Behind Ballard PR Agency
Ballard PR Agency was founded by Mary Ballard, a communications, marketing and business development professional with a passion for helping businesses grow, improve and make things happen.
Mary provides practical marketing, communications, business development and operational support to organisations that need experienced expertise, whether that’s support with a specific project, ongoing consultancy or help improving the way their business operates.
With a career spanning media, sales, marketing, commercial operations and entrepreneurship, Mary brings a unique combination of creativity and commercial understanding. Her experience includes working across five newspaper groups, editing a 32-page national sales catalogue, and working within the interiors sector designing and selling kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms — experiences that shaped her understanding of customers, businesses and effective communication.
In 2017, Mary founded Feature Cumbria, now Showcase Cumbria, creating a respected digital platform supporting businesses and organisations across Cumbria through online promotion, marketing and storytelling. She has also delivered business support and advisory services through CBASS and Enterprising Cumbria, and worked with organisations including Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, helping businesses identify opportunities, strengthen strategy and improve processes.
Mary’s commercial experience also includes being part of the founding team of a healthcare start-up, where she helped scale the organisation from three people to more than 250 employees and a multi-million-pound turnover. During this time, she gained extensive experience across business development, operations, administration, finance, contract management, customer relationships and organisational growth.
Today, through Ballard PR Agency, Mary combines her PR and communications background with her wider business experience to provide flexible, hands-on support. From improving social media and marketing activity to streamlining processes, developing systems and supporting teams, she works alongside businesses to create practical improvements that deliver lasting value.
Clients value Mary’s ability to quickly understand their challenges, become part of their team and turn ideas into action. She is known for her approachable style, problem-solving mindset and ability to bring energy, structure and creativity to every project.
Whether you need an extra pair of experienced hands, a fresh perspective or support to take your business to the next level, Ballard PR Agency provides practical expertise when you need it.
