As part of increasing diversity within the Company and the wider Livery movement, we formally launched our Future Freemen initiative at the end of last month.
This new membership category enables up to 20 members per year to join the Company at a special rate of just £40.
The Future Freemen category is a low-cost first step into the Livery world and offers engagement with some of the most experienced and senior people from the communications and public relations industry.
At the launch event at the offices of SEC Newgate, our first six Future Freemen joined the company (see biogs below).
“Great to see such a strong group of next generation communicators coming through,” says Patricia Hamzahee FRSA. “Exciting times for the profession.”
“A privilege to have been installed as a Future Freemen of The Company of Communicators on Monday evening, hosted at SEC Newgate UK’s new Farringdon office,” says Pearce Branigan. “Looking forward to supporting the Company in its endeavours and promoting the work of the sector.”
“What an outstanding group of young freemen they are,” says Jane Mitchell FRSA, IABC Fellow. “It’s wonderful to know The Company of Communicators is appealing to a new generation of communicators.”
Future Freeman will be able to participate in our events, including specific events specifically designed for their needs.
We will also welcome this highly talented new generation actively participate the Company’s charitable activities.
If you would like to nominate someone working with you in a professional communications capacity or would like to become a Future Freeman yourself, please contact the clerk or apply here
Meet our first Future Freemen
Hollis Johnson, is a second year Public Relations student at Regent’s University London. Having been represented by a PR firm during her youth, she caught a glimpse of the fascinating and evolving industry and has been interested in pursuing a career in the field ever since. Before one day owning her own PR firm, she would like to gain practical experience in crisis communications and product marketing.
Pearce Branigan joined the communications sector in October 2018. He has focussed on delivering projects across the UK for clients in the built environment, transport, energy and security sectors.
Prior to entering the communications sector, Pearce spent three years in Westminster, supporting Conservative MPs through ministerial positions within government and during both the EU Referendum and 2017 general election campaigns.
Imogen Shaw works in SEC Newgate Advocacy, across the energy, retail and financial and professional services sectors. Her current clients include the Green Finance Institute, Accolade Wines, the Venture Capital Trust Association, and the Independent Renewable Energy Generators Group.
Imogen’s wider background in PR and public affairs includes experience working with clients across a wide range of industries, including retail, fashion, hospitality, planning, charity and non-profit, energy, infrastructure and sustainability. Before her career in public affairs, she worked in HR and Internal Comms for a major international property company and as Communications Assistant to a Labour PCC candidate.
Euan Steedman is an award-winning PR professional currently working as Communications Manager at Instagram – leading on wellbeing and integrity policy. He has previously managed publicity for 10 Downing Street, CNN, and the BBC – specialising in social-impact campaigns that reach young and underserved audiences. He is particularly keen to improve social mobility across our industry and to strengthen links between London and other parts of the UK.
Nicholas Gardner is an account executive at Consilium Strategic Communications, a healthcare focused corporate and financial communications firm. He has been at the company for 10 months now, having previously worked in a number of policy focused roles in Westminster. He holds an undergraduate degree in PPE and a Masters by Research degree in Economic Philosophy, both from the University of York.
Inayah Inam is a penultimate Social Anthropology student at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Growing up in Luton, Inayah was always interested in the development of subcultures and understanding the intersectionality of lived experiences across different cultures. Keen to understand the power of communication in this context and language in shaping identity and relationships, Inayah became interested by PR and it’s topical grounding. Inayah before deciding on PR has completed work experiences at an MP and MEP’s office as well as an events company.
During her time at university, she interned at research consultancies working on projects that involved Spotify, Resident Advisor, BBC Sounds and Panasonic. In terms of PR, she has gained experience at a mix of consumer and corporate PR agencies, and last summer interned at W Comms, Hawthorn Advisors, Grayling and Camarco. Inayah will be interning at Kekst CNC – a global financial and corporate agency this summer.
