This week’s Meet the Team is all about our brilliant Head of PR, Claire Bowman, who works closely with our Sales and Socials teams to ensure that all of our new projects and launches are seen and heard…
What is your role at Plankbridge?
I’m Head of PR, which covers everything from drafting press releases and pitching features ideas to responding to enquiries from journalists. Having previously worked on the ‘other side’ for years, as a commissioning editor at The Times, I’m fortunate to know what makes a good story. I also enjoy turning my hand to copywriting and working alongside our Socials Manager, Hannah, on photo shoots and brand collaborations.
Do you have a favourite shepherd’s hut model?
That’s a tough one because I would happily roll off into the sunset in any one of them but the Super Wagon we make for The Pig Hotel Group has to be my absolute favourite. It really is my dream hut. It’s clad in the most beautiful timber reclaimed from Canadian barns and, at 26ft, is incredibly spacious. And the craftsmanship and attention to detail are second to none. It’s no wonder we have Pig Hotel guests ringing us to say they want one for their own garden!
What is the best thing about working at Plankbridge?
The fact that it basically brings together two of my favourite things – gardens and interiors – but also that I get to work with such a friendly, talented bunch of people. Just walking around the workshop is inspiring. It’s a privilege to see craftsmanship of this calibre at such close quarters and I defy anyone not be totally blown away by one of Richard’s workshop tours.
What are your favourite colours from the Plankbridge colour chart?
I would probably go for Burnt Alder, Spindleberry or Oak Apple for the wriggly iron exterior and something neutral like Oxlip or Wood Sage for the interior cladding. That said, I also love the playful, vibrant interiors of the custom-made huts we designed for Aller Dorset. Cat’s approach to colour is so creative and uplifting.
How do you like to spend your time off and weekends?
We have a miniature schnauzer called Badger, so most days involve pulling on my wellies and roaming the local fields with my husband, David, and 13-year-old daughter Flora. My perfect Autumn weekend would probably involve a mooch around local antiques shops and markets and a long blow-the-cobwebs-away walk along the beach, before heading home to light the fire and cook a Sunday roast for family and friends.
Favourite place to eat locally?
We’re lucky to have some amazing places to eat in the South West but I was recently invited to lunch at Horrell & Horrell over the border in Somerset and I think that might have shot to the top of my favourites list. Jules and Steve really celebrate seasonal local produce and everything on their menu is delicious and beautifully presented. They also have our little red Writer’s Hut overwintering in their garden, which makes me love them even more!
- If you would like to find out more information about any of the hut models in this blog please follow this link
- Meet more of our team here – New team members added to the blog weekly
