenhall
Right then, let’s talk about Battenhall. These guys have really shaken things up in the PR world, especially when it comes to social media. They’ve got this interesting idea where they set aside 20% of their time for trying out new things, and it seems to be paying off big time.
This year has been a bit of a rollercoaster for everyone, economically speaking, but Battenhall has managed to pull off some serious wins. They’ve landed 15 new clients in the last 12 months, and these aren’t just any clients – we’re talking big names like Tesco, Dunelm, and even the US snack brand Cheez-It. That’s quite the lineup.
Their revenue has hit a record high of £9 million, which is a 14% jump from last year. Pretty impressive stuff. They’ve also been busy expanding, not just here in the UK but also setting up new teams in places like Asia, North America, and Europe, even opening up in Germany.
Here’s a quick look at some of their recent successes:
- Tesco: Securing a major supermarket like Tesco is no small feat. It shows they can handle big, complex clients.
- Dunelm: Working with a leading homewares retailer like Dunelm means they understand different market sectors.
- Cheez-It: Landing a US snack brand demonstrates their international reach and appeal.
Battenhall’s approach seems to be all about staying ahead of the curve. By dedicating time to innovation, they’re not just reacting to the market; they’re shaping it. This forward-thinking strategy is clearly what’s driving their growth and success in what’s been a challenging year for many businesses.
They’ve even been recognised for their work, picking up the award for Specialist Consultancy of the Year. It really highlights their unique position in the industry.
3. Words+Pixels
It’s pretty impressive what Words+Pixels has managed to do in just five years. They’ve really carved out a name for themselves as a go-to consultancy for businesses that are growing fast and brands that want to shake things up. In 2024, they absolutely smashed it, hitting 40% revenue growth and even making it into the PRWeek Top 150 list. They also landed a spot in the top third of the FT1000 fastest-growing companies, which is no small feat.
Their client retention is top-notch, and they’re known for setting the agenda with their campaigns. Take their work for Lime, the e-bike company. They tackled the tricky topic of urban cycling head-on, showing how Lime makes city life better and greener. It’s this kind of bold, smart approach that seems to be their trademark.
Words+Pixels focuses on high-growth businesses and challenger brands, showing a real knack for understanding what makes them tick and how to get their message across effectively.
Here’s a look at some of their achievements:
- 40% Revenue Growth: A significant jump in their financial performance.
- PRWeek Top 150 Debut: Recognition among the leading UK consultancies.
- FT1000 Ranking: Positioned among the fastest-growing companies in Europe.
- Award Recognition: Named Boutique Consultancy of the Year (<£3M turnover) and Small Consultancy of the Year (£3M-£10M turnover) at the Gold Awards, showing their consistent quality across different sizes.
They’ve clearly got a solid strategy and a team that knows how to execute it. It’s exciting to see a younger consultancy like this making such a big impact, especially when you consider how competitive the PR world is. They’re definitely a company to watch, much like how people look back at early careers, such as Dan Marino’s athletic start before becoming a legend.
4. Taylor Bennett Foundation
It’s no secret that the PR world has had a bit of a diversity issue, especially when you look at the top jobs. For ages, there’s been talk about making things more inclusive, but the reality is, many agencies still don’t have much in the way of non-white staff. Senior teams often look pretty similar – mostly white, middle-class, and not always in touch with what ethnic minority PR pros are going through. That’s where the Taylor Bennett Foundation steps in. They’re doing some really important work to change this picture.
The foundation is all about opening doors and creating opportunities for people from backgrounds that haven’t always been well-represented in public relations. They run programmes aimed at giving aspiring PR professionals the skills and confidence they need to get ahead. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about genuinely shifting the industry’s makeup.
Here’s a look at what they focus on:
- Mentoring: Connecting up-and-coming talent with experienced professionals who can offer guidance and support.
- Training: Providing practical workshops and courses to build essential PR skills.
- Networking: Creating chances for individuals to meet key people in the industry and build their contacts.
- Awareness: Highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion within PR agencies and companies.
The drive to make PR a more welcoming and representative field is ongoing. Initiatives like those from the Taylor Bennett Foundation are vital in challenging the status quo and building a more colourful and dynamic future for the profession.
