Business

PR agency Smarts makes UK industry 'power' list

HOLYWOOD-based public relations and content agency Smarts has been named as Northern Ireland’s number one PR consultancy, according to leading industry magazine PR Week’s Top 150 annual report.

The agency placed fourth in the magazine’s list of UK PR firms with headquarters outside of London and was the only consultancy from the north to do so.

Smarts also featured in the overall listing of top UK consultancies for the sixth year in a row, competing against global names such as Ogilvy, Saatchi and Freuds. This year the firm moved eight places from 2019 to 52nd. In the consumer category list, Smarts jumped one place to 17th.

With offices in Northern Ireland, London and Scotland, Smarts currently employs more than 80 people and has clients in more than 20 countries.

Its client portfolio includes global names such as British Airways, Bosch and Johnnie Walker, as well as local names such as Ulster University, Kestrel Foods, Wilson’s Country and local rockers Snow Patrol.

Smarts’ double-digit revenue growth in recent years has been driven by a commitment to investing in creativity and clever thinking.

Pippa Arlow, chief executive at Smarts Global, said: “We're proud of what we've achieved this year and to prove that it is normal for businesses like ours to compete with the best in the UK and beyond.

“It is a fantastic accomplishment and welcome news during difficult times for everyone. We are aware of the challenges we face in the coming months as a society and as businesses, but we will take a moment to reflect on this achievement before going back to doing what we do best – telling stories that bring big ideas to life.”