Nic Howden
Communications Director | Editor in Chief
Hire this person
Send a job offer directly to this candidate
About
Strategic Communications Director with 25+ years of experience bridging high-tier journalism and B2B PR. Specialist in translating complex technical innovation into mainstream narratives. Proven architect of editorial-led revenue growth, global brand positioning, and high-stakes crisis management.
Experience
Founder & Director - All Access Communications
(2014-01)
Leading a specialist PR agency focused on long-term client retention – averaging five years, significantly outperforming industry benchmarks - within the live events and tech sectors.
- Star Live: Secured global press coverage, including The Daily Telegraph, for the UK's largest stage and structural supplier. Successfully positioned the Adele 25 tour stage design to become the first event industry winner at the IStructE Structural Awards.
- Electric Group: Delivered unprecedented media exposure for venue launches, including Electric Bristol and NX Newcastle, positioning them as premier independent live music spaces.
- Midas: Guided communications from company inception, raising brand awareness across UK and Chinese markets through high-profile projects like Jockey Club Live.
- Reputation Management: Orchestrated the successful rebranding and credibility build for Interforce (formerly TSG), navigating complex security service narratives.
- Digital Projects: wrote the text/contributed to design for Production Value's winsome website at https://productionvalue.co.uk
Editor in Chief - Access All Areas (Ocean Media)
(2002-07 - 2013-12)
Transformed a niche trade title into the leading periodical for the live events industry.
- Brand Revitalisation: Led a consumer-style redesign, integrating A-list artist profiles with technical production insights to create a "must-read" industry title.
- Revenue Innovation: Launched the Event Production Awards (2012), creating a new commercial stream and a powerful PR vehicle for the portfolio.
- Digital Growth: Relaunched The White Book directory site and increased organic web traffic through a restructured SEO-editorial roadmap.
- Industry Leadership: Founded and chaired the Access Sessions at the Event Production Show, significantly increasing the brand's live presence and PR value.
Editor - Business Finance (Earl's Court Olympia Group)
(2001-07 - 2002-07)
Spearheaded the group's first publishing venture, modernising the visual and editorial identity of the title to attract high-value business advertisers.
Associate Editor - Heating & Ventilation News (EMAP)
(1999-12 - 2001-07)
Managed the news desk for a flagship weekly title, driving a measurable increase in advertising revenue through improved editorial reputation.
Editor, HVP - B&M Publications
(1998-12 - 1999-11)
Pioneered 'Green News' editorial sections, establishing the title as a leader in environmental awareness within the trade sector.
Writing and Sub-editing Roles - Various International and Specialist Titles
(1995-01 - 1998-12)
Various writing and sub-editing roles for international and specialist titles.
- Sunday Times (Sports Desk)
- South China Morning Post (Business Desk)
- Eastern Express (English broadsheet)
- Institute of Directors (IoD) News
- Running Rugby (trade magazine for clubs)
Education
NCTJ Certificate of Periodical Journalism - Journalism - London College of Printing
NCTJ Journalism Skills for PR - Journalism
