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PR Leaders welcome 2012 Budget
London, 29 March - Following last week’s Budget announcements by George Osborne, the PR Leaders’ Panel, consisting of leading public relations and public affairs professionals, welcomed the budget as good for the country and their organisation, but were sceptical about the impact on themselves.
A net + 21% believe the Budget will have a positive effect on the country; and + 35% believe it will be good for their business. In contrast, by a margin of 23% to 28%, PR Leaders believe the budget will be negative for them personably.
Asked who they trust to handle the economy, more than three quarters open for Cameron and Osborne over their shadows.
Francis Ingham, PRCA chief executive, said: “These are interesting figures which indicate that the current Downing Street team are delivering their messages rather better than the men who’d like to evict them. PR Leaders think the budget is good for their business and good for the country, even if more of them are going to lose out personally than are going to gain”
Results
What is the effect of today’s Budget for you personally?
Positive - 23%
Negative - 28%
Neutral - 49%
What is the effect of today’s Budget for your organisation?
Positive - 42%
Negative - 7%
Neutral - 50%
What is the effect of today’s Budget for the country?
Positive - 47%
Negative - 26%
Neutral - 27%
Who do you trust most to handle the economy in the current circumstances?
David Cameron and George Osborne - 76%
Ed Miliband and Ed Balls - 24%
Here is a selection of quotes from survey respondents on their take on the Budget:
Nick Brooks, 4CM Managing Director:
“For a change it is a budget for business. Changes in corporation tax, extra Enterprise zones and support for the Growing Places fund and for infrastructure projects, especially Broadband, are all excellent news. For SMEs such as 4CM Ltd, and for its employees, the overall changes are broadly positive and are welcomed. I'd have liked to see something done about fuel prices, but maybe with the commitment to a faster IT infrastructure we'll all be able to work from home instead of driving miles to and from work!”
Simon Turner, Freshfield Managing Director:
“We need to play the long game, but there are signs that small steps are being made. I would like to see more incentives for employers not just for start-ups.”
- ENDS -
Notes to editors
Tom Hawkins, Policy and Research Executive
T: 020 7233 6026 ¦ E: tom.hawkins@prca.org.uk
About the PRCA
Who we are: Founded in 1969, the PRCA is the professional body that represents UK PR consultancies, in-house communications teams, PR freelancers and individuals. 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 more than 250 agency members from around the world, including the majority of the top 100 UK consultancies. We also represent over 70 in-house communications teams from multinationals, UK charities and leading UK public sector organisations.
