Phil Smith Communications delivers excellent results in communications strategy, media relations and staff engagement informed by a deep knowledge of the education sector. Over several years and for a number of university clients, Phil has advised on effective communications approaches, improved media profiles and drafted well-researched and authentic internal communications which convince a range of audiences. Working with Phil is effortless, a short briefing produces the right outcomes every time.

Tim Watkinson, Director of Communications and Engagement, University of Leeds

 

We commissioned Phil Smith Communications to assist us in exploring options for promoting our fundraising activities. Having worked with Phil in the past he was my first choice, as he brings with him a keen analytical and strategic mind combined with years of experience in the higher education sector. Phil’s work was invaluable. He not only researched best practice at similar institutions but carried out in-depth interviews with our key stakeholders to provide real, impartial insight into how we are perceived and where opportunities may lie. His pragmatic recommendations helped focus our ambition into action and continue to be a point of reference long after the project was completed. I would strongly recommend Phil to any organisation that is looking for an advisor that cares as much about your strategic goals as you do. He never fails to bring more to the table than you may have thought, and as such is a first-class PR professional.

Owen Morris, Deputy Director – Public Relations and Corporate Communications, University of Northampton

 

I have worked with Phil Smith Communications on a number of occasions. I say work ‘with’ rather than him working ‘for’ me because that is one of his greatest attributes – Phil always ensures that, as a client, you are included and involved in his excellent working, from the initial approach to the successful and measureable conclusion. Phil has worked with me on national projects across the higher education sector and these have always been on sensitive issues that require covert external communications campaigns to match. He provides you with a professional but friendly consultancy service that is always a pleasure to work with because of his proactive approach while, of course, keeping you informed on progress. Phil’s sector understanding and knowledge, matched with his approach and skills, means I would not hesitate in recommending him.

Andy Fryer, Head of Communications and Membership, Universities and Colleges Employers’ Association

 

CPET is benefitting from Phil Smith Communications’ professional support by adding capacity and challenge to our organisation through the creation and execution of a trust communications strategy. Phil is being proactive with the aim of raising our profile, facilitating ‘sharing our stories’, and responding to local, regional and national events for us. We have strong networks, but Phil is extending these further in line with the trust’s aims, values and a readiness to grow. Phil is friendly, a good listener, purposeful and focused. He also offers ideas and signposts us to a range of opportunities. I would recommend working with Phil; he brings a refreshing dimension to our trust.

Lesley Birch, former CEO/Executive Principal, Cambridge Primary Education Trust (and now Deputy CEO, Meridian Trust)

 

Phil Smith Communications has created a formal PR/communications strategy for the trust. Previously this was done ad hoc, and as a central team we have been able to use this document and align it to our growth strategy. As a trust we now have a much better understanding of what we need to do and which strengths to focus on. We have become much more consistent in branding and documents we produce. I have found working with Phil extremely easy and he is always very accommodating and flexible when scheduling meetings, as he is very aware of the pressures faced within school settings. With his experience as a Governor, Phil is very aware of school environments. His approach and skills in creating 'news reports' for us have been invaluable. During a staff Q&A he was very astute in how to get clear answers which the trust could then use as part of our strategy. I would be very happy to recommend Phil to other MATs.

Ryan Powner, Chief Finance and Operations Officer, Prince Regent Street Trust

 

When my SCITT merged with another organisation to create a new Initial Teacher Training (ITT) provider, I knew I needed some specific communications input to ensure the launch of the new organisation went smoothly. With his knowledge and experience in the education sector, Phil Smith Communications was quick to understand what I needed and supported us in finding the right branding and creating excellent content. Phil was friendly, professional and approachable throughout this project. He was also quick to respond to queries outside of scheduled meetings too. I would thoroughly recommend him and feel sure we will be working together again in the future.

Anna Richards, Executive Leader, Suffolk and Norfolk SCITT/Norfolk, Essex and Suffolk Teacher Training

 

In a short space of time, and supported by Phil Smith Communications, we have established a respected voice, a credible team, and a solution that is delivering on the promises we have made in providing a fresh approach to the budgeting problems facing multi-academy trusts. Phil is very accommodating of varying and ‘light briefs’; he is responsive and reliably delivers on the requirement, often exceeding expectations. His education sector knowledge is clear to see and he has real empathy for the challenges facing school leaders. This knowledge allows Phil to challenge our thinking and get straight to the point. Phil’s education network is strong which has helped with placing of content, event speaking opportunities, and the ability to dial straight into education leaders, who are made available through Phil’s trusted position. I would absolutely recommend Phil Smith Communications – I have worked with a variety of PR firms over the years in education, but Phil’s experience and network really puts him above the crowd.

Will Jordan, Co-Founder, IMP Software