PRCA appoints new leadership for Independent Consultants Group

The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has announced the appointment of Madeleine Weightman, Co-founder of The Work Crowd, as Chair and Ben Mitchell, Partner of The Work Crowd, as Co-Chair of its Independent Consultants Group.

The Independent Consultants Group provides vital support for solo PR practitioners and small consultancy owners, offering expert guidance on managing clients, securing projects, and overcoming the challenges of independent work. Through tailored resources, networking opportunities, and strategic insights, the group helps members strengthen their personal brands, develop their businesses, and scale operations effectively.

Under their leadership, the group will focus on:

• Offering resources for managing clients and maintaining workflows.
• Providing strategies for business development and consultancy growth.
• Sharing best practices for building a strong personal brand.
• Facilitating networking opportunities for independent professionals.

Madeleine Weightman, Co-Founder at The Work Crowd said:

"I am thrilled to take on the role of co-chair of the PRCA's Independent Consultants Group. As co-founder of The Work Crowd, I am deeply passionate about empowering independent consultants, freelancers, contractors and fractional workers to build meaningful careers and thriving businesses. Supporting the PRCA’s independent community is a natural extension of that mission. The PRCA is an outstanding organisation that has championed the interests of communications professionals across the UK for over 50 years, and it’s an honour to contribute to its support of their independent network."

Ben Mitchell, Partner at The Work Crowd said:

“I’m proud to take on this role as co-chair of the PRCA’s Independent Consultants Group. At The Work Crowd, we help organisations grow, connect with their audiences, and protect their reputations by providing access to best-in-class independent talent. As a former comms professional myself, I’m excited to collaborate even more closely with the exceptional practitioners in our industry.

The independent consultancy market is full of incredible talent from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have navigated tough economic conditions in recent years. As the market strengthens in 2025, this role offers a great opportunity to give back and support independent consultants in building successful businesses.”