15 highlights from 15 years

As we mark 15 years of delivering B2B tech PR, we asked our team to share their highlights from working at Proactive International PR.

During my time at Proactive, I’ve had the privilege of traveling to some incredible places while supporting our clients. From Krakow to Berlin, Iceland, and my first visits to the United States in North Carolina and Boston, each destination has been memorable in its own way. However, my trip to Athens last June stands out as my highlight for me. The city's rich history, iconic landmarks, fantastic weather and great meetings with TCG made it unforgettable. Exploring the Acropolis was a highlight, and the sunset boat trip along the Athens Riviera was an experience I’ll always remember.

PR Consultant Josh Addison

“The travel, the clients and the team have all created countless highlights during my time at Proactive PR. But driving the growth of the company and taking it to the next level has to be the biggest personal highlight for me. Last year in particular yielded the results of those efforts - we onboarded several new clients, resulting in a 17% increase in turnover compared to the previous year. We were also shortlisted for “Specialist Consultancy of the Year’ in the PRCA UK awards and attained the 'hallmark of PR excellence' through the PRCA CMS accreditation – to name just a few highlights. To lead the team through these achievements is a very proud moment.”

CEO Jayne Brooks

“Working with Synspective on its satellite launch campaigns is the highlight that sticks out. This was a chance to get a unique look in to how launches are scheduled and prepared and it felt significant being able to watch (on a livestream) a satellite launch that we were helping to promote. The launches were also part of a wider mission of the company to grow its operations and ability to collect imagery to help with disasters, climate issues and, generally, our understanding of earth.”  

Senior PR Consultant James Curry

“In the early weeks and months of Proactive PR, we were in the running to win a contract with the Broadband World Forum. Among the competition was my former agency and we went to pitch in London against them. A few days after the pitch, Broadband World Forum called and said he would like us to handle the event but there was one issue they had. I held my breath wondering what it was… He continued… they would like a two-year deal; not just one! I knew we had arrived.”

President and Founder Brian Dolby

“My Proactive PR highlight has been the international travel! I've been lucky enough to visit some interesting places to meet clients face-to-face but specific highlights include the TCG Members Meetings in Tokyo and New Orleans.”

Senior PR Consultant Callum Dunnington

“After joining Proactive PR right at the start of the Covid lockdown in the UK (April 2020), I spent the first year or so of my time with the company only able to connect with colleagues (and clients!) through a screen. My highlight was the ending of those restrictions, which meant I could meet the wonderful people I was working with face-to-face for the first time.”

Agency Director James Page

“My highlight is probably a popular one, but it would be the international travel. It’s great to work in amazing locations around the world and meet face-to-face with our international clients and contacts that we speak regularly with, virtually. Having the opportunity to experience it early in my career is both a privileged and valuable life experience. It has also pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to learn a lot more about the industries we work in.”

Senior PR Consultant Will Rayment

“I've had so many highlights from working for Proactive PR over what is now 10 years! Thanks to Proactive PR’s international clients, I’ve travelled around the world working at countless big conferences and events. I've always left learning something new and making new contacts along the way. A specific highlight is filming at the TCG Members meeting in Boston where I interviewed so many industry-leading specialists and toured a city I have always wanted to explore! The PPR team are like family now; it's always a pleasure to work with them wherever the job might take me.”

Paul Romero Mendez, Freelance Filmmaker

“After nearly a year and a half at Proactive, I’ve had many memorable moments. But one that stands out the most was attending a client event where I had worked on the branding – seeing the logo I designed displayed on a large screen in the conference centre was a really rewarding experience.”

PR Consultant Nara Santos

“This is a very easy one for me - my highlight is delivering a major project for Calix which saw us jet off to film in the Maldives at various islands and resorts to showcase their broadband solution for remote areas. It was a very enjoyable trip!”

Financial Director James Shortland

“Of all the filming jobs we’ve carried out, my personal highlight is when we filmed a royal visit for Bombardier. Prince William viewed the new Elizabeth Line vehicles, toured the factory and drove a train – the footage we captured ended up being used on ITV. This wasn’t my only royal encounter at Proactive PR – Brian and I also filmed the Queen and Prince Philip giving out the maundy money at easter during the early days of the company.”

Multimedia Solutions Director Simon Shortland

“During my six years at PPR, it’s been amazing to see the company grow – from refining internal processes and workflows, expanding services and welcoming new clients. A big highlight for me has been helping to shape and structure some of Proactive PR’s operational processes to support both the team and the business. Seeing the team’s hard work pay off over the years has also been really rewarding, especially seeing ideas in meetings and discussions transform into successful services/offerings. And getting the PRCA award nomination was a great of course!” 

Operations Director Melissa Tyson

“My main highlight (other than a trip to Texas!) is starting the Proactive Pathway work experience placement while I was at the University of Lincoln as that ultimately kickstarted my journey into working at Proactive PR.”

PR Consultant George Williams

“A big highlight for me is recently taking our podcast service from concept through to launch providing clients with a new offering – along with launching our own podcast, which reached #15 in the Spotify technology charts in the first week.”

Digital PR Manager Conor Woodhall

“While international travel to provide on-site support and working alongside some fantastic people over the past six years has been fantastic, the opportunity to work with our clients on some very exciting campaigns has been a personal highlight. One important campaign that springs to mind was Broadband Forum’s TR-069 campaign. Our team came together to propose some really interesting ideas, and we helped secure some brilliant media coverage. The excitement generated from seeing your clients’ stories brought to life by a journalist in a leading publication is very rewarding.” 

Senior PR Consultant Josh Wright