At Elan, we’re proud to be a small, enthusiastic and highly specialised team with deep roots in the automotive, motorsport and commercial vehicle sectors. What unites us is more than just experience; it’s genuine passion. From grassroots racing and classic car restoration to digital strategy and media relations, our team blends real-world industry insight with creative PR expertise to deliver results that matter.
We set challenging goals for all our projects and go above and beyond through PR programmes that are based on the application of genuine sector knowledge, insight and creativity.
Nick Bailey
founder, managing director
After working for tier-one suppliers in areas ranging from quality, manufacturing and engineering through to concept car technologies, Nick brings to PR that real-world automotive experience often lacking in even the most respected agencies. Classic and sports cars have been a constant; a stream of Caterham 7s, Mk2 Escort and a box-of-bits Lotus Elan have filled the garage and emptied the bank.
Alongside a 30-year career in the automotive industry, Nick’s involvement with motorsport stretches to his early months, cultivating knowledge and experience from short circuits through to F1.
What’s your favourite memory from behind the wheel? “Tim Sugden rolled out his beautifully set-up BriSCA F2 stock car to give the Strakka drivers a taste of short circuit racing. Knowing my love for the ovals, I was already clambering in when he asked if I wanted to turn a few laps. Thankfully, years watching from the other side of the fence paid off – I was relieved to not embarrass myself in front of the young drivers or stick it in the wall.”
Mel Wicks
director of automotive
With a passion for language and storytelling driving her career in PR and communications, Mel has a fast-paced agency background, that has specialised in automotive and motorsport for almost two decades. Despite being a ‘late starter’ in racing circles, she’s supported clients in single seaters, touring and sports car racing, as well as automotive OEMs and tier one suppliers.
Beyond automotive, Mel’s versatility and tenacity have enabled her to deliver results across various sectors, including retail, design, luxury goods and waste management. Nothing gets Mel going quite like finding a compelling ‘hook’ and transforming niche subjects into journalist interest and securing coverage, especially within wider lifestyle media.
What’s your favourite memory from behind the wheel? “Either an unforgettable road trip to the Nürburgring with a group of colleagues in fine voice, or being driven around Paul Ricard in a Lamborghini Super Trofeo pace car with 15+ Gallardo LP560-4 poised to race behind!”
Bill Robinson
senior account executive
Bill admits the driving force in his life is his passion for cars and motorsport. From watching repeats of Top Gear as a child and attending the British Grand Prix as a teen, to dedicating his university dissertation to cars and racing, Bill has found a way to include his love of cars in nearly every aspect of his life.
With a BA in Film, TV and Digital Production, Bill also has knowledge of a range of creative software and equipment, such as cameras, lighting and sound. A love of photography keeps these skills honed and his creative eye has also made him an asset to Elan’s clients and their social media accounts.
What’s your favourite memory from behind the wheel? “200-mile road trips to Cornwall as a student in the cheapest MX-5 I could find. Taking the slower, twistier route past Stonehenge and dropping the roof down whenever it was dry and over five degrees! It was a journey I became familiar with but never tired of.”
Thea King
projects coordinator
Rather than the four-wheeled kind, Thea’s most memorable rides were those of the four-legged… Having worked at a safari lodge in Africa and experienced first-hand leopard charges, venomous snakes and angry bull elephants in musth, there is little that truly terrifies her now – except maybe a terribly formatted spreadsheet.
Her enthusiasm for organisation and eye for detail, as well as her knowledge of European languages, are a true asset to the company. Growing up between the mountains of Switzerland and the Himalayas means Thea is well equipped to overcome any rocky terrain that comes her way… metaphorical or otherwise.
What’s your favourite memory from behind the wheel? ”Sitting in the driver’s seat of a game viewer vehicle in the blistering heat of a summer’s day in South Africa, racing back to camp for a meeting, but being late because a herd of elephants or a pack of wild dogs crossed your way! Bliss.”
Beth O’Shea
account manager
Beth brings a wealth of agency experience to her role as an account manager at Elan, where she specialises in influencer management, social media strategy and project management. Her warm, collaborative approach and forwards planning help deliver impactful, results-driven work for our clients.
What’s your favourite memory from behind the wheel? Am I allowed to say my daily commute? Working in this part of the world definitely has its perks – driving to and from our office through the most stunning countryside is something I get to enjoy every single day!
Helen Dubber
account manager
Helen began her PR career at an agency which specialises in property and construction. As a Journalism graduate, she has a good eye for identifying and leveraging media opportunities.