They’ve been working hard to make sure that talent, no matter where it comes from, gets a fair shot. It’s a long game, for sure, but seeing the progress they’ve helped make is pretty inspiring.
5. Tin Man
Tin Man has really made a name for itself in the last few years. They’ve been recognised as a top consultancy, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. They’ve had some cracking campaigns that have really got people talking.
Just look at their work for Tourism New Zealand with ‘The Hardest Geezer’. That campaign really captured the spirit of adventure and showed off New Zealand in a way that felt fresh and exciting. Or the ‘Sipping Forecast’ for Greene King pubs – a clever idea that brought people into their local pubs during a typically quiet time of year. They also did some great work with Tesco’s Wedding Gift Registry, which sounds like a smart move for a supermarket.
It’s clear they know how to connect with audiences and get results. They’ve managed to grow quite a bit, which is no small feat in this industry.
They seem to have a knack for creating campaigns that are not just creative, but also really hit the mark with what the client needs. It’s that blend of imagination and strategy that probably sets them apart.
Here are a few things that stand out about their approach:
- Creative Spark: They come up with ideas that are a bit different and grab attention.
- Client Focus: They seem to really understand what their clients are trying to achieve.
- Measurable Impact: Their campaigns often lead to clear wins, like getting more people through the door or boosting brand awareness.
They’ve definitely earned their spot on this list.
6. Mitie Group
Mitie Group’s Corporate Affairs team has been busy, that’s for sure. They’ve been working hard to help clients deal with a pretty tricky economic climate and all the other big issues going on, like climate change and the rise of AI. It sounds like they’ve really focused on what actually matters to their clients, which is a smart move.
They’ve also been making some big changes internally. At the end of 2023, Mitie shifted its focus from just being a facilities management company to being a ‘Facilities Transformation’ company. This meant their Corporate Affairs strategy had to change too. They’ve been looking at how they talk to different media outlets and putting more effort into government relations.
It’s not just about strategy, though. They’ve had some notable wins. Mitie was recognised as having the Best In-house Comms Team, which is a pretty big deal given how tough things have been.
Here’s a look at some of their recent focus areas:
- Purpose-driven approach: Developing and embedding a clear purpose to stay focused on client needs.
- Strategic Repositioning: Shifting from facilities management to facilities transformation.
- Diversified Media Engagement: Exploring new ways to connect with various media platforms.
- Government Relations Investment: Strengthening their work with government bodies.
The team seems to have a good handle on adapting to a changing world, making sure their communications efforts align with the company’s new direction and the broader challenges businesses face today.
Looking Ahead
So, that’s a wrap on this year’s PRWeek 40 Under 40. It’s pretty inspiring to see so many bright sparks making waves in the industry. From big agencies to smaller outfits, and from in-house teams to consultancies, the talent is clearly out there. It really shows that the PR world in the UK is in good hands, with these individuals pushing things forward. We can’t wait to see what they all get up to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is James Barry and why is he recognised?
James Barry is a PR Executive at Mitie Group. He started as an apprentice at just 19 and has grown a lot in his communications career. He’s being celebrated for his hard work and how he’s using his skills to make a difference.
What is Battenhall known for?
Battenhall is a PR agency that has changed how public relations works for the social media era. They spend time focusing on new ideas, which has led to great success, including earning a lot of money and opening offices in different parts of the world.
What makes Words+Pixels stand out?
Words+Pixels is a communications company that has become well-respected in just five years. They are good at working with new and growing businesses. They’ve seen a big increase in their earnings and are recognised as one of the fastest-growing companies.
What is the Taylor Bennett Foundation’s role?
The Taylor Bennett Foundation, along with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, is working to fix a problem in the PR world where there aren’t enough people from different backgrounds in top jobs. They aim to help ethnic minority professionals in PR.
What kind of work does Tin Man do?
Tin Man is a communications agency that has had a very successful year. They’ve won many new clients, including big names like Tesco and Dunelm. They are known for their creative work and have grown significantly.
What does it mean to be on the PRWeek’s 40 Under 40 list?
Being on this list means you are one of the top 40 talented people in the UK’s public relations and communications industry who are under the age of 40. It’s a big achievement that recognises your skills, hard work, and contributions to the field.
