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Martha Harley
National Head of PR & Communications
Professional Background
Martha Harley is a highly skilled and dedicated Marketing and PR professional leading the National PR and Communications function at MHA MacIntyre Hudson, one of the top 12 internationally recognized accountancy firms. With a strong foundation in marketing management, business development, and communications, Martha has adeptly navigated the complexities of the corporate world to ensure that her firm remains at the forefront of the industry. Her role requires a deep collaboration with the firm's partners, constantly engaging in discussions to stay updated on what matters most to clients. This close interaction enables her to craft informative, authoritative, and sometimes disruptive PR that challenges the status quo and provides significant value to clients.
Martha's innovative approach extends to the integration of video content into PR strategies. By advocating for the heartfelt use of video, she has enriched the firm’s communications, effectively bringing topics to life and engaging broader audiences. Furthermore, Martha's satisfaction in fostering new and creative ideas is evident, particularly in how they align with commercial development, return on investment (ROI), and lead generation. Her ability to inspire and rally others around shared goals is a hallmark of her professional ethos.
In addition to her PR and communications responsibilities, Martha supports the development and delivery of service line and sector plans throughout the year. She connects with various project groups, such as those focusing on GDPR and ESG, demonstrating her commitment to organizational compliance and sustainability initiatives. Notably, Martha played a pivotal role in crafting the firm’s award-winning submissions for distinguished accolades, including the Accountancy Age Awards for National Firm of the Year and the Business Resilience Awards for Best Advisory Services during unprecedented challenges like Brexit and COVID-19.
Throughout her career, Martha has distinguished herself as a highly effective and engaging Marketing, Business Development, and PR professional. With a diverse portfolio of experiences, she has consistently managed to influence senior-level discussions, advocating for necessary changes that drive improved results and increased focus on client-centric approaches.
Education and Achievements
Martha's educational journey laid the groundwork for her future success in marketing and public relations. She studied English and Classical Civilisation at St Mary's School in Shaftesbury, where she developed strong analytical and communication skills that would serve her well in her professional life. Subsequently, she pursued a Foundation Degree in Graphics and Packaging at Yeovil College. This unique combination of studies provided Martha with a broad understanding of effective visual communication strategies, which she applies adeptly in her marketing efforts.
Martha's professional path has been remarkable, involving various notable positions that have shaped her expertise. Before stepping into her role as the National Head of PR and Communications at MHA MacIntyre Hudson, she was the Marketing and Business Development Manager at the same firm. Her prior experience includes serving as the Business Development Director at Roythornes Solicitors, the Managing Director at The Consultancy Wheel Ltd, and the Business Development Manager at Clarke Willmott. Early in her career, she honed her skills as a Marketing Manager and Designer at the Royal Bath & West of England Society, and further developed her foundation in marketing as a Communications Assistant at Aerosystems International. Each position offered Martha a suite of experiences that fortified her ability to drive marketing initiatives effectively.
Achievements
Martha's tenure at MHA MacIntyre Hudson has been marked by significant achievements, particularly in her contributions to award submissions that showcased the firm’s excellence. She successfully directed the submissions that led to MHA MacIntyre Hudson being recognized as the National Firm of the Year at the Accountancy Age Awards. Additionally, her leadership in the Business Resilience Awards 2020 earned her firm recognition for Best Advisory Services during turbulent times—which further underscores her capabilities in crisis management and strategic communication.
A passionate advocate for innovative approaches, Martha stands out for her commitment to integrating new technologies into traditional practices. Her enthusiasm for using video as a dynamic tool in PR has positioned her firm as a forward-thinking player in the accounting industry. Furthermore, her ongoing involvement in sector planning and her participation in key regulatory and sustainability discussions illustrate her dedication to keeping organizations aligned with the latest trends and compliance standards.
In summary, Martha Harley embodies the qualities of a modern Marketing and PR leader, blending creativity and commercial acumen with strategic insight and a profound understanding of client needs. Whether driving impactful PR campaigns, steering complex projects or fostering creativity among her team, Martha continues to excel and inspire in the competitive landscape of marketing and communication.