PRCA

In 2010, Freshfield joined some of the UK’s most successful PR and communication businesses by joining the Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA).

The PRCA is a professional trade association that was founded in 1969 and aims to raise standards in the PR industry.

Freshfield scored 93 per cent during its most recent PRCA Consultancy Management Standard (CMS) audit.

The accreditation combines elements of ISO9001 and Investors in People with criteria specific to a PR consultancy. It covers leadership and communication; business planning; business improvement; financial systems; campaign management; client satisfaction; new business; and people management.

The standard is internationally recognised and used by PR businesses in 12 countries.

So what does this mean for Freshfield, its clients and staff?

• Clients have peace of mind that they are buying a professional service from a PR consultancy that’s committed to excellence.
• Clients have the assurance that all CMS-accredited PR agencies are well-run businesses that adopt best practices in all areas of their organisation.
• It’s proof that we have all the correct systems and structures in place.
• It demonstrates to our staff we have a real commitment to their development.

Freshfield is the first and only PR consultancy from Lancashire to join the group and only the 11th member in the North West.

Speaking on the PRCA, Simon Turner, managing director of Freshfield, said: “PRCA members include some of the best PR agencies in the world so this investment will be a brilliant benchmarking exercise, highlighting our commitment to developing Freshfield. The PRCA’s values fit perfectly with our mission to be recognised as a leading professional services business.”

Francis Ingham, chief executive, PRCA said: “Well run businesses consistently deliver the results clients are looking for. The Consultancy Management Standard was developed specifically to ensure that PRCA members have the systems and structures in place to meet and exceed clients’ expectations. The standard has been so successful that is has now been adopted in 11 countries around the world.”