Case Study: Smith & Smith PR
Based in Manchester, Smith & Smith PR specialises in public relations for organisations ranging from small businesses through to PLCs, large charities and lobbying groups.
Established in early 2002 and now recognised as a leading specialist agency, the
company provides ongoing PR services to clients across the North West as well as in London and overseas. These services include traditional PR, crisis management, media training and exhibition support.
Business Director, Nathan Smith joined the LEAD programme in 2006, seeking to
ensure that the company was equipped with the management skills necessary to
underpin its ambitious plans for growth. Committing approximately two days per month to the initiative, Nathan soon found that the investment was paying off.
“LEAD has been very beneficial, both personally and for the company,” he explains.
“There is great solidarity amongst the business owners taking part; a sense of all being on a journey together and helping one another along. That's very valuable and something that I hadn't previously experienced in the commercial world.
“LEAD has also provided lots of information, ideas and practical techniques for running things more efficiently, and even some philosophical points that have been very useful for us in developing a new, more creative business culture.
“One of the most significant aspects with which LEAD has really helped has been in developing a vision and values for Smith & Smith PR. As a management team, we are now much more focused on our plans for the next three to five years, rather than on the nuts and bolts of everyday activities. That's given us much needed breathing space and the chance to develop an informed strategy for growth – a strategy that is already working very well and producing tangible results.”
In the short time that the company has been enrolled on LEAD, Smith & Smith PR has increased its turnover by between 20% and 25%, and it has embarked upon a new recruitment programme. Already, it has employed two new members of staff and it plans to take on a further four within the next twelve months. The business has relocated to new premises in Manchester city centre and its client base is expanding steadily. While overseeing a very successful business development strategy, Nathan is continuing to participate in the LEAD programme.
“Taking part in the LEAD programme has been one hundred percent worthwhile. It has been great to develop new skills in a mutually supportive environment and it has
provided a fantastic insight into leadership and opportunities for personal development.”
Nathan Smith, Business Director, Smith & Smith PR.
