Business Details
37 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Strategic PR Solutions for Lasting Impact
Empica is a Bristol-based PR agency with over three decades of experience in public relations, media communications, and content creation. Founded in 1989, we specialise in crafting strategic narratives that build authority, trust, and credibility for businesses, individuals, and non-profit organisations. Our team of former journalists and communications experts brings a unique blend of industry knowledge and practical insight to every project. We work across diverse sectors, including property, healthcare, education, and professional services, tailoring our approach to meet the specific needs of each client. Our services encompass media relations, crisis communications, thought leadership campaigns, and digital content production.With a commitment to straight-talking, creativity, and agility, we deliver results-driven PR solutions that align with our clients' commercial and personal goals. Our global reach, combined with deep local expertise in the South West, ensures we provide both strategic and tactical support. We pride ourselves on long-standing client relationships, underpinned by a dedication to transparency, professionalism, and measurable outcomes. Whether supporting high-profile launches or managing reputational challenges, we remain focused on elevating our clients' visibility and impact.
Services
PR Strategy
Media Training
Crisis Communications
Content Creation
Thought Leadership
Social Media Campaigns
Launch Events
Influencer Collaboration
Press Office Services
Video Production
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of experience in PR and media relations across diverse sectors.
- Our team includes former journalists with proven crisis communications expertise.
- We deliver tailored strategies combining media relations, content creation, and digital marketing.
- Our crisis management consultancy prepares organisations for high-pressure scenarios.
- We provide bespoke media training led by industry-recognised professionals.
What people say
Strategic expertise
Responsive service
Measurable outcomes
Sector knowledge
Crisis management
Services
PR Strategy
Our PR strategies combine media outreach, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement to enhance brand visibility. We develop tailored campaigns aligned with business objectives, leveraging press coverage and digital platforms. Clients benefit from measurable outcomes through consistent messaging and targeted journalist relationships.
Media Training
Media training equips leaders to communicate effectively during interviews and crises. Using mock scenarios and feedback, we build confidence in handling challenging questions. Participants learn message discipline and on-camera techniques to strengthen public perception and media interactions.
Crisis Communications
Crisis communications focus on protecting organisational integrity during emergencies. We create response protocols and draft statements to manage public narratives. Our team provides real-time support to mitigate reputational damage while maintaining stakeholder trust through transparent communication.
Content Creation
Content creation spans written, visual, and audio formats to engage audiences across platforms. From thought leadership articles to video production, we craft compelling narratives that reflect brand identity. SEO-optimised content ensures maximum reach and audience retention.
Thought Leadership
Thought leadership campaigns establish individuals as industry authorities through strategic content and media exposure. We develop insights and commentary to showcase expertise, enhancing credibility through publications, speaking engagements, and digital platforms to drive professional recognition.
People
Natalie Birrell
Managing Director
With 25 years in PR, Natalie leads client services at Empica. A former journalist, she specialises in strategic communications for law firms, property developers, and charities. Her expertise spans brand positioning and media relations.
Martin Powell
Founder
Martin established Empica in 1989 and remains a key figure in crisis communications. As a former journalist, he advises global IVF clinics and authored books on public relations. His media training expertise benefits high-profile clients.
Darren Bane
PR Manager
Darren brings award-winning communications experience from policing and emergency services. He leads media training at Empica, combining crisis management skills with practical journalism knowledge to prepare spokespeople for high-stakes scenarios.
Kayleigh Penny
PR Manager
Kayleigh specialises in social media and media relations, supporting sectors from healthcare to end-of-life services. Her background in journalism and crisis communications ensures strategic campaign delivery aligned with client objectives.
Neil Fraser
PR Manager
Neil offers 20+ years of PR experience, focusing on professional services and property sectors. A former journalist, he develops national campaigns and provides media training, leveraging his understanding of editorial processes to secure impactful coverage.
Questions
What sectors does Empica specialise in?
We work across property, healthcare, education, professional services, tourism, and non-profits, tailoring PR strategies to sector-specific challenges and opportunities.
How does Empica handle crisis communications?
We develop response protocols, draft holding statements, and provide real-time media support to protect reputations during emergencies, ensuring transparent and coordinated communication.
Can Empica provide international PR support?
Yes, while based in Bristol, we work with clients globally, leveraging our media contacts and cross-border campaign experience to deliver international PR solutions.
What media training formats do you offer?
Training includes in-person sessions at our Bristol venue, on-site corporate workshops, and virtual courses covering interview techniques, message delivery, and crisis scenarios.
How do you measure PR campaign success?
We track media coverage volume, sentiment analysis, audience engagement metrics, and alignment with client KPIs to evaluate campaign effectiveness and ROI.
Do you offer content creation services?
Yes, we produce SEO-optimised articles, videos, social media content, and thought leadership materials to support integrated PR campaigns and digital strategies.
Reviews (2)
Kubiak Creative
Jun 16, 2020
Report
Kubiak have been utilising both the PR and digital marketing services of Empica for many years and have found them to be extremely efficient, professional and knowledgable on all projects we seek their support on. We would have no hesitation in recommending Empica to anyone.
Chloe-Jasmine Whichello
Mar 01, 2017
Report
What an amazing company , boasting a group of incredibly well executed and varied brands. Dedicated and professional staff. Immaculate communication and totally lovely.
