Public Sector: Agencies optimistic despite client losses

PR Week UK, Friday, 09 December 2011, 12:00am,

Two-thirds of public sector-focused PR agencies have lost public sector business over the past year, according to new research.

However, despite massive cuts within the public sector during 2011, industry optimism is rising that new business will be around in the New Year.

According to new research by DWPub, 48 per cent of PR agencies surveyed had public sector clients and almost two-thirds (62 per cent) of these said they had lost some in the past 12 months.

However, 48 per cent of PR agencies are confident of winning new public sector clients in the next 12 months, despite the promise of continued cuts as the COI winds down.

DWPub surveyed 52 PR agencies in November to find out what impact public sector cuts were having on the PR industry. A similar survey was carried out a year ago which revealed that, by contrast, 100 per cent of PR agencies questioned were not confident of winning new public sector clients.

DWPub chairman and founder Daryl Willcox said: 'Although numbers are leaner, PR agencies have indicated there are still accounts to be won.'

The Government's Autumn Statement 2011, declaring further public sector cuts, was announced on 29 November.