Gary Phelps

Owner, Gary Phelps Communications

Gary Phelps has been a leading media figure in the West Midlands for more than 30 years.

A multi award-winning journalist, he has edited nine newspapers, including the Tamworth Herald, Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer, Lichfield Mercury and Nuneaton News.

He now runs PR agency Gary Phelps Communications, with clients including industrial innovators Power Minerals Ltd, German energy giant STEAG and dozens of local schools including the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership.
Gary also worked with former West Midlands mayor Andy Street.

Ian Gallagher

Account Director, R&CO Communications

Former journalist Ian spent a decade working for multiple regional newspapers across the Midlands before moving into digital communications and PR.

Since joining R&Co in 2017, he has managed press and social media campaigns for clients in a wide range of sectors including healthcare, logistics and motorsport​.

As a specialist in media relations, Ian is skilled at building journalist relationships and achieving coverage in B2B and consumer titles regionally and nationally, as well as trade media coverage in the logistics, veterinary, professional services and property sectors.

​​He is also dedicated to demonstrating the value and impact of investing in PR using a range of measurement and reporting tools​.

Ruth Pipkin

managing Director, Rewired

Ruth has 25 years’ experience in marketing and communications, having worked both in-house for the Home Office and in-agency before setting up Rewired in 2008.  She has extensive cross-sector experience working across a wide range of high profile B2C and B2B brands.  Ruth takes the lead on strategy, crisis communications and stakeholder management for clients. She is a non-executive board director of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and chair of the board of trustees at University of Birmingham Guild of Students.