An NCTJ qualified former journalist, features editor and CIPR Professional Diploma qualified, Becki has over 20 years experience and combines a sharp sense for newsworthy stories with excellent writing, communication and leadership skills and understanding of the media landscape. At Social she heads up the Manchester office and is a key leader providing strategic counsel, PR and media relations campaign strategy and managing client relationships for several high-profile clients including The Growth Company and GC Business Growth Hub. Becki started her career as a regional newspaper journalist working for Newsquest titles in Basingstoke and Winchester before moving to Trinity Mirror’s Reading Chronicle, where she went on to become the features editor – a post she held for just over two years before her move into PR.

Speak to me about… Strategic PR, crisis management & media relations.

James is a trained journalist and content marketer with 20 years’ experience. His writing is informed by strong research skills and a background that also covers communications and digital marketing. He is a Mental Health champion at Social, and has also used his volunteering time to provide counselling services with charities who work with cancer patients, homeless people and asylum seekers.

Speak to me about… Writing.

Luke leads Social’s ESG, sustainable and impact investment communication offer, working both investor-side and sector-side in the placemaking and built environments, supporting organisations with how they tell their story around ESG, socially responsible investment and purpose-driven finance. Former editor of Social Housing magazine, he was also a director at Ocean Media, where he led the launch of a housing business intelligence platform.

Luke has worked with the likes of Hyde Group, The Housing Finance Corporation and The Good Economy, across a range of ESG focused initiatives including ESG strategy and reports, investor relations content and resident engagement.

Speak to me about… ESG, purpose-driven finance & communications.

Beth has almost five years of communications expertise, working primarily within the built environment, education. heritage and placemaking sectors. She has a strong media relations background, having consistently delivered quality coverage for clients in a number of national and regional trade and news outlets.

With an MA in Postcolonial Literature and Culture, Beth is a strong written communicator and enjoys working closely with clients to create engaging thought leadership that aligns with their vision and values.

Speak to me about… Copywriting, media relations & project management.

Ryan is a seasoned strategic communications, brand, marketing, events and engagement professional, with more than two decades’ experience as a senior lead in both the public and private sectors, 16 of which servicing a wide range of clients in the built environment.

Ryan is purpose and ethics driven, and thrives on creating innovative, outcomes-focused communications, public relations, campaigns and engagement strategies, in partnership with key stakeholders at all levels. These strategies are tactically executed using the full marketing communications mix and deliver clear, tangible results. Ryan is also a strong collaborator up to C-suite level and a keen advocate of the use of plain language, avoiding jargon in any activities.

Speak to me about… Strategy, PR & crisis communications.

Prior to joining Social, Claire worked in commercial buying roles for brands such as Regatta, Adidas and Pets at Home. Bringing her experience of brand launches, managing large scale budgets, delving into data-driven insights and commercial awareness, Claire was keen to move into business development and find a role within a smaller business whose values aligned with her own. Claire sits in the business development team and is responsible for communicating Social’s story and elevating the brand’s presence across traditional and digital channels. Passionate about equal access to education she’s also a mentor and advocate for charity – The Girls Network.

Speak to me about… Marketing, data & buyer behaviour.

John is a versatile communicator and has had 25 years’ experience of working with some of the biggest names in the UK. He set up Social in a back office in Sale ten years ago with no income, no clients and no experience of running a business.

John has lived the highs and lows of running a business. A passionate energetic entrepreneur, he has grown Social to a national agency that is a that is a Certified B Corp.

A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme, John is committed to running Social as a purpose-driven business that is a force for good for clients, colleagues, suppliers, society and the planet. He was named ‘City Region Business Leader of the Year 2021 by the BusinessDesk.com, recognising him for leading with kindness and empathy.

John is passionate about the built environment and placemaking agenda, having led major consultations across the UK, including Harlow with Places for People and at East Wick and Sweetwater for the Olympic Park development.

He is committed to helping people to succeed, particularly in the communities where he is working on behalf of his clients.

John has managed the media for a range of organisations including central government, local authorities, major retailers; private developers and housing associations. He is an expert at hearts and minds communications strategies, a flexible strategist consulting from pub to parliament.

After completing a specialised training programme with Channel 4, Anna joined Social through a placement opportunity and became an Account Executive in 2024.
This follows her studies in English Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Leeds, and her subsequent MA in Film.
Anna draws on her creative background and love for writing within her work at Social, as well as a strong drive for social mobility within much of her internal and external endeavours.

Speak to me about… Film, content creation & creative writing

Ben is an award-winning journalist dubbed a ‘digital superman’ with 25 years in journalism and PR.
He was appointed as the Liverpool ECHO and Trinity Mirror’s (now Reach PLC) first ever breaking news editor in 2013 – with the onus on interacting and engaging with the online audience.

He was an education reporter in the North West for more than eight years and is an expert in turning complex and jargon heavy information into clear copy.

As a former journalist and editor, he has a strong sense of what makes a good story with a track record of creating digital content that maximises reach and engagement. Able to create compelling, accessible copy about technical subjects. Since joining Social Ben looks after a diverse range of clients including the University of Liverpool, First Choice Homes Oldham, Liverpool Waters, Enterprise Cheshire + Warrington, Fusion21 and Marketing Southport.

Speak to me about… Digital PR.

With 20 years agency experience across PR and public affairs, Pete is an expert in community and stakeholder engagement, media relations and high impact campaigns. He has worked on projects ranging from high speed rail campaigns and city regeneration schemes to new town visions and wind farms in the Outer Hebrides.

Pete joined Social in 2014 as an account director in its Manchester office, before moving his focus to setting up the agency’s Leeds office as part of its national expansion in 2016. As a company director, he then oversaw the growth of Social’s network of offices in Manchester, Leeds, London and Liverpool, before becoming Social’s Managing Director at the start of 2024. In his spare time, Pete is an FA accredited junior football coach and runs a team in Lancashire.

Following her journalism studies at the University of Leeds, Yasmine dived straight into the PR world gaining experience in both B2B and B2C agencies, recently joining Social in January 2024.

She has a passion for delivering engaging and informative copywriting to suit different clients’ needs and desires, as well as gaining further experience in events’ management and social media engagement.

Speak to me about… PR, social media & events.

Racheal has extensive experience of strategic communications and stakeholder engagement for clients across a broad range of sectors, combined with a forensic knowledge of local and regional government.  

Prior to joining Social, Racheal spent 15 years working in both communications and policy roles within local and combined authorities and LEPs. She was Head of Communications and Engagement at WYCA and the Leeds City Region LEP, where she provided leadership to develop communications and stakeholder engagement strategies. Racheal advised regional politicians through the sensitive devolution negotiations that ultimately secured the West Yorkshire mayoral devolution deal. 

Speak to me about… Strategic communications.

Sophie is the Finance Director at Social, an ACCA qualified accountant and proud Mancunian with extensive finance experience and strategic vision gleaned from working with some of Greater Manchester’s most recognised organisations.

Sophie enjoys working for companies that have a social conscience and that are looking to make a positive difference. Previously working on the accounts for Manchester Pride in support of raising funds for the LGBTQIA+ community. Also supporting on the production of the Light Brigade beer which donated to the charity, Help For Heroes, whilst at Robinsons Brewery.

A highlight for Sophie at Social has been achieving B Corp accreditation, a recognition of the high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Speak to me about… Accounting, finance & B Corp certification.

As an experienced NCTJ-qualified industry journalist and editor, Joshua has always kept his finger on the pulse of media and enterprise. Passionate about property, regeneration and business, he has worked with key stakeholders and decision makers on widely-seen stories, campaigns and features.

At Social, he works with clients including JLL, Westminster City Council, Seddon Housing Partnerships, NP11 and The Growth Company, building their reputations nationally. With excellent contacts in the property trade, business, regional and national media, Joshua is able to secure quality coverage for clients.

Prior to joining Social, he spent more than four years working for leading regional B2B media company Insider Media and has ample experience in hosting awards evenings, roundtable discussions and breakfast panel discussions while also producing high quality written features for monthly publications.

Speak to me about… Media relations.

Luke began in broadcast working on productions such as You’ve Been Framed, Jeremy Kyle and Britain’s Got Talent among others. Since transitioning agency side he has worked with major public sector,

retail and sporting organisations such as PlayStation, New Balance, Asda, National Lottery and UK Sport. These campaigns ranged from small reactive content to multi-million pound campaigns.

