Zoë Scorer, MD, Conscious Communication

Conscious Communications is a dynamic PR agency known for creating impactful communications strategies that forge powerful brands, increase awareness, secure reputations and drive customer engagement.

By leveraging extensive industry knowledge and strategic media connections, the agency positions clients at the forefront of their markets and creates compelling stories that resonate and influence behavior.

With a dedicated team of 17 professionals, Conscious Communications offers a unique blend of impactful public relations, marketing communications, event planning and design services. Their diverse client base includes education, technology, energy, development, non-profits and charities.

The agency prides itself on a core philosophy of ‘doing well by doing good’, prioritizing the social impact of their work over mere profitability. This ethical approach combines strategic expertise with creativity, creating values-driven practices that promote professional and personal development, social responsibility and community engagement.

p in creating social change; from our commitment to developing ourselves professionally and personally, to our volunteer work.

What was the inspiration behind Conscious Communications?

Conscious Communications was founded on a passion for doing things differently: to add real value, deliver return on investment for our customers without compromising ethics, and use profits to give back to the community.

The company is built on the principles of conscious entrepreneurship, which means that it is not only what we do that matters, but also how the team does it. Our open and transparent approach ensures that we make clear and conscious decisions for our customers, partners, companies, people and the environment.

Who do you admire?

Any business owner or leader riding the wave of the current post-pandemic economic climate. Running a business can be challenging and it’s how you overcome those challenges and continue a growth trajectory that sets a company apart. It’s always valuable to hear from leaders about how they grew their business, often starting in their kitchen à la Julie Deane (Cambridge Satchel Company) or Ella Mills (Deliciously Ella), and how they overcame obstacles both inside and outside their power.

I am also a strong supporter of raising the profile of working families, especially women in leadership positions. You would think that in 2024 we wouldn’t have to break the cycle of gender roles historically imposed by society, but unfortunately here we are. I am a mother of two young children and I hope that when they are older, they will be stronger by seeing their mother run a small business!

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?

Our culture is incredibly important to us; sometimes we are not on the right track with our recruitment, so I would have taken more time to recruit people, to be absolutely sure that people align with the values ​​and vision of our company, no matter how urgently we need a position must also fulfill.

What defines your way of doing business?

Our goal when founding the agency in 2012 was to be a force for good and use our public relations expertise to have a positive social impact, by addressing inequalities, creating opportunities and improving social to help stimulate mobility locally and in the rest of the world.

By putting corporate social responsibility and sustainable development at the heart of our business, we set an example and show others how a business can thrive while having a positive impact on the lives of others and the environment. Our work, actions and behavior act like a ‘magnet’, attracting the kind of clients we dream of working with and the talented employees we need on our team.

As an independent company operating in the services sector, our company is not a company that attracts large external investments in order to grow quickly. Since its inception in 2012, Conscious Communications has grown steadily and organically, despite being faced with a global pandemic. Our growth depends entirely on the hard work, expertise and dedication of our team. Our intention is to continue to invest all our profits in our people, our charitable activities and in the local community, while also dedicating our most valuable asset – our time – to charitable causes and working in the community with disadvantaged people.

We have set up and registered a charity (FXP Festival) and a community enterprise (Cambridge 2030), both of which aim to boost social mobility and improve the quality of life for people in Cambridge, which in turn benefits the economy and other businesses in and around the city.

In January 2024 we were awarded Platinum by Investors in People, the highest level of accreditation awarded by the UK’s largest accreditor for business improvement through people management in the UK. We applied for assessment against the Investors in People standards after achieving Gold accreditation for the second time in 2021. Our commitment to our people, our agency culture and the local community is at the heart of our business. From the day we started Conscious Communications, we wanted to create an agency that is different and driven by values; thinking about the impact our work will have on others and creating a culture that empowers employees.

In May 2023, we became a certified B Corporation (B Corp), reinforcing our commitment to a higher standard of business that closely aligns with our mission to be a force for good. The B Corp certification covers the entirety of the company’s activities and covers five key impact areas: governance, employees, community, environment and customers. To complete the certification, we have legislated our commitment to a purpose beyond profit into our company’s bylaws. From our supply chain to our office operations, we carefully consider the social and environmental impact of everything we do and we actively seek opportunities to support local communities and champion diversity and inclusion. The B Corp accreditation is confirmation that our company has done, is and will continue to do well by doing good.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Ask for feedback from those around you about your plans and ambitions for the company and commit to your proposal.