Distinctive invests in team with two new appointments
After a strong start to our fourth year, we are pleased to welcome Ryan Devlin and Heather McKay to the Distinctive team.
Their appointments bolster our offer for built environment clients, in disciplines including place-based communications, public relations and high-quality content.
Based on the Devon / Cornwall border, Ryan will lead our public engagement projects, which help unlock thousands or new homes and workspaces across the country. He joins from Social Communications Group, where Ben worked as director until 2022, bringing two decades of experience of marketing, PR and engagement on major developments.
Joining Ryan is PR and content executive Heather McKay, who worked for leading planning and sustainability consultancy Stantec and BBC magazines and as content manager before taking up the newly created role at Distinctive.
The appointments represent a key part of our plan to be recognised as a consultancy of choice for clients who want to build trust in their work. They come as we prepare to deliver support for a proposed new development of 1,500 homes in the east of England.
Chartered PR Practitioner Ben Lowndes, who founded the firm in June 2022, said: “We have always been proud of the strength of our services for built environment clients, which help to deliver truly positive results in terms of homes, jobs, investment, and client growth.
“After a successful third year, it’s a good time for us extend the team. Ryan and Heather’s expertise bolsters our offering and ability to deliver meaningful work for clients and projects across the country.”
Built on success
Our clients include family-owned construction firm Beard; LDA Design and Bristol City Council’s work to transform Castle Park; and developers Reef + Partners who deliver the £107million Forum development in Gloucester alongside Gloucester City Council.
We also support professional services companies and purposeful businesses, including Henley Business School, change management consultancy Nine Feet Tall, and membership body, the Nuclear Institute.
Alongside Ben, Ryan and Heather join senior account manager Arianne Smart, a Chartered PR practitioner and the firm’s built environment PR lead; content writer Katie Witcombe, who delivers engaging copywriting support for purposeful businesses; and graphic designer Stacey Broadbear who provides concept-driven creative support.
Working with purpose
This recruitment follows work to ensure Distinctive is a fair, inclusive and supportive employer.
We became the smallest and youngest business to be accredited by the West of England Good Employment Charter earlier this year in recognition of our efforts. The charter highlights leading employers that go above and beyond good practice across seven key areas, including flexible working, recruitment, staff development and giving employees a say.
“We’ve come a long way in just over three years, growing our team, expanding our offering, and constantly looking to improve the way we do things,” added Ben.
“For a small business, we were blown away by the response to our recent recruitment drive. It’s helped us to hire brilliant people in a tough climate. It’s great to have Ryan and Heather in the team.”
We have also been shortlisted in the 2025 Insider Media South West Property Awards in the consultancy team of the year category, demonstrating our exceptional services in the property and built environment space.
Share
Latest news & insights
Inspiring news, insights and comments from our Distinctive team.
