Top PR Agencies in London | Learn Who to Work With in 2023 (2023)

A good agency can elevate your communications game to a level you might not otherwise achieve on your own. Top PR agencies combine contacts, relationships, and expertise to achieve your public relations goals quickly and effectively.

As a world capital of finance, media, advertising, culture, and just about anything else you can think of, London is home to a long list of PR companies that specialize in every facet of promotions and brand communication.

From global giants to small startups and everything in between, London’s PR professionals have an impressive track record of delivering innovative ways to guide their clients through an ever-changing media landscape.

Let’s take a look at some of the names you might be dealing with when it’s time for you to consider heading to the UK capital for support from some of the top PR companies out there.

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  • Top PR agencies in London
    • Hope and Glory
    • City Press
    • CCgroup
    • Ballou
    • Prescription PR
    • Gosh PR
    • Calacus PR
    • Clark Health Communications
    • Pearl Lemon

Top PR agencies in London


Hope and Glory

Top PR Agencies in London | Learn Who to Work With in 2023 (1)

Since its inception in November of 2011, Hope and Glory has grown to become one of the best PR agencies in London. With a team of over 70 people, the firm is a regular award winner, most recently being named the 2019 Creative Agency of the Year at the Sabre Awards as well as winning the Independent Agency of the Year category at the 2019 PR Moment Awards.

The Hackney-based company covers a wide range of industries, from entertainment and sports to food and drinks. As one of the biggest public relations firms not only in London but in the whole of UK, Hope and Glory work with some of the biggest household names in the country, including Adidas, Ikea, O2, and Red Bull.

Growing year-on-year, the company has an annual turnover of over £7m, and they cover every format of modern PR, from social and digital solutions through to traditional press engagement.


City Press

Top PR Agencies in London | Learn Who to Work With in 2023 (2)

City Press is one of the fastest-growing PR firms in London. Specializing in financial services, alongside a host of other professional industries, City Press has additional offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Edinburgh.

Founded back in 1961, the firm now has over 90 consultants working across its four offices, and over the years, they have won countless awards, including PR Agency of the Year, Consultancy of the Year, and Best Place to Work. City Press also holds the PRCA Consultancy Management Standard.

The agency has worked with many household brands, including Lloyds Bank, SunLife, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland.


CCgroup

Top PR Agencies in London | Learn Who to Work With in 2023 (3)

Based in Kings Cross, CCgroup is one of the leading tech PR agencies in London, covering key markets such as Mobile and Telecoms, Enterprise Tech, Fintech, and Deep Tech. The firm also has a consumer-focused sister brand, Escapade PR.

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Focusing primarily on commercial campaigns, CCgroup is renowned for its innovative use of content and media, unique messaging, and sales generation. The agency is a member of the global PR network, GlobalCom, and they were recently named the Technology Consultancy of the Year at the PRovoke awards.

Since its launch in 1985, they have grown to work with leading companies such as Openet, Moorwand, and Travelex.


Ballou

Top PR Agencies in London | Learn Who to Work With in 2023 (4)

Another quality tech PR agency, Ballou, was launched in Paris in 2002 but now has its headquarters in Holborn. The company works with a host of international brands, focusing primarily on high-growth companies such as Shopify, Trivago, Zendesk, and Samsung.

With just under 50 employees across its offices, the company was named in the top 250 PR Agencies in the world in the 2019 Holmes Report and recently won two SABRE awards for their campaigns.

Although pure PR and media liaison is still their main focus, Ballou also now provides its growing client list with additional services such as social media management, SEO optimization, Graphic Design, and video creation.


Prescription PR

Top PR Agencies in London | Learn Who to Work With in 2023 (5)

When it comes to music PR firms, Prescription PR is one of the most respected and well-known in the city. The agency has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including the likes of REM, Paul Weller, and The Rolling Stones, alongside some of the hottest new bands such as IDLES, Fontaines DC, and The Murder Capital.

Although their headquarters are in London, Prescription also has offices in Cambridge and Manchester. The agency focuses on three core areas of music PR: promoting new bands, publicizing heritage artists, and showcasing curated music events and festivals.

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Alongside traditional PR, Prescription also provides clients with a host of additional services such as website design, content creation, biography writing, and digital marketing.


Gosh PR

Top PR Agencies in London | Learn Who to Work With in 2023 (6)

Gosh PR is one of the leading travel PR agencies in London, specializing in communications for travel and tourism brands. Launched in 2005, the company has steadily grown to provide its clients with traditional PR engagement, social media management, and marketing communications.

Based in Southwark, the independent company has a small team of fewer than twenty people, allowing them to be incredibly reactive and agile. As one of the most respected agencies in the city, Gosh has often led the way with innovative campaigns and PR solutions.

Gosh