Interestingly, for an industry whose primary role it is to help businesses and brands communicate, we are very poor at shouting about the difference we make and the great work we deliver. We move quickly on the next task at hand, the next deadline, the next demand. That’s why I love industry awards. They stop us in our tracks and make us reflect on our successes, both in the award writing and (fingers crossed) the shortlisting or winning.
The PRCA DARE Awards for the region certainly did not disappoint. Sitting in the audience listening to the nominations and celebrating the winners, I was reminded once again of the brilliant agencies, in-house teams and practitioners we have in the South West. Working for national and international brands such as Ginsters, Papa Johns, BRITA and Miracle-Gro, the campaigns were far reaching, creative and impactful (there’s a taster below) demonstrating the calibre and status of the PR teams in the room.
I have always championed PR in the region. In the days when only a London agency would do I was a voice for the talent in the South West; an advocate of putting work outside the City and giving regional agencies the chance to demonstrate industry leading strategic thinking, creativity and execution. The pandemic and consequent adoption of hybrid/remote working by PR teams has helped to consolidate this thinking in the minds of others, creating a level playing field with geography no longer top of the pitch criteria list.
But that doesn’t mistakenly mean we should rest on our laurels. We need to showcase PR in the South West not only to grow, through new clients and new opportunities, but to attract current and future talent ensuring the next generation are aware of the brilliant career opportunities that PR affords.
We need to celebrate every win, campaign and team achievement. To use our expertise to benefit the industry, ourselves and practitioners of the future. Let’s seize the day and build a PR industry in the region to be reckoned with.