We are thrilled to officially introduce Coate PR’s new Senior Account Manager, Jade Middleditch. With a wealth of cross-industry experience and a deep-rooted passion for the countryside, she is here to help drive our clients’ stories further than ever before.
We sat down to discuss the ‘secret sauce’ of PR, the power of asking ‘Why?’, and what’s on the horizon for 2026.
What does Coate PR’s recent growth mean for our clients, and where do you fit into that expansion?
“For us, growth isn’t purely about numbers on a balance sheet. It’s about deepening the strategic value we provide for our clients. Coate PR already has a reputation for excellence, so my role is about bolstering that foundation. By supporting our Managing Director, April, I’m here to ensure that as we scale, our clients continue to receive the senior-level rigour and meticulous execution they have come to expect. It’s about adding another layer of senior support to ensure every campaign is as precise as it is creative.”
What were you doing before joining Coate PR, and what made you want to join the team?
“I spent seven years at a generalist agency, which was an incredible training ground. I worked across almost every sector imaginable, from the intricacies of HR and finance to the fast-paced worlds of events and food.
“However, my heart has always been in the rural sector. PR principles, identifying a narrative and reaching the right audience, remain the same across industries, but the magic happens when you apply those high-level strategies to a sector you truly understand. Joining Coate PR has allowed me to combine my professional expertise with my personal passion for the country and rural space.”
What’s the ‘secret sauce’ you’re bringing from your background to help our clients stand out?
“Because my background is so broad, I don’t look at rural PR through a narrow lens. I have several strings to my bow that I can pull from, taking a clever tactic from the finance world or a creative spark from the food industry and transferring it into the equine and rural sectors. It’s about bringing fresh, unexpected perspectives to a traditional space.”
What’s been your ‘lightbulb moment’ since joining the team?
“It has to be the sheer energy of the team. Everyone at Coate PR is an absolute cheerleader for this sector. Our aim isn’t to just work for our clients. We pride ourselves on being an extension of their internal teams. That level of investment builds a deep sense of trust, which is invaluable. When you care as much about the result as the client does, the work naturally becomes more impactful.”
In a crowded field, what do you think sets Coate PR’s approach apart?
“We are an agency built on the word ‘Why?’. We constantly interrogate our own work: Why are we doing this? Is this still the best use of our time? Will it truly deliver the results the client needs? We refuse to follow a plan just for the sake of it. If a strategy is no longer fit for purpose, we pivot. That agility ensures we are always aligned with our clients’ commercial goals, rather than just ticking boxes.”
Looking at the calendar, which upcoming campaign or event has you ready to hit the ground running?
“With my background in event PR, the summer season is what I’m most looking forward to. We have an incredible line-up, but two standouts for me are the Great British Farm-Fest in May, a brilliant new celebration of British Agriculture, and, of course, The Game Fair in July. It’s the jewel in the crown of the rural calendar, and I can’t wait to be on the ground helping make a massive impact.
“From a brand perspective, I’m also particularly excited to be working with Orca Bay this year. The brand has such a fantastic foundation, and I’m looking forward to building this even further.”
Ready to take your brand to the next level?
With a busy season of events just around the corner, there’s no better time to refine your strategy. If you’re looking for a PR partner that prioritises results over ‘busy work’, we’d love to chat: jade@coatepr.com.