Laura Sutherland.

“I feel most useful when I help people learn and develop. I love having a positive impact.”

Entrepreneur, wife, dog Mum and passionate senior PR and comms advisor and mentor

I am a senior public relations and communication advisor and a Chartered practitioner with 23 years’ experience in integrated public relations and communication. My vast experience coupled with an enviable ‘toolbox’ have attracted clients from start-ups to a billion-dollar business.

My work spans corporate, public sector, consumer and entrepreneurship. I am often called upon to manage reputational issues and crises, and in the pandemic, was prominent in the business community, helping lead businesses and organisations through re-imagining operations, processes, products and services. 

I’ve founded businesses in the past including Aura PR - a successful business advisory consultancy, Dynamic Women Network - a networking group for young women in business, and my passion business, The Glasgow Pickle Co. Running my own businesses has taught me so much and plays a part in everyday life working for others, including clients.

When I’m not working, I’m dog Mum to Eddie and Dudley, my two miniature poodles, I love to entertain family and friends, and can be found pounding the bag at the boxing gym.

Experienced board member and industry leader

I am a former chair of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Scotland group, former Chair of the CIPR Global Fellows’ Forum and former Chair of PRCA Scotland. I am also a former CIPR Board Director (four years) and Council member (eight years) and PRCA Council member.

My voluntary focus for the last few years was to help lead the PRCA’s Misinformation in the Climate Crisis Strategy Group and to help the CIPR develop a senior leadership series for 2022.

I honoured to be awarded a Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) in 2014 and a Fellowship of the PRCA in 2020.

Awards and special recognition

In 2019 I was blown away to be awarded the illustrious Sir Stephen Tallents Medal from the President of the CIPR. I have won PRCA Dare Awards Consultant of the Year two years in a row, 2018 and 2019. Finally, I was named in the CIPR’s 70at70 anniversary book and FuturePRoof’s “Once upon a time in PR, 21 public relations pioneers shaping our industry”.

“Being recognised by my peers is an honour. It’s essential that we continue to drive up professional standards and to ensure the next generation is equipped for what lies ahead.”