From left: Paul Clifford; Emilie Hill.Context Studio, a new communications consultancy founded by Paul Clifford and Emilie Hill, has launched in Dubai, offering strategic public relations, content and brand positioning services across the UAE and wider GCC.
The consultancy was founded to support ambitious businesses built with care, character and a clear point of view – brands that often fall outside the priorities or budgets of traditional agency models.
Working across hospitality, wellness, interiors, fashion, beauty and lifestyle, the Studio aims to help brands sharpen their positioning, articulate their story and build meaningful visibility through thoughtful communications strategies tailored to their individual ambitions.
Rather than focusing solely on coverage or output, Context Studio’s servicing begins by understanding the business itself – its audience, strengths, ambitions and place within the wider conversation. From there, communications are shaped around context, ensuring every strategy reflects the identity and objectives of the brand rather than a one-size-fits-all formula.
“We’ve both spent our careers around founders, operators and creative entrepreneurs with exceptional ideas,” said Clifford. “Often, what they’re missing isn’t a better product or service, it’s the ability to clearly communicate what makes them different. Context Studio exists to help bridge that gap.”
“Today’s audiences and consumers are increasingly discerning about where they place their attention and spend their money,” added Hill. “The brands that stand out are those with a clear sense of identity and a story worth telling. Our role is to help founders understand how they should be positioned, what makes them relevant and how to communicate that with confidence.”
The consultancy’s services span brand positioning, communications and PR, content and editorial strategy, founder profiling, thought leadership, media training and strategic consultancy, providing support at every stage of a brand’s growth.
Blending editorial expertise with modern brand strategy, Hill has worked across journalism, fashion, interiors, public relations and digital communications for more than a decade, helping founder-led brands build relevance, visibility and cultural traction. Clifford is one of the GCC’s most connected media and communications professionals, having spent decades at the forefront of hospitality, F&B, design and business publishing, shaping industry conversations and connecting brands with influential audiences and decision-makers.
Context Studio is already working with a growing portfolio of brands including Cafe Isan, Rowley’s Restaurant and Brass Monkey, with additional projects spanning interiors, lifestyle and founder-led businesses to be announced soon.
