We’re often asked at SE10: how do you work with clients? It’s a simple question – but one that speaks volumes. What people really want to understand is: how will our team fit in, and what will it be like to work together?
At SE10, there’s no one-size-fits-all model for how we work with clients because every client is different and every relationship looks a little different too. But whether we’re executing relatively independently or collaborating closely, our goal is always the same: to become a seamless extension of your team.
Flexible by design
Some clients come to us with a clear strategy and a packed calendar of activity – they just need a reliable team to help execute it. Others are looking for a collaborative partner to help shape their communications strategy from the ground up. Some want support on specific areas like media relations, internal comms or marketing automation, while others value our ability to flex across multiple disciplines.
We’re comfortable supporting in all these ways. What matters is alignment: on goals, scope, expectations, and ways of working. That’s why we take the time up front to understand what’s needed and why – and stay in close communication throughout to keep everything on track.
And because business needs evolve, our approach is flexible enough to scale up or down as your priorities shift – whether you’re ramping up for a big launch or navigating quieter periods.
An extension of your marketing or communications team
We don’t see ourselves as a vendor or a bolt-on service. We aim to embed ourselves into our clients’ teams – working with you, not just for you. That means learning your business, understanding your culture, and adapting to your internal rhythms.
Some of the most productive client relationships we’ve had have started with a generous onboarding: brand immersion sessions, introductions to internal stakeholders, and factory tours. These small but significant investments build trust, accelerate understanding, and lead to better work, faster – ultimately saving clients time and resources.
Equally important is finding the right cultural fit. We want to be collaborators you enjoy working with, who complement your team’s style and dynamics because great partnerships are not just built on expertise but on shared values.
Clarity and collaboration go hand in hand
We believe in being open, organised and easy to work with. Our project tracking is clear and collaborative – with shared dashboards and updates to keep everyone aligned. We’re proactive about flagging priorities and realistic about timelines. And we’re transparent about how hours are used, so there are no surprises.
This commitment to clarity extends directly to demonstrating impact. From the outset, we’ll work with you to define key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect your objectives. Whether media reach, message pull-through, or direct business outcomes, we’ll tailor our reporting to your needs to demonstrate the value we deliver.
We’re also highly adaptable to your preferred working style. Some clients want regular check-ins and close collaboration, while others prefer to hand over the brief and let us run with it. Both models work – as long as roles and expectations are clear.
And when there are multiple agencies in the mix, that’s no problem either. We’re used to working in multi-partner environments and how to collaborate constructively.
What we need from you
For us to do our best work, there are a few things we need in place from the start:
• Clear goals and expectations – so we know what success looks like.
• A defined scope and role – to ensure we’re focused where it counts.
• Access to the right people – whether it’s subject matter experts, approvers or internal champions.
• Timely feedback and approvals – to keep momentum going.
When these foundations are in place, we’re able to operate with efficiency and impact – managing planning, delivery, and coordination with minimal friction. Our aim is always the same: to make your life easier and your communications more effective.
Built on trust, backed by experience
Over the past two decades in industrial B2B communications, we’ve worked with clients across every level of engagement – from hands-off to hands-on, from light-touch to deeply embedded. That experience has helped us refine a way of working that’s flexible, resilient and built for the long term.
And once we’ve won a new client, we want to keep them. We’re 100% focused on ensuring your investment consistently drives tangible, sustainable results and builds enduring brand value. To achieve this, we are committed to continuous improvement – actively seeking feedback and regularly reflecting on what’s working well and where we can do better. This mindset keeps our partnerships dynamic and aligned with your evolving needs.
While every client relationship is unique, the most successful ones share a common foundation: trust. When we have the information, access, and support needed, we can operate with autonomy and agility – and that’s when the best work happens.
If you’re looking for a communications partner who will roll up their sleeves, slot into your team, and stay focused on the bigger picture, get in touch.
Hannah Kitchener
Associate Director
About the author
Hannah is an associate director in the UK, leading strategic campaigns for industrial clients across the EMEA region. A professionally qualified journalist (NCTJ), she combines specialist sectoral knowledge in construction, energy, and materials handling with a strong network of trade media contacts to secure valuable coverage. Her expertise in inter-cultural communication, honed by degrees in modern languages and translation, is key to executing campaigns that succeed across diverse European markets.
