Plum are Somerset’s ‘good apple’ in CIPR PRide awards

Plum Communications & PR, were the only Somerset-based public relations and marketing agency to have been recognised for the quality of their work at the 2013 Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide awards in the South West.

The prestigious black-tie event, which celebrates the very best in public relations agencies and their campaigns, took place on Friday 22 November at the Bristol Hotel in Bristol and, despite opposition from agencies based throughout the South West region, Plum was the only agency from within Somerset to be shortlisted for any of the evening’s awards.

Plum Communications & PR, which operates from its base Weston-super-Mare, and specialises in supporting the property and housing sector, was shortlisted as a finalist at the CIPR PRide awards for the third consecutive year, including the second year in a row as finalists in the ‘Outstanding Small Consultancy’, which recognises their achievements, performance and excellent work.

Karen Morledge, Managing Director of Plum, said: “It’s a wonderful achievement for Plum to be shortlisted again and especially as we were the only agency to be representing the county. We’ve always taken pride in our ability to work so closely with local companies such as Summerfield Developments and Spectrum Housing Group, and this allowed us to successfully compete with many other agencies. I’m pleased that Plum is now being recognised as a key contributor to the Somerset economy; it’s not just about apples and cider!”

Due to their continued successes, Plum Communications & PR have announced that they’ll be moving into new offices and have recently expanded their team. David Bebbington joins Plum as their new full-time Account Manager from North Somerset Council where he was responsible for the marketing and PR for their fostering and adoption teams.

Karen Morledge, Managing Director of Plum, said of the appointment: “I’m really pleased that David has joined ‘Team Plum’ and he will continue to strengthen our ability to offer effective integrated campaigns. He has a wealth of experience in preparing and implementing marketing strategies, combining effective PR campaigns with tactical marketing activities, which will gain clients the coverage they need to meet their objectives. We’re also looking forward to harnessing his experience of events management in both the private and public sectors, his fantastic eye for detail and creative flair.”

“I’m delighted to be joining Plum and especially at such a pivotal point in the company’s growth,” said David. “It’s really exciting to be joining a business with such an incredible track-record. Plum has been winning awards for the quality of their work every year since Karen founded the company in 2010 and I look forward to contributing to future successes.”

The expansion and appointment are both part of the company’s ‘2020 vision’ for business growth in its continued endeavours to provide a range of effective marketing, communications and PR services in Somerset and throughout the South West.