Musings of a CEO: 5 Years of MC
Five years ago, Marriott Communications didn’t begin with a business plan or a blueprint. It began with a belief that public relations could be more thoughtful, more accountable and more human - and that it should be.
Over the past five years, Marriott Communications has evolved into a globally active consultancy delivering strategic PR, intelligence-led communications and public affairs support across the UK, Europe and the United States. Our campaigns have reached tens of millions of people through digital platforms, national press, broadcast media and international coverage. We’ve supported organisations through crisis, advocacy, growth and reinvention - and each experience has sharpened not just our capability, but our conviction.
As we mark our fifth anniversary, this moment feels like a chance to look back honestly, to acknowledge what it took to get here, and to reflect on what this journey has taught me - not just about business, but about leadership, values and responsibility.
The first lesson is simple, but it’s one I had to learn the hard way: purpose scales. During moments of financial uncertainty - particularly through the COVID lockdown - it wasn’t volume that sustained us, but rather values. Choosing meaning over momentum allowed the agency to grow to more than 37 clients without losing its identity.
The second lesson is that impact will always matter more than optics. Some of the work I’m most proud of never came with applause or recognition, or event profit. From national advocacy campaigns to over 900 hours of pro bono support for charities across the UK, the outcomes that stayed with me were those that changed conversations, influenced policy or supported communities when they needed it most.
The third lesson is that intelligence is no longer optional in PR. Launching the North East’s first PR Intelligence service came from recognising a shift that many in our industry are still grappling with: communications no longer exist in isolation. They sit within complex political, economic and social systems. Insight, context and foresight are not added value - they are foundational.
The fourth lesson is that collaboration will always outperform competition. From cross-sector coalitions to international partnerships and creative alliances, progress has consistently accelerated when expertise is shared rather than protected. The most meaningful work we’ve done has been built alongside others - not in opposition to them.
The most personal lesson of all: growth should never come at the expense of integrity. As Marriott Communications looks toward a new era of growth, and launching an International Relations service, the principles that shaped year one remain non-negotiable. Scale should never ask you to become someone you’re not.
This anniversary comes at a pivotal moment. We’ve launched new services, expanded our global ambition, and celebrated five years surrounded by the partners, collaborators, friends and family who helped make this possible. Through which I was reminded that no business is built alone, it’s built on trust, belief and hope.
Five years on, the mission hasn’t changed. Only the reach has expanded.
As I look both ahead and behind, I feel a sense of pride - one that comes from building something with passion, conviction, and integrity.