‘That bridge back into PR is critical,’ how Havas is building career returners' confidence with Back2Business

Returning back into work after a long career break can be daunting, especially if the company you work for is not equipped to handle that transition smoothly. For 14 years, Back2Business’ accelerator programme has helped over 400 marketing, PR, digital and communications professionals return to work.

The annual programme takes on a cohort of 35 senior returners, and puts them on an intensive six-day, in-person bootcamp in Central London focused on re-skilling, rebuilding confidence and directly connecting them with employers actively looking to hire.

It has delivered, according to programme founder Sarah Bishop, over £12m back into household incomes and contributed £3m to the Treasury through income tax and National Insurance.

PR agency Havas Media Network has been a huge supporter of Back2Business for many years, and this year it returned as a headline partner to open up the latest programme.

Speaking on how the partnership started, Ewen Macpherson, chief people officer Havas Media Network said: “It was actually brought to our attention initially by one of our employees. She had experience with Back2Business prior to joining Havas, and recognised how closely it aligned to our inclusion ambitions. This is only our second year as headline partner but we look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come.

“Back2Business supports our inclusion ambitions by widening access to talent that are often overlooked. The programme encourages applications from people who are underrepresented in our industry, specifically helping to strengthen representation at mid‑senior levels by focusing on experienced talent who have stepped away from work (often for caring responsibilities) and by promoting hiring practices that embrace age diversity and flexible career paths.”

Nunkathalo Thiti, a Back2Business graduate and current Havas intern, took part in the programme in 2025 and knew Havas was where they wanted to be.

“I remember Ewen joining a session where past Back2Business participants asked him questions about the talent landscape and the frustrations we were feeling as career returners,” Thiti explained.

“He was so honest and raw with a group of people who were, frankly, tired of the job search. I loved that honesty from him. I wanted to be part of a company that told it like it is and acknowledged our frustrations as real.

“I’ve recently been offered a permanent position [at Havas] and am so excited to keep learning and growing. I don’t see this as an internship but as a supported re‑entry into the workplace. The training has been exceptional, and I’ve loved being part of a team and contributing real value.”

“Before Back2Business, I genuinely questioned whether I would ever find a job again; I was exhausted by the process. But through the programme I gained the confidence to see that I had not only grown during my career break; I’d become wiser, more resilient and built a greater depth of character because of it. Now that I’ve been working for four months, I know that’s true, and so do my colleagues.

“A year ago, I never would have believed I’d be where I am today. And, now I can only imagine where I’ll be next year.”