About us
Carly and Abby met in 2015 when part of the Communications Team at British Cycling. A similar approach to communications strategy development, combined with a very similar sense of humour, saw a strong and trusted working relationship quickly form, which soon turned into friendship which lasts to this day.
The idea of establishing their own communications consultancy had often been discussed, with the idea becoming a reality in early 2026 when Small Talk Communications was founded.
Based upon their shared philosophy that communications doesn’t need to be over-thought, Carly and Abby are setting out to provide simple, effective communications advice to help you develop your business with confidence.
Carly Baldwin
I worked in communications roles for over a decade before moving to lecture at the University of Derby in 2022.
Here, I help to prepare students for a career in the media industry, with a particular focus on PR and communications work, which is an increasingly in-demand area.
Previously, I worked at British Cycling, London 2012, the British Elite Athletes’ Association, Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 2019 Netball World Cup and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and with England Athletics - roles which allowed me to combine a passion for sport with the willingness and ability to hone effective communications techniques.
That experience has taught me numerous things, however the main lesson that I have learned - which I am keen to pass on - is that the biggest barrier to good communication is over-complication.
Getting the right messages to the right people at the right time is the key, and I am excited to help organisations do just that.
Abby Burton
My career has been spent working in PR and Communications roles, predominantly within the sports industry.
I have vast experience in developing communications strategies to achieve media coverage on both regional and international levels, coaching individuals to feel more confident ahead of media engagements and managing crisis communications.
Like Carly, I have a passion for sport and have been extremely fortunate to travel the world providing communications support to high-profile athletes and leaders.
I have worked for organisations including the Great Britain Cycling Team, the Rugby League World Cup 2021, the International Working Group on Women and Sport, England Athletics, Merseyside Sport Partnership and Tour de 4 - Sir Chris Hoy’s fundraising charity bike ride.
I am looking forward to using my skills and experience to support small businesses with their own communications objectives.
"Working with Carly was a pleasure. She added real value to our team, and had a great way of breaking down complex challenges into simple, easy-to-digest comms. I'd recommend if you need a safe pair of hands to get the job done."
Emily Oliver
Head of Marketing and Communications, England Athletics
