January 2025
Debs, you’ve spent time at different kinds of agencies throughout your career, what makes you particularly excited about Schon&Co?
“When I first joined the team last year, I told everyone I was properly excited to be back working alongside Jess. Not only does she do an excellent job of tolerating my meandering stories and proclivity for working song lyrics or film references into everything, I could see the agency was on the cusp of great things.
You’ll have to ask the team if the 90s trivia is still welcome, but there’s no doubt in my mind that we’re already well on our way to somewhere very exciting for the agency. In just over 12 months we’ve grown from a team of two to a team of six genuinely brilliant people, with two more hires on the cards to join in the next couple of months. And we’ve kicked off the year with a growing global Schon&Co partner network and some new client wins too.
This year I’ll be focused on looking after our international clients alongside our partners across the world, as well as working with Jess and Emily to shape the future of the S&Co team in the UK. To infinity….and beyond!”
Emily, you have recently marked your one year anniversary at Schon&Co, what are you most looking forward to in 2025?
“The agency has grown and evolved so much since I first joined in November 2023 and I could not have imagined we would have grown at the rate we have over the last year. This year, alongside supporting our brilliant clients, my focus will be on exploring the four strategic pillars of the strategy and seeing how we can define our goals and objectives, improve efficiencies and processes and implement strategic initiatives - all whilst maintaining our people-first and flexible-first ethos at the core of everything we do. Everyone who knows me knows I love organisation, processes (and spreadsheets!) so I can’t wait to get stuck into exploring future ways of working.”
Debs, what is your vision for the year ahead?
“The time for smaller, specialised agencies is now, and without wishing to use the words ‘thrilled’ or ‘delighted’ in a quote, I really am feeling that way about the year ahead and the impact we can have for our clients.
Being smaller means we can think quickly, act fast and be nimble in assembling the right teams to respond to the challenges our clients face. They’ve told us they value our ability to flex to their needs, without the bureaucracy that can come with the big players, so we know we must be doing something right.
On my vision board this year is more of the same. More clients in complex industries wanting a top-tier strategic partner, and open to the ways in which communications can help them navigate their challenges. That, and a really good rug, to tie the room together.”
Emily, your new role will be slightly different with an additional focus on the business operations, what are your plans for the future?
“As PR and comms professionals, we know too well that we have to quickly adapt to the ever-changing landscapes to suit the needs of our clients - and that’s no different for our own business. Since Schon&Co was founded in 2020 by Jess, times have changed dramatically in the way businesses operate and what people want from their careers, and it’s important for us to acknowledge these changes and make sure that as a business, we are always one step ahead in the way we work and how we value our people. The year ahead will see us make a few changes internally to make sure we are operating as efficiently and cost-effective as we can be, without compromising on the work we deliver for clients and the culture and opportunities we offer our team.”
Debs, the UK team continues to grow from strength to strength and you’ve recently taken up new office space in London. What are your plans for the team in the year ahead?
“More baked goods in the office. I can’t think of a single working day that isn’t improved by baked goods.”
Emily, how important is it for you and Debs to make sure the team has a role in shaping the strategy and ultimately the future of Schon&Co?
“I think I speak for myself and Debs when we say that every single member of our team has a role in shaping the future of Schon&Co, else we would not be standing true to our values.
At Schon&Co, our approach is one of collaboration and partnership and we take immense pride in being a friendly, approachable and easy to work with team. The team is down-to-earth, transparent and honest in everything we do and we don’t believe in typical hierarchies you might see in other agencies. If you are a Junior Consultant or the Managing Director - we value your opinion and input into how the business operates and you have an important part to play in growing and shaping not only a career for yourself, but the future of the agency.”
