We are celebrating 20 years since the agency's management buyout, and the evolution of our B2B specialism to meet changing client needs and a complex communications landscape.

Partners PR directors Monica Green and Karen Tinkler led the buyout in 2006 alongside former colleague Jayne Davies, having joined as employees in 2001 and 1999 respectively. Founded in York in 1988 by Hugh Venables, the agency initially built its reputation working with businesses in building products and construction sectors.

The experience of the 2008-09 recession prompted a deliberate strategy to diversify, broadening the agency’s expertise across manufacturing and engineering, food processing and professional services. Today, the seven-strong team also works with businesses in rail and technology, helping them communicate technical expertise, build reputations and reach the audiences that matter to their commercial objectives.

Karen, director and co-owner, says: “Visibility and credibility are two themes that resonate with businesses today. But in an increasingly AI-driven space, trust, more than ever, is important as organisations compete for share of voice online. Understanding our clients’ industries and the people they need to reach remains central to effective PR, especially as the channels used to tell their stories continue to evolve.”

People have played an equally important role in the company’s success. Monica is marking 25 years with Partners PR, while senior account executives Leanne Terry and Ellie Bilton are celebrating 10 and five years respectively, representing 40 years of combined service.

Monica says: “I think part of our success has been down to the fact we’ve remained true to our values of working collaboratively with clients, clear communication and being curious. I’m proud of our agency’s longevity - we’ve been at the helm through tough economic downturns and the global pandemic - we’ve got a great team around us and we’ve maintained a sound reputation throughout.

“As well as providing a high level of service to clients, we’ve surrounded ourselves with brilliant business minds. We’re not afraid to reach out to good people – many York-based businesses have made a significant impact on our own business. We’ve learned so much from the expertise of others and in turn are happy to pass on knowledge to help other businesses flourish.”

Partners PR is a Good Business Charter accredited company, supports employee-volunteering charity York Cares, and is a founding member of York Professionals.

We work with businesses throughout the UK and internationally to help them grow, attract talent, prepare for succession, navigate a crisis and make sure they can be found and understood in an AI-driven world.