Poppy PR looking to accelerate growth with new partner

A former Erewash borough and now Castle Donington based public relations firm has agreed terms with ex-journalist Phil Stubbs to become a new partner and shareholder following a recent growth spurt.

Founded in Ilkeston in 2011 by managing director Tina Clough, Poppy PR has seen significant expansion over the past year, with a host of new client wins. 

Coming in as the firm’s new director and business partner, Phil will work alongside Tina to help guide the company through its next period of growth.

Phil, a former political editor for the Derby Telegraph, launched his own PR consultancy business in 2008, and has also been working as part of the Poppy PR team for more than two-and-a-half years. 

Having quickly established a strong working relationship, Tina and Phil decided that a more formal, joint approach was beneficial for both parties and would better help fulfil Poppy PR’s business ambitions. Legal advice surrounding the deal was provided by Derby-based Smith Partnership.

Tina, who also hosts a business show on Erewash Sound, said: “I’m delighted to officially welcome Phil on board as a shareholder in the business. After more than a decade of steering this ship single-handedly, it feels the time is right for me to share the wheel. 

“Phil’s knowledge, skills, experience and application have been invaluable since he started working with me. I can’t think of anyone better to enter a partnership with.

“This new arrangement will really cement our already excellent working relationship and will hopefully help to catapult Poppy PR into an exciting new chapter in our fabulous journey.

"PR has been my absolute passion for as long as I can remember and there has never been a more exciting time for Poppy-PR."  

Phil, of Milford, near Belper, Derbyshire, said: “Working with Tina and the rest of the Poppy PR team has been like a breath of fresh air for the past couple of years. I’m so looking forward to this new challenge.

“As many self-employed people will understand, it’s not always easy to keep all the balls in the air on your own, particularly when you are lucky enough to be very busy. 

“Our decision to join forces came out of just a passing conversation I had with Tina after a particularly busy workday – about whether she should expand the business, future plans, work-life balance and so on. 

“It quickly became apparent to both of us that the best solution for both of us was staring us right in the face. It was certainly a no-brainer as far as I was concerned.”