steph middleton | founder

A consumer brands specialist, Steph Middleton has over twenty five years’ experience in the PR industry, planning, directing and implementing B2B and B2C campaigns for businesses and brands including Boots, Scottish Business in the Community, De Vere, Coors Brewers, Scottish Rugby, USC, Whyte & Mackay and Scottish Power.

Cutting her teeth in a busy features department at The Scotsman, Steph then moved into PR and has worked for some of the fastest-growing consultancies in Scotland. Believing that traditional media-relations-driven PR was too narrow a view for most business needs – and being far too frank to not express an opinion whenever the opportunity arose, Steph established Fairground Communications in 2008. Design and strategic marketing are key disciplines in the service mix, enabling Fairground to offer a more integrated and tailored communications package.

A mum of three, Steph very rarely rests her size 8s. Whenever she can she runs to the hills. Not satisfied with compleating the Munros (mountains over 3,000ft) just the once, she’s on her second round, has completed her Mountain Leader training and is also a DofE leader at the local high school.

ALLISON WRIGHT | STRATEGIC PARTNER

Energetic, driven and passionate communications consultant, Allison has more than 25 years’ experience in strategic brand building and reputation management. A true communications all-rounder, she brings deep expertise in consumer, B2B and corporate PR including issues and crisis comms, media training, internal communications and employee engagement. She also has extensive experience in event management, digital content and influencer marketing.

She has led teams and delivered campaigns across the UK, Asia Pacific and the Middle East working with brands from Agoda, Airbnb and British Airways to Kellogg’s, Benecol, Twinings and CLP Power.

When she isn’t working she can be found swinging a club on a nearby golf course, being walked by her dog or busy supporting community projects which include weekly volunteering at the Scottish Seabird Centre and for Cancer Research.

JACKIE SHUTTLEWORTH | DIRECTOR

With a background spanning a variety of communications and marketing roles over 20 years, Jackie's expertise lies in destination marketing, tourism and events.

As PR & Media Manager at BAA Edinburgh Airport, Jackie worked with a range of tourism and hospitality partners, and supported communications for the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG). Jackie has been involved at strategic planning level for City of Dundee: One City Many Discoveries, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and Scotland's Winter Festivals.

In hospitality and leisure, Jackie has worked with international and Scottish brands such as Hotel Missoni in Edinburgh, The Kitchin restaurant, YO! Sushi, Ondine restaurant and Pizza Express to launch offerings in Edinburgh and manage ongoing communications.

A North Berwick resident, Jackie manages the multi-arts Fringe by the Sea festival. A community focused annual event which attracts 20,000 visitors, this involves close working with local partners and organisations.