Q & A with Rosie Davies-Smith, Founder of PR Dispatch

What do you love most about the brand you’ve created?

I love that with PR Dispatch we have given the ‘power of PR’ to teams that wouldn’t normally be able to do it. It’s amazing to upskill people already working in PR and marketing by giving them the tools and resources to secure coverage for the brand they work for. Plus, it adds value to their roles and CV.

Have you always wanted to work in this industry? 

I kind of fell into the PR industry. I always knew I wanted to work in a creative industry, I love products and brands across sectors like food, fashion, homewares, lifestyle and gifting. With my textile degree, I thought I’d end up as a designer or in marketing.

I started with email marketing and social media, but during an internship, I was given the task of PR and thought it was unbelievable how easy it was to secure press coverage when you have great imagery, assets and you approach the press in a human and friendly way. After securing great coverage for that brand, my PR business came after that. 

What are you most proud of? 

I’m most proud of being in business for 12 years across two different businesses (previously LFA PR agency, now PR Dispatch) and still thriving! 

The PR and eCommerce industry is so different now, to how it was 12 years ago when I started. Back then, people would see a product in a magazine or read about a brand and their sales would go through the roof, now the customer journey is a lot longer. People need more trust before they buy, there are thousands more brands in every product sector, competition is fiercer and social media plays a huge role in influencing decisions. 

PR is now just one small part of a whole customer journey that works with marketing, advertising and storytelling. But we’ve always managed to pivot ahead of the curve and create a product that is forward-thinking and adapts to the evolving market. I’m proud of how, as a small team, we’ve made those pivots – and done it well every time.

What advice would you give someone keen to start a business but unsure where to begin?

I know a lot of people say this but I would say just start, with something. Even if it’s just small, like working evenings or weekends to test the market. I started small, with one client then moved to two, three and so on, until I didn’t have to work side jobs to afford rent. You learn so much by just starting, what works, what doesn’t. Don’t be afraid of failure. My biggest learnings have come from failures.

Who is one of your biggest inspirations – either professionally or personally? 

Sharmadean Reid, hands down. I’ve probably said she is my inspiration for 10 years now. I haven’t found anyone that has inspired me as much as her. She is the founder of The Stack World and previously founded WAH nails. I think she is absolutely incredible, she had a young child when she started WAH.

At the time I wasn’t a mother and didn’t fully appreciate the juggle she must have faced to make that work. Single parent as well. She is hugely inspiring in what she’s done and the way she thinks. I had the privilege of doing a Future Girl Corp workshop with her, I was a guest speaker and watching her put together an imaginary PR plan for a brand, live on stage, was mind-blowing. Her way of thinking is like no other. 

If you could attribute your success to anyone who gave you your big break?

Bronwyn Lowenthal. When I finished my degree I did quite a few internships to figure out what I wanted to do. I came out of University with a textiles degree, I wasn’t great at textiles, definitely not good enough to be a successful designer. One internship was with knitwear brand Lowie, founded by Bronwyn. She saw potential in me during the two-week internship and took the time to sit with me and teach me things. 

Bronwyn kept me on after the internship one or two days a week helping her with marketing and PR. She started recommending me to her friends that ran brands. From that her friends started to enquire and became my first clients. Eventually, Bronwyn and I co-shared an office together for many years and she was one of my first clients when I ran the PR agency (LFA), she is now a client at PR Dispatch. Lowie celebrated 20 years in business two years ago and I went back to celebrate. As much as she was a massive part of my journey, she also says I was a massive part of hers. 

What’s the hardest thing about your job?

The hardest thing currently is the juggle between childcare and being a good founder. Before I had children I didn’t appreciate how much emotional energy goes into having two little ones. When they come home from school and they’re sad, a lot of that emotional energy is already used up during the day when you’re a business owner, have a team, dealing with clients and customers.

I have now decided I work 9-3, making those hours as efficient as possible. If I need to catch up in the evening, I will, but it has been a tough learning curve for me.

Which part of your job do you enjoy the most? 

I love innovating. Developing our platform and software, constantly asking ‘’how can we make this better?’’. Whether it’s improving our marketing or clarifying what we offer,  I enjoy thinking about how we can help brands handle their PR more efficiently in-house.

Do you find it easy to balance work and play?

I do find it easy to balance work and play. Moving from London after 13 years to a small village in Devon made a huge difference. 

I’ve got a great group of friends here, and we enjoy walks, pubs, and hanging out at the beach. The work-life balance here in Devon is completely different so I find it easier as those around me are doing the same. It’s a lot easier to switch off now that I’m not commuting or stuck behind a desk all day. Working 9-3 has helped me make the most of my ti