We’ve been lucky to have welcomed some talented new recruits into the PB family through the years – with Comms and PR Account Manager Abbie Rands the latest to join the fold
It’s a been a busy start for Abbie but she’s already left her mark, passing her probation with flying colours, creative flair and the biggest smiles in Kent. We dropped in for a chat on how things are going and why having more dogs is the answer to life, love and the universe.
How have your first few months gone at Pillory Barn?
I’ve loved my first few months! Each week has brought new projects and opportunities, and I’ve been able to work with some fantastic clients. The team culture is very collaborative, which has made settling in easy. It’s great to be back in a 360-marketing role where I can dive into everything from social media to PR strategy.
What have you enjoyed about some of the work you’ve done so far?
In my first couple of weeks, I was given the opportunity to work at Leeds Castle’s Motors by the Moat event, which was a standout. I produced live social content across the weekend to keep the momentum going online and draw visitors which was successful and a lot of fun. I’ve also supported the Kingsmead Pools & Fitness reopening after an £8m transformation, which included planning the launch event. Each project, from Rochester Corn Exchange to More Sevenoaks, has given me something different to enjoy.
What has surprised you the most?
The sheer variety of projects and clients PB works with! I expected a range, but the diversity is great. It’s shown me how adaptable and creative the team is, and it’s given me so much to learn and enjoy.
What have you loved the most?
The team and culture! Everyone is lovely to work with, and when we’re not hard at work, we genuinely enjoy each other’s company and love a good catch-up. Not to mention that everyone is celebrated at PB, from 10 years’ service to the agency, weddings, birthdays, and more.
What are you working on today?
Today, I’m working on a few new business briefs and researching competitor coverage and communications for one of our tech clients. I’m also planning ahead for social media content; Christmas is on the mind!
You got married recently. How did your agency experience help with all the planning?
I have honestly said to everyone that working in PR and comms, especially agency work, really sets you up to plan a wedding. We are always planning events, very detail oriented, juggling multiple tasks at once, always working ahead, and everything always needs to be cohesive!
What was your favourite moment from your wedding day?
The ceremony was really memorable, but you do have a lot of eyes on you! One of my favourite moments was after the wedding breakfast and speeches, our photographers took us for a walk around the beautiful grounds at golden hour, playing some of our favourite songs. It was so calming and lovely and a chance to take it all in together.
Describe a typical PB day?
Every day feels different! A typical day at PB likely includes checking client coverage, creating and scheduling social media content, brainstorming ways to drive engagement and build authority, working on an exciting project, copywriting for PR or the website, and always keeping clients fully up to date.
If there is one piece of PR or marketing advice you could give what would it be?
Know your audience! Effective PR and marketing are about crafting communications that resonate and bring value to those you’re reaching.
What’s your favourite recent ad or marketing campaign?
A recent campaign that stood out to me is St John Ambulance’s The CPR Bra. Their research showed that 1 in 3 men are afraid of giving CPR to a woman in public. St John Ambulance have created an educational bra designed to remind people of the CPR steps, with influential women as the faces of the campaign to encourage more people and businesses to sign up for CPR training. It’s a creative but impactful approach to tackling a real issue and raising awareness of life-saving skills.
How would you improve things if you ran Instagram, LinkedIn or TikTok?
Ooh, what a question… I’d love to see stronger measures in place to tackle online abuse, racism and trolling. As for creativity, I think platforms could do even more to support content creators with built-in tools that make it easier to produce high-quality, engaging content right within the app.
What would you like to see more of and less of on social media?
Social media has so much potential to inspire and connect us, I’d love to see more positivity and authenticity, and less filtered content.
What are you having for tea?
Cod, homemade potato wedges and salad 🙂
If you ran the world what would you do first?
If we set aside the crucial issues for a moment and just have a bit of fun… I’d say the world needs more dogs. I’m not sure on the logistics, but just lots of dogs!
