Designed for small and medium-sized food and drink businesses, this expert-led workshop explores how strategic PR builds trusted food and drink brands with Devon-based RAW PR, the topic of “less space, more logo” with Cornwall-based Meor Design and how AI is shaping marketing and outreach in 2026 with Bristol-based Fanatic. Attendees will hear practical insights from industry specialists Nik Read, Creative Director and Founder of Meor Design; Sam Betts, Digital Director of Fanatic; and RAW PR’s Co-Director Hayley Reynolds and Account Manager Harry Hook.
RAW is a specialist PR agency for ambitious food and drink brands, helping founders and teams get noticed, build trust and grow their businesses. Hayley Reynolds and Harry Hook will explore how strategic PR can be used to build brand reputation, spark genuine word of mouth and create meaningful, long-term relationships with customers. Set against a rapidly shifting media landscape, the session will look at how people now discover and share food and drink brands, and why earned visibility matters more than ever. They will discuss how Generative Engine Optimisation transforms PR strategy, changing influence models and evolving consumer behaviour are reshaping PR, and how businesses can stay relevant by focusing on authority, connection and credibility rather than short-term noise. Hayley will also share her experience as a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme.
Meor Studio is an independent creative studio based in Cornwall, specialising in crafting effective brand identities and driving impactful social media marketing for the hospitality, food and beverage sector. Nik Read will explore what it means to truly understand a brand in today’s world, how far they reach and where PR steps in. Through a series of case studies, Nik will discuss how making your logo bigger is not an effective strategy to be getting seen, and will provide some examples of when to engage a PR team to get the best results with longstanding effects.
Fanatic is a digital agency delivering measurable growth through creative digital experiences, agile web technology and performance-driven marketing. Founded in 2001, the company specialises in accessible web design and UX, 3D motion graphics and powerful digital platforms built using WordPress, Umbraco and bespoke development. Fanatic works with clients across the UK, Europe and the US, delivering international projects from its Bristol studio with support from a Chicago-based client team. Sam Betts joins us to discuss how AI is always changing, and could be part of every part of your business, but when is the right and wrong time to use it, and how will this be changing in 2026?
Additional Facilities and Catering
The on-site business lounge and coffee shop will remain open throughout the day, offering a space to work, refreshments and locally sourced meals.
Ticket Information
West of England - Food & Drink Support Initiative
This event is funded by The West of England Food and Drink Support Scheme and eligible businesses/individuals can access tickets for no cost (more information and eligibility criteria below).
Funded support is currently available to new and existing food and drink businesses - funded by the West of England Councils, West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council and being provided by the Future Food Partnership CIC through The Food WorksSW.
The West of England Food and Drink Support Scheme (WoEFDSI) is open to food producers, manufacturers, hospitality and food service businesses based in the area to help with technical and food development challenges faced by the businesses
Eligibility criteria:
This scheme is open to start ups, micro and small and medium sized enterprises.
Businesses based in the Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire areas
For individuals outside of the area, tickets are £20.
The West of England Food and Drink Support Initiative (WoEFDSI) is open to food producers, manufacturers, hospitality and food service businesses based in the area to help with technical and food development challenges faced by the businesses. Funded by the West of England Councils, West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council and being provided by the Future Food Partnership CIC through The Food WorksSW.
Find out more about the other free support available through the scheme here West of England - Funded Support — Food Works
Please note, if you are unable to attend on the day or change your mind, please let us know.