Ten years ago, I took a deep breath, stepped away from the certainty of employment and launched Laura Thackray Communications with a simple belief: great marketing and communication has the power to create credibility and value for organisations, inspire people and drive measurable impact.
A decade later, that belief still remains.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a range of brilliant clients, from global brands to small but mighty, purpose-led charities. Each partnership has stretched my thinking and reinforced why I love the work I do. Whether developing strategy and rolling out campaigns against measurable objectives, creating consistent messaging or helping leaders find their voice, every project has been a chance to make communication consistent, clearer and more human.
So, as I celebrate this milestone, I’ve been reflecting on what a decade in business has taught me.
1. Clarity is a superpower
It’s easy to assume people know what we mean. They rarely do. Helping organisations cut through noise, complexity and jargon has shown me that clarity doesn’t just change how people communicate; it changes how they feel, behave and perform.
2. Good communication is never just about words.
It’s about confidence, culture, leadership, trust and loyalty.
It’s about understanding what matters to people and helping them feel connected to something bigger. The most powerful messages are those rooted in reality and empathy, not a shiny, polished fake narrative.
3. Every organisation has a story worth telling.
Some clients arrive saying, “We’re not very interesting.”
Yet every single one has had a purpose and something unique to say. Helping them uncover that story remains one of the best parts of the work I do and where I add real value.
4. Working independently doesn’t mean working alone.
I’ve collaborated with so many talented designers, agencies, digital gurus and creatives over the years. The generosity and brilliance of my network has shaped the work just as much as I have. Community, as a freelancer, means everything.
5. People want honesty.
The organisations that communicate authentically, even when the message is tough such as cost increases, build more trust and brand loyalty. Honesty is not only ethical; it’s effective.
6. Leadership communication matters more than ever.
Leaders set the tone. When they communicate with clarity and empathy it creates authenticity and a clear direction.
7. You never stop learning.
New challenges, new sectors, new tools, new expectations.
The landscape and what organisations need has changed over the last 10 years and it’s reminded me that good marketing and communication evolves constantly and you need to be able to evolve with it.
8. Purpose-led work is the most fulfilling.
The projects that stay with me are the ones that have improved or recognised people’s working lives and achievements, strengthened organisational culture or supported inclusion and belonging. Purpose fuels the best communication and the best partnerships too.
To my clients, thank you for trusting me with your stories, your teams, your challenges and your ambitions. It has been a privilege to work alongside you.
To everyone I’ve collaborated with, learned from, or simply shared a coffee with along the way – thank you for helping shape my journey.
Here’s to the next chapter.