With over ten years of experience within the creative industry Luke is a versatile practitioner across video, photography and animation.

Speak to me about… Video production, photography & animation.

Margaret heads up Social’s business development team and is pivotal in implementing strategic business development plans. As a long-serving member of the team, she is often first call for what work we have done, who it was for and when we did it. As a champion of social value, Margaret promotes volunteering opportunities to our team and is a co-chair of B Local Manchester. She takes part in panel discussions and is passionate about the benefits of purpose-led business.

Speak to me about… B Corp certification, purpose-led business & business development.

Nishall is an award-winning community volunteer and advocate. He is incredibly passionate about helping and improving the community of Harlow (Essex).

Nishall ‘officially’ started his community advocacy when he was first elected as a Youth Councillor at the age of 13. Amongst his many achivements are recent positions of Founder & Coordinator of #BigUpHarlow, Trustee of Rainbow Services (Harlow), and President of Harlow Hindu Society.

He has also been recognised with the Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award, a British Citizen Award and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of East Anglia (UEA) for his contributions to the community. Nishall is also a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (The RSA).

At Social, Nishall specialises in impact & ESG communications. He supports purpose-driven organisations and investors to tell their stories and define and amplify their positive social and environmental impact credibly.

Speak to me about… digital marketing, ESG & communications.

Lucy’s career has taken her across the country. Having moved from London to the North 7 years ago, Lucy’s experience spans the luxury lifestyle and events sectors and in recent years she’s honed her knowledge within property and infrastructure.

As one of the longest serving members of the Social team, Lucy knows the company inside out and is responsible for overseeing operations and people. Passionate about culture and all things HR. Lucy is also one of Social’s mental health first aiders.

Speak to me about… HR, culture & operations.

Sami plays a crucial role in the Social’s public consultation expertise, driving forward client relations and delivering public consultations. Along with this, Sami is assisting with Social’s political engagements as part of client and wider work.

Prior to joining Social, Sami spent 3 years working in the Scottish Parliament as a staffer for two Members of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Labour Party. Through this work, he worked in both the constituency office and parliamentary office to deliver for the constituents. He also supported the research and writing of national policy, along with drafting parliamentary questions and statements for the members of the Scottish Parliament.

He studied History at an undergraduate level at Manchester Metropolitan University, before completing a History MSc at the University of Edinburgh.

Speak to me about… Politics (national and regional), public relations and affairs, and public consultation.

Salma is a strategic PR practitioner with more than 16 years’ experience of working in communications and has a strong background in proactive PR, media relations, crisis communications and reputation management. She currently works on Social’s accounts with Incommunities, Marketing Southport, and GM Business Growth Hub.

She joined Social from Bolton Council, where she managed the press office. Salma has an eagle eye on the national and regional news agenda. She regularly researches and secures comment opportunities and forward features for clients through composing relevant and insightful commentary. Salma is an expert at building relationships with journalists and leading on media activity for clients, on often challenging and complex matters.

Salma is also experienced at creating multi-platform content and works closely with clients to generate maximum impact. In her previous role at Bolton Council, Salma provided communications advice to the chief executive, directors, assistant directors, council leader and cabinet members.

Speak to me about… Strategy, PR & social housing.

Tushar is account director for Social, based in London. Passionate for social impact and ESG, he has over nine years’ experience working in PR, and has been a director at a fellow B-Corp communications agency. His experience has seen him work on a range of campaigns from global sustainability, producing data-led stories, creative, funding and new market announcements and even viral videos. A generalist, he’s worked for clients across a multitude of industries and geographies ranging from ecommerce, personal finance, technology and investment. He also has experience as a business journalist. In his spare time, Tushar enjoys sport, history, travel, cooking and exploring the live music scene.

Speak to me about… PR strategy & execution, ESG & where to find the best pint of Guinness…

Jack is a former journalist and has won a number of awards for his work. He is particularly proud of a TV news feature he produced in 2017 looking at homophobia in professional football. Jack has a passion for purposeful communications and making a real difference to communities. He presents a weekly radio show on the LGBT station Glitterbeam and is an advocate for people affected by the skin condition, psoriasis.

Speak to me about… PR, content & purpose-driven communications.