WHO WE ARE

Meet the team and discover our skillsets,
range of expertise and creative edge.

An Introduction to
a lovely bunch.

We are an award-winning, boutique PR and communications agency with a small, young, driven team that has lots of energy and creativity.

This team dynamic is complemented by over 50 years of combined experience working in the dental industry.

We live, breathe and love dentistry!

We have specialised in delivering amazing PR for brands operating within dentistry for over 12 years, so we know what does and does not work.

We’re a really close team and life at Barker PR is always enjoyable, challenging and exciting. We think we take a unique approach to our work and our client relationships – aiming to be an extension of your internal team.

The brands we work stay with us for all sorts of reasons – we’ve been told we are a bit different, a bit special and a delight to work with. See for yourself here:

Check out our photos and bios below to get to know the team (and some of our pooch ‘assistants’).

THE BARKER TEAM

Gemma | Director & Founder

Need to know:

Gemma has worked in dentistry since 2003. After working as the Marketing & PR Manager for a number of large dental manufacturers and service providers, as well as four years in dental publishing, Gemma launched her own communications agency back in 2008. Gemma brings a unique creative edge and strategic approach to PR and communications, delivering unrivalled results. A speaker, writer, networker and a fabulous talker, Gemma has a thorough understanding of the dental industry and an extensive network to boot.

Good to know:

Mum to two boys, a cockapoo and nine chickens. A Peloton advocate and masterful chef. Full of beans, positive and always with a smile on her face. 

Seb | Senior Account Manager

Need to know:

Seb has been working in and around dental publishing for the last 10 years, getting to know the profession, the industry, building some great friendships and editing the leading titles, both print and online, in dentistry.

Good to know:

Seb is a dad to two young girls and an energetic lhasa poodle. As a self-confessed fitness addict, when he has any spare time he likes to set himself various challenges, including running marathons, triathlons and even an ironman. Seb is a environmentalist at heart and if you’ve ever had more than a minute conversation with him, he’ll certainly have let you know he’s given up meat, dairy and eggs in order to do his bit and reduce his impact on the environment.

Felicity Watson | Account Manager

Need to know:

Felicity is starting her PR career here with us at Barker PR, fresh out of university and full of ideas. During Felicity’s independent research at university she found a passion for PR with a specific interest in digital marketing. Felicity has a skilful theoretical understanding of all things PR and is excited to bring this knowledge into practice.

Good to know:

The way to Felicity’s heart is a cold cider on a sunny day.

“She is a social butterfly who likes to keep busy. Having just finished her studies, Felicity hopes to gain some new hobbies. At the top of her list sits learning the guitar and taking ice skating lessons.”

Nicola | Editorial Manager

Need to know:

Nicola has almost 20 years of experience in the dental industry, initially working as an editor and journalist for a leading publisher. Prior to joining Barker, Nicola headed up the editorial teams on over half a dozen dental-related titles. Nicola is ideally placed to ensure clients get the very best in editorial support, from generating ideas to producing the finished item.

Good to know:

Loves a good book or a walk in the countryside with her dog. She likes being super organised and enjoys crossing things off her to-do list!

Lauren | Social Media and Marketing Manager

Need to know:

Lauren is an experienced Marketing, Public Relations and Social Media Manager with 10 years experience. Lauren graduated from Bournemouth University with a Public Relations degree and kick-started her career back in 2014. She has since worked with some of the leading entertainment brands and thrives under the fast-paced nature of Social Media and Marketing.

Good to know:

Lauren is a first time mum to one year old Alana and proud dog mum to Reggie and Teddy. She is sports obsessed, but will tell you she much prefers to watch than play. When she’s not chasing Alana (and the dogs) around, you will find her with her feet up watching the Formula 1, NFL or her favourite football team losing.

Rhian | Head of Design

Need to know:

Rhian is our highly experienced and creative graphics designer. After leaving university with a Master’s Degree in Graphic Design, Rhian has amassed over 10 years’ experience of delivering high-quality graphic design and branding services, including within dentistry.

Good to know:

When Rhian isn’t enjoying a glass of wine, she enjoys travelling the world experiencing different cultures and cuisine. In fact, her alternative career choice would have been a chef.

Karen | Operations Manager

Need to know:

Karen has worked in dentistry since 2001 working initially for a dental media
communications company as an event manager and more recently working as an executive assistant to the Clinical Director of a cosmetic dental practice. Karen brings a wealth of experience in managing logistic timings and coordinating projects to ensure a smooth running of events and delivering a first-class experience for clients.

Good to know:

Mum of a teenage son and owner of a crazy working cocker spaniel. Loves good food and the occasional yoga class to combat the effects of loving food a little too much! She also loves spreadsheets and to-do lists!

Vicky | Editorial Consultant

Need to know:

Vicky has specialised in the healthcare industry for 15 years. Previously, she has edited and contributed to five supplements for The Times on behalf of Raconteur on Cosmetic Procedures, Dermatology and Cosmetic Dentistry. In 2015, she won a Safety in Beauty Diamond Award for her contribution to supporting standards within the aesthetics industry and the MyFaceMyBody Award for Journalist of the Year.

Good to know:

An advocate of mindfulness, Vicky writes a blog in her spare time about mental health and wellbeing and volunteers with a homeless charity. She loves yoga, meditation and sea swimming, even in winter! Vicky can also be found moonlighting as a DJ on her local radio station.

THE BARKING TEAM

Tiggy

Need to know:

A strong, independent female with a feisty and sassy edge. The dog you may hear barking now and again on a zoom call if the postman rocks up.

Good to know:

Has a love / hate relationship with the chickens that live in the garden and makes all sorts of weird and wonderful noises when she wants some attention.

Toby

Need to know:

Born to cuddle, his aim in life is to remain in physical contact with his human at all times. His PR experience extends to sitting on any paperwork in order to get more cuddles.

Good to know:

He has two birthdays like the Queen and very much enjoys sleeping, preferably burrowed under a duvet.

Daphne and Rosie

Need to know:

Don’t let their puppy dog eyes fool you. These two sisters get up to more than their fair share of mischief.

Good to know:

With supersonic hearing, these two can hear the rustle of a treat bag from a mile away. Daphne enjoys inhaling her dinner before moving swiftly onto Rosie’s. Similarly, Rosie’s favourite toy is whichever one Daphne is currently playing with.

Ready to take your
PR to the next level?

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