In a business environment that feels increasingly unpredictable, relationships grounded in long-term thinking and shared trust are more important than ever. From global supply chain disruptions to interest rate speculation and shifting consumer behaviour, companies are facing pressure to adapt quickly while still achieving growth and other priority goals. In this landscape, the need for clear, consistent and strategic communication is growing, but so too is the need to access experts who can solve the problems of the moment whilst enabling a business to stay on track.

At Perceptive Communicators, we’ve always believed that lasting client relationships are built on more than delivering to a brief. Our approach was recognised at the CIPR Excellence Awards in two categories this year, including Best Long-Term Client Care. This highlights the need for businesses to have expert support that will deliver insight-led, impact-focused communications, rooted in commercial understanding.

Celebrated later this week, the focus of International Women’s Day this year is accelerating action. A key sector which could benefit from such accelerated action is the construction sector. It is a major contributor to our economy, but its contribution is being suppressed with a lack of diversity.   

The statistics are stark. According to the Office for National Statistics, women make up just 15.8% of the total construction workforce, with those in director-level roles at low single figures. Yet, companies with diverse leadership teams consistently outperform competitors both financially and operationally. The absence of female voices at the top is not just an equality issue—it’s impacting on the performance of the sector and, in turn, our wider economy.

Science has always been a catalyst for progress, shaping the way we understand and navigate the world. Yet, for centuries, the contributions of women in science have been overlooked, and despite many efforts, a yawning gender gap at a senior level in science persists.  

Today we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This acknowledges the impact of female scientists.  But why do we need days like this and initiatives like Senior Women in Science (SWIS), established by Perceptive Communicators, which aims to help move the needle on the number of women in senior positions? 

In an era of information overload, social media users are increasingly discerning. So how can businesses ensure their messages aren’t falling on deaf ears? Charles H. Green’s Trust Equation states that the key elements of trust are underpinned by levels of “self-orientation”. In a business context, this can refer to how much a brand tailors its external communications to the interests of its audience

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve had is to listen first, then talk.  Actually it was a little more brutal than that, suggesting that as I have two ears and one mouth, it would be sensible to use them in that proportion.  A little stinging as a chatty teenager, but  great life long advice in many situations, especially in the business world.  

Imagine for a moment how different your life might be without the security of a safe, comfortable home. Next week marks Scottish Housing Day, with the theme "Homes for Life." At Perceptive Communicators, we’re supporting our housebuilding clients around this, shining a spotlight on the incredible impact of homes on the quality of all of our lives and yet also the massive shortage of much needed homes. 

It is perhaps not surprising that a panel of people engrossed in housing in the UK would paint a stark picture of the situation we face. But there were certainly no punches being pulled in the Scottish Parliament this week. We’ve distilled some of the key facts and figures as well as panel opinions on how we can improve things here in Scotland.

As the Managing Director of Scotland’s largest vaccine producer, Valneva, I am immensely proud to work in an industry which saves lives and prevents disease. I can track my drive to work in life sciences to one moment from my childhood, when I was around seven years old.  

Glasgow-based specialist communications consultancy Perceptive Communicators has been shortlisted as Property Marketing Team of the Year at the Herald Property Awards 2024. 

Perceptive Communicators has announced its appointment to provide strategic communications services for Valneva Scotland, a specialty vaccine company that develops, manufactures, and commercialises vaccines for infectious diseases, addressing unmet medical needs.

We are in the grip of a nationwide housing crisis, yet recent figures reveal that the timescale for average planning application is four times longer than the Government target. While this is clearly an issue for developers, why should this be an issue for those beyond the industry?

Perceptive Communicators has announced a significant milestone with its appointment to provide strategic communications services for Muir Group and expanding their specialist team with the addition of a Senior Account Executive, along with two award wins in two days.

Perceptive Communicators has won at the 2024 Inspiring Workplaces Awards UK & Ireland. Perceptive Communicators was named as a Top 50 Inspiring Workplace, ranking #39 in the UK & Ireland, and received a Top Five award in the small business category (less than 50 employees).

As a female founder of a consultancy specialising in science communications, we are always keen to walk the talk, so have established Senior Women in Science, a network to help inspire and support women in this key sector.

A general election is afoot. Yet, there is still much speculation and debate about when it will actually happen. How can you make the most of the opportunities this presents?

Glasgow-based specialist communications consultancy, Perceptive Communicators has added four high-profile new clients to its portfolio, made two key promotions and been shortlisted for the prestigious Homes for Scotland awards.

Five billion people will use social media globally in 2024. When it comes to the world of business, used in the right way, social media is a powerful tool that can have a huge impact on your bottom line. Cost-effective and highly measurable, the value of quality social media is plain for all to see. The smartest teams will already be planning for the year ahead…

Long-term regeneration projects are often made up of a consortium of multiple businesses, across several teams and dozens of people. Therefore, communication will play a central role in managing reputations, maintaining relationships and achieving collective goals.

This week celebrates World Science Day on 10 November. Working with many science clients, this is a sector close to our hearts. This date gives a chance to celebrate the incredible advancements in science, including Scotland’s achievements and ambitions in precision medicine.

We’re thrilled to appoint industry leader Ed Monaghan as non-executive director of Perceptive Communicators with immediate effect. As the leading communications consultancy for the built environment in Scotland, we’re delighted to bring Ed on board with a wealth of industry knowledge and experience.