Cornelius Alexander

Cornelius Alexander is a seasoned PR pro who started out dreaming of becoming a journalist, drawn by his love of writing and travel. His path shifted, leading him to a career in PR, where he’s learned to thrive under pressure and stay ahead of the game by constantly updating his skills.

Cornelius believes in the power of mentorship and advises young professionals to stay adaptable, keep learning, and always have a clear plan for growth. His key motto? "PR isn't just about spin – and don’t forget to breathe!"

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Alison Gallagher-Hughes

Alison Gallagher-Hughes, founder of Tillymint Communications, started as a journalist before shifting to PR for a better work-life balance and new challenges. After working with the police and in the social housing and education sectors, she built a career managing media relations, crisis communications, and strategic campaigns.

Now running her own agency, Alison loves the variety of clients and the deep trust she’s earned as their advisor. Her advice for new PR pros? "Stay honest, keep learning, listen closely, and never be afraid to ask tough questions—it can spark your best ideas!"

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Laura Kingsbury

Laura Kingsbury, a Communications and Engagement Apprentice at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, started her PR journey after completing a degree in Media and Communications. Drawn to a role that combined practical and theoretical learning, she’s thriving in a position that lets her create life-saving content, manage social media, and support safety campaigns.

Laura loves knowing her work makes a difference, and her advice to new PR professionals is simple: "Keep learning, be patient with yourself, and don’t fear mistakes—they’re valuable lessons that will help you grow!"

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Lydia Martin

Lydia Martin, Healthcare Associate Director at APCO, successfully returned to the PR world after a six-year career break. She encourages those in similar situations not to worry about gaps in their CVs. Lydia’s journey back began with F1 Recruitment’s Back2Businessship programme, which helped her re-enter the field with confidence.

Her advice? "Your skills and instincts don’t expire. Whether it's news sense or creativity, these abilities stay with you." Now thriving at APCO, Lydia champions the value of diverse career paths and believes that taking a break is simply pressing pause, not the end of your career.

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Tim Walsh

Tim Walsh, a seasoned PR professional at Branagh PR, spent over a decade leading press and communications teams. When hiring for entry-level PR roles, he values a growth mindset and a strong commitment to learning. Prior experience, like internships or student projects, is beneficial but not always essential.

Tim believes that while PR qualifications can provide a foundation, hands-on experience is crucial. He advises candidates to focus on presenting themselves well in interviews and suggests starting in-house, where you can learn the ropes before diving into the challenges of consultancy work.

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