PR Leaders predict 2010 recovery

The latest PRCA PR Leaders' Panel shows returning confidence to the PR market after a troubled 2009.

The Panel, composed of PRCA Managing Directors and Chief Executives, was asked to look back on performance across four areas in 2009, and to predict performance on those same areas in 2010. Responses are submitted confidentially, and individual respondents are not identifiable.

Headline figures are:

  • A net 80% of PR Leaders expect staff numbers to increase in 2010, compared with a net 14% who saw them fall in 2009
  • A net 76% of PR Leaders expect profitability to increase in 2010, compared with a net 16% in 2009
  • A net 84% of PR Leaders expect turnover to increase in 2010, compared with a net 20% who saw it fall in 2009
  • A net 76% of PR Leaders expect to see increased levels of new business in 2010, compared with a net 16% in 2009

Director General Francis Ingham commented:

"2009 affected different agencies in different ways. Some continued to grow and increase their profitability levels; others cut head count as turnover fell and profitability tumbled.

"Undoubtedly, 2010 will contain variations within and between agencies. But a resounding majority of PRCA PR Leaders say that 2010 will be the year of recovery.

"I am certain that the year holds uncertainty, and we would be unwise to expect no turbulence at all. But we enter 2010 in a much more optimistic mood overall than we entered 2009." 

 

Percentage figures are as follows:

Increase significantly Increase marginally No change Decrease marginally Decrease significantly  Net 
Staff Numbers
2009 6 24 26 32 12 -14
2010 24 60 12 2 2 80
Profitability
2009 12 40 12 28 8 16
2010 32 48 16 2 2 76
Turnover
2009 20 12 16 46 6 -20
2010 28 60 8 2 2 84
New business
2009 26 24 16 20 14 16
2010 38 44 12 2 4 76

-ENDS-

About the PRCA

The Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) is the trade association for the UK PR consultancy industry.

  • The Association exists to raise standards in PR and to help members be better organisations.
  • The Association has grown by more than 50% over the past two years.
  • Founded in 1969 ,  the PRCA promotes all aspects of public relations consultancy.
  • PRCA members differentiate themselves from other PR consultancies by achieving the Consultancy Management Standard (CMS), a professional accreditation that has been adopted by PR agencies in more than 15 countries around the world.
  • All PRCA member organisations are bound by a Professional Charter and Codes of Conduct. 

As part of its commitment to excellence in PR, the PRCA carries out a number of functions:

  • PR training and qualification: the PRCA organises a range of bespoke, in-house & online courses as well as general training and qualifications. Course subjects range from: how to write a press release: to how to manage your agency.
  • Find A PR Agency: this free service helps clients find a reputable PR consultancy for their brief.
  • Industry surveys: the PRCA undertakes a number of surveys every year including the most comprehensive benchmark of industry performance.
  • Networking and best practice groups: the PRCA organises a number of groups to help members stay ahead of industry trends and raise general industry issues.
  • Promotes the value of PR and the need for standards: the PRCA provides a strong voice on a range of issues relating to PR.
  • Lobbies government on key issues: the Association represents members interests in areas with Government and other relevant organisations such as the FSA. 
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