The UK has over 5,000 PR agencies in it and is one of many PR associations in the UK.
Ranging from freelance PR firms, small public relations consultancies. Larger media companies and marketing companies that offer media support as part of a broader range of marketing services.
Services such as website design, branding and advertising. The CIPR was created as a trade body and also to help offer PR advice and troubleshooting.
For UK businesses, there is the need for the following:
For this reason, the CIPR was set up in 1947 to offer support both to the media agencies around the UK, but also to clients that are looking for no frills PR support. Most members fall into different industry backgrounds, so it is a case of finding one that has PR experience in your sector.
They offers two services:
As a professional body, the CIPR sets and maintains the standards and practices of its members throughout the UK to ensure there is a code of conduct and an accountability to provide a high standard of service.
Their vision is quite simple and (from the CIPR website) seeks to provide the following attributes:
All PR agencies are looking to bring on new clients; they acts as an impartial mediator to channel need vs solution.
They are based in central London however has links to media agencies all around the UK offering a national support service to the UK business community.
For more information about how the CIPR works or to talk to someone about membership, please visit their website.