An East Midlands PR and communications consultancy launched by its founders to
settle an argument in a pub marks 10 years in business this week.
BakerBaird was launched by Richard Baker and Stuart Baird in 2016 after they challenged
each other to develop a public relations business that could blend the business acumen of
the private sector with the ethos of public sector delivery.
Since then it has scooped 12 industry awards in 10 years for its clients, and has
worked from Stapleford to Ollerton and London to Liverpool to 20 different countries across
the world.
It now works on major projects for public and private clients across the UK and
internationally.
Richard is a former daily newsroom business editor who built up a significant knowledge of
the regional economy, while Stuart was director of communications for government across
the Midlands. He worked in 10 Downing Street, and for many Secretaries of State as well
as the King.
Richard said: “Nottingham already had creative agencies and some amazing PR firms and
we really wondered if it could be done. So we sat down in a pub, thrashed out a plan,
and BakerBaird was the result.”
Since then, BakerBaird has delivered communications and engagement projects for most of
the local authorities in the East Midlands, the East Midlands Development Corporation,
East Midlands Freeport and the East Midlands Combined County Authority.
It has also worked for other mayoral authorities across the UK, the national STEP Fusion
energy programme, major transport infrastructure and commercial development projects
and for a global health initiative with the University of Liverpool that has been funded by
the Gates Foundation.
As the consultancy grew, it took on another hugely experienced communications
professional, with former Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
director of communications Gaby Taylor joining the business as senior account director.
BakerBaird’s 12 accolades included a double gold at this year’s Chartered Institute of
Public Relations awards, with its work on the inaugural East Midlands Mayoral vote
campaign hailed as a case study in large-scale engagement.
Stuart said: “It’s been a privilege to work on projects that make a difference to the world
around us, whether that is a device that saves the lives of newborns in sub-Saharan Africa
or a new sports facility in Stapleford.
“While we work nationally and internationally, we’re passionate supporters of our home
city, Nottingham, and our home region. This is where our story began and we will never
miss an opportunity to promote it.”
Posted on 09 June 2026
