Verity Blake, Managing Director of HeadOn Public Relations, leads a dynamic PR agency that bridges traditional and digital strategies for SMEs and corporates globally.
HeadOn PR is known for delivering top-tier PR services comparable to city firms, but without the hefty London price tag.
What was the inspiration behind HeadOn Public Relations?
Many SMEs believe that PR is reserved for large corporations and often view it as out of their financial reach. However, these smaller businesses also recognize PR’s crucial role in building brand reputation, increasing awareness, and enhancing online visibility to shift customer perception and influence purchasing behavior.
Over a decade, we identified a significant demand among SMEs for high-quality PR services that could rival those offered by leading city firms. This led to the creation of HeadOn PR, where our team, boasting extensive experience from world-class agencies and high-profile global brands, provides top-notch services. Our team members hold the highest qualifications in PR, marketing, journalism, and English.
With teams in both the UK and the US, we serve a diverse clientele ranging from start-ups to global corporations. Most of our clients have been with us since the beginning, and we’ve witnessed their growth from fledgling businesses to industry giants, using PR as a catalyst for their acceleration.
Who do you admire?
I greatly admire Seth Godin for his revolutionary ideas in marketing and business. He challenges conventional thinking and promotes creative problem-solving approaches that enhance marketing practices. His concept of permission marketing, which emphasises gaining consumer consent for marketing messages, has transformed how businesses engage with their audience.
Godin’s emphasis on brand building is also noteworthy. He asserts that a brand symbolizes a company’s core values and promises, creating an emotional connection with customers that transcends price. His insights, encapsulated in his 18 books and podcast, are essential for any business leader aiming to attract and retain the right customers.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
I wish I had started employing people from the very beginning. While working with exceptional consultants has been crucial to HeadOn PR’s success, hiring employees early on would have accelerated our growth even more. Building a team of dedicated employees alongside consultants fosters a positive workplace culture and enhances overall productivity and profitability. Creating a cohesive and dynamic workforce where everyone feels valued and works well together is vital for business success. Our team’s strong chemistry, both professionally and socially, contributes significantly to our outstanding client service.
What defines your way of doing business?
Successful business is fundamentally about people. From hiring the right talent to nurturing relationships with customers, stakeholders, and the wider business network, it’s essential to value and appreciate these connections. In PR, this includes clients, journalists, influencers, employees, and business partners. Building and maintaining strong relationships, and being grateful for those who contribute to your success, is crucial. People buy from people, and genuine relationships form the foundation of our business approach.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Focus on building and nurturing a network of support. This network can include family, friends, business partners, referrers, employees, or consultants. These relationships will provide valuable contacts, advice, expertise, and client growth opportunities—essential components for a thriving business. Prioritize relationships and create a supportive network to ensure your business’s success.
Paul Jones
Harvard alumni and former New York Times journalist. Editor of Business Matters for over 15 years, the UKs largest business magazine. I am also head of Capital Business Media’s automotive division working for clients such as Red Bull Racing, Honda, Aston Martin and Infiniti.
