PRCA and PCG tie-up creates network for PR freelancers

London, 13 May - The PRCA and PCG, the voice of freelancing, today announced they have formed a strategic partnership to create a new PR Freelancers Network.

Members of the Network will enjoy benefits from both bodies, including a wide range of discounted business and lifestyle services, tax and legal helplines, market intelligence, expert guides on both PR and freelance issues such as IR35 and Section 660A, event access and networking opportunities, tax insurance to cover accounting errors, jury service cover, and contract templates.

To celebrate the launch of the partnership, the PRCA Awards is this year introducing a co-branded Freelancer of the Year category, to be launched mid-May.

The two bodies are jointly developing further services, including a PR Freelancer Code of Conduct, enabling members of the network to demonstrate their commitment to ethical best practice.

Signing the agreement to work together, PRCA Director General Francis Ingham said “Freelancers are a vital, but often neglected part of the PR industry. They support peaks in activity, are experts in their field, and provide value for money.  By working in partnership with the PCG, we will not only be able to provide outstanding benefits to the Network, but also offer a significant new service to existing PRCA agency and in-house members. This strategic tie-up is a long-term one for the PRCA, and marks the latest stage of the expansion programme we began in 2007.”

Echoing these comments, PCG Managing Director John Brazier said “with nearly 20,000 members, the PCG is able to offer significant benefits to those operating as sole traders, limited companies, partnerships or associations.  With more and more people choosing to work on a freelance or consultancy basis, it makes sense for us to pool our resources to create a network that supports one of the most important industries in the UK.”

Some of the leading freelancers in the industry have already signed up to the Freelancer Network, including former CIPR President Lionel Zetter and former PRCA Chairman and current CIPR board member and Chairman of their Professional Practices Committee, Adrian Wheeler.

On hearing of the launch, Zetter said “This is an important initiative. Freelancers do not have hefty marketing budgets, so networking is an essential activity in order to identify new business opportunities. Freelancers also need advice on tax and legal issues. This initiative provides opportunities and support, both of which will benefit independent operators.”

The Network is open to any individual operating as a PR freelancer or consultant.  Anyone interested in joining should contact Steve Miller steve.miller@prca.org.uk or t: 020 7233 6026) at the PRCA to register their interest.

Alternatively, anyone that wants to join immediately, should visit www.pcg.org.uk and follow the links to join.  When prompted for a promotional code enter PRCA.

-ENDS-

About the PRCA

Who we are:
Founded in 1969, the PRCA is the professional body that represents UK PR consultancies, in-house communications teams and PR freelancers.  The PRCA promotes all aspects of public relations and internal communications work, helping teams and individuals maximise the value they deliver to clients and organisations.

What we do:
The Association exists to raise standards in PR and communications, providing members with industry data, facilitating the sharing of communications best practice and creating networking opportunities.

How we do it and make a difference:
All PRCA members are bound by a professional charter and codes of conduct, and benefit from exceptional training. The Association also works for the greater benefit of the industry, sharing best practice and lobbying on the industry's behalf e.g. fighting the NLA's digital licence.

Who we represent:
The PRCA represents many of the major consultancies in the UK, and currently has 197 agency members from around the world including the majority of the top 100 UK consultancies. Having launched in-house membership last year it also represents 31 in-house teams including many of Europe's leading corporations and UK public sector organisations.

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