The state of the NW PR sector report
Sunday, February 1st, 2009How-Do published this week a report of the state of the NW PR industry in collaboration with Business Link and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
It had some interesting facts:
In 2005 the NW PR industry contributed £3.4 billion to national economic activity and £1.1 to corporate profits. I like the last fact. I was also impressed with the fact that each practitioner contributed £135,417 to their agency / organisation. I like this fact also.
But what about now? How has the downturn affected such stats? Are we going to be in demand? Where is the shelter from the storm? Please give me some inside tips.
Well, it was left to “veteran” PR professional Dave Sanders to give us some words of advice, which he did:
“No matter how large or small, all forward thinking businesses now recognise the importance of managing their reputations through effective communication – which is what public relations is all about.
So, it’s up to the PR industry to respond by becoming even more efficient, cost effective and creative to help their employers and clients to ride out the current storm.”
Dave really said very little. Well he said a fair amount but nothing really new. He praised the CIPR and their awards. Not sure that was wise after the Koan debacle at the last one that How-Do covered.
Then we had some glowing testimonials about Business Link. I like Business Link, and I have a good opinion of their work. I like How-Do. I like them a lot and their portal has been a very welcome addition. I don’t know Dave Sanders.
But what I really wanted was some foresight. Someone to say, this is how I think it will be in these worrying times and this is what you should do, not general advice that we all know. I also wanted to know if the PR sector is contracting. A comparison between 2005 and 2008. It could be nobody has a clear idea. I just thought the key question, “Will I have plenty of work in 2009 and the year after?” was not addressed and that was what I really want to know.
