Sam Holgate, MCIPR

Founder and Director

Sam is CEO and founder of Filigree, a specialist placemaking and engagement consultancy and a Certified B Corp. Sam established Filigree in 2015, building on her 15 years’ experience in corporate communications.  

A communications expert with a track record in community research, political and stakeholder engagement, and leading successful cultural bids, Sam helps clients turn complex information into compelling stories that engage stakeholders, shape brand reputations, and deliver measurable impact. Her broad corporate affairs experience ensures a rounded approach, considering brand, digital, social, employee engagement, and crisis communications in every project. 

Previously, as Head of Communications at Gatwick Airport, she led its rebrand to position it as London’s airport of choice. 

Sam led the award-winning communications and placemaking project through the award-winning Team Catford delivering campaigns including Humans of Catford, pop-up events and activities for families and Catford Chronicle, a hyper-local magazine for the community promoting businesses and grassroots initiatives in the town.  

Her expertise lies in communication strategy, stakeholder engagement and media relations helping regeneration, planning and placemaking clients articulate complex information into compelling stories to engage stakeholders and develop brand reputations. 

Sam has experience in directing large, complex projects. She has coordinated communications for Mental Health Awareness Week, overseeing content production of stories of lived experience, media relations and coordinating teams across the nations. 

As well as leading a team of employees and consultants, Sam brings experience of senior strategic counsel for organisations and working as an extension of an in-house team.