I started in financial and corporate PR in the 1980’s with Broad Street Associates where I worked on teams advising a wide range of UK and international companies, large and small, in retained financial communications and project work. As well as financial calendar work, I was involved in numerous M&A transactions, hostile and agreed, and have extensive experience of crisis management, shareholder actions, defence planning, legal disputes and capital raisings.

I have played a part in some of the great dramas in City history, some less famous but no less compelling. I started with Argyll’s hostile counter bid for Distillers, who were already subject to a hostile bid from Guinness, on the defence team for Pilkington Glass during BTR's hostile bid, the defence of Associated Engineering when subject to a hostile bid from Turner and Newall and the infamous long running takeover battle for House of Fraser. The latter led me directly into the in house corporate communications world, including being at the heart of the media aftermath following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Following on from this I went into business for myself, gaining experience from the client side of the equation. This involved interaction with key stakeholders, including shareholders, banks, Regulatory Authorities and external advisors. I was also involved with fund raising, acquisitions, the manufacture and launch of a consumer product and even dealing with the supporters of a premier league football club, during my time as a Director of Fulham Football Club.

So, from both sides of the table, I have had significant experience of how to identify and face issues, create the required strategy and message, and communicate to the target audience.

By joining Blythe Weigh Communications I am returning to something I enjoy and have considerable experience in. Our team has expertise in a number of important disciplines required to run successful corporate communications campaigns and are a dynamic forward thinking agency, giving me the opportunity to return to what I do best.

By utilising my 25 years’ experience I can help clients to be proactive, to create an effective communications strategy, understanding the interplay between financials, corporate strategy, the varying interests of stakeholders and a diverse range of media and market participants.