PRCA's Francis Ingham hits back over criticism of SME record

Two agencies have criticised the body, claiming it does not offer good value to smaller consultancies.

Topline Communications MD Heather Baker said: 'I believe that the PRCA misrepresents itself and the services it offers in a bid to get small consultancies to join.'

She pointed to PRCA benefits such as its 'Find A PR Agency' service and Consultancy Management Standard, which 'almost all come at a cost that is in addition to the consultancy membership fee'.

Napier Partnership MD Mike Maynard highlighted the 'huge difference' in costs between agency and individual membership for smaller organisations.

'Smaller agencies are paying an unsustainable and unjustified premium,' he added.

But PRCA chief executive Francis Ingham responded: 'As the PRCA has quadrupled in size over the past four years, some members will inevitably be less happy than others. But that record of growth speaks for itself, and Heather and Mike are in the minority.'

This article was first published on prweek.com