Available to hire
I’m Karl Blockwell, an award-winning senior marketing and communications leader with a track record of helping brands grow visibility, strengthen reputation and sharpen market positioning across financial services, construction, healthcare and life sciences, property, housing, technology, insurance, law and professional services. I’ve partnered with major brands and complex organisations including NatWest, Capita, Virgin and Vodafone, blending strategic judgement with hands-on delivery.
From shaping national campaigns to building AI-enabled content pipelines, I drive multi-channel strategies, lead PR and digital programs, and mentor teams to deliver measurable outcomes. I thrive on turning data into compelling stories, managing crises, and unlocking growth through innovative content and partnerships.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Work Experience
Marketing & Communications Manager at Shaw & Co Corporate Finance
August 1, 2021 - March 1, 2026Strategy: Positioned the firm as a national disruptor with a record turnover. Content: delivered a multi-channel content plan with 147 pieces and an 81% increase in website visitors; initiated client video testimonials and 24 market sector reports; implemented an AI-driven content system. PR: managed local, trade, and national media, achieving notable press coverage growth. Digital: leveraged an AI-enabled approach to boost SEO and organic traffic by 300%. Social: grew LinkedIn followers by 50%. Campaigns: ran ~30 BD email campaigns yearly with strong open and click rates. Events: managed corporate hospitality events. Awards: firm shortlisted for multiple industry awards. Budget: managed £100,000 marketing budget and external suppliers.
Marketing & Communications Manager at DAS UK Legal Expenses Insurance (now ARAG)
August 1, 2017 - August 1, 2021Awards: led content that contributed to Insurance Post’s Marketing/PR Team of the Year recognition; produced nearly 100 legal articles for multiple channels; built strong partner relationships. PR: delivered a 585% increase in national and trade media pickups. Website: decommissioned 122 microsites in favour of four corporate sites, driving a 535% traffic uplift. Social: generated a 300% rise in impressions. New Product Development: managed PR for launches including the industry’s first Amazon Alexa skill for legal insurance. Market Research: launched ‘The DAS Market Barometer’ thought-leadership series. Crisis Communications: managed external press during CEO legal proceedings.
PR & Communications Manager at Triodos Bank
January 1, 2017 - July 1, 2017UK PR & communications lead for Europe’s leading sustainable bank, supporting its mission to fund sustainable projects with a public-facing communications program.
Regional PR Manager (Wales & SW England) - Mat Cover at NatWest/RBS
December 1, 2015 - December 1, 2016News Generation: devised regional angles for national announcements; Thought Leadership: positioned key spokespeople via opinion opportunities; Reputation Management: provided 24/7 crisis management support and acted as on-call press officer for UK media; Business Mentoring: offered PR/marketing advice at Entrepreneurial Spark hubs.
PR & Communications Manager at Capita Property & Infrastructure
March 1, 2007 - November 1, 2015Marketing: led housing, healthcare, and transport sector marketing strategies; News: produced 300+ proactive announcements yearly; Thought Leadership: authored articles and case studies for trade and national media; Reputation: managed 24/7 press office and crisis guidance; Content Strategy: directed website content and redevelopment; Internal Communications: ran intranet and change campaigns; Events: managed sponsorships and bespoke events; Awards: managed major entries and nominations; Brand: contributed to rebranding and brand guidelines.
Account Director at FBA PR
December 1, 2005 - March 1, 2007Key clients included Rachel’s Organic, Prince’s Trust Cymru, and Tourism Partnership Mid Wales; led PR campaigns and client relationships.
Freelance PR Director at Various
September 1, 2002 - December 1, 2005Liaised with Borkowski PR (Vodafone mobile games launch; managed Virgin Megastores account), Hill & Knowlton (Natuzzi UK launch), and MGB PR (Swansea Liberty Stadium launch).
Education
BA (Hons) Public Relations (2:2) at Bournemouth University
September 1, 1991 - June 30, 1995Qualifications
Industry Experience
Financial Services, Real Estate & Construction, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Professional Services
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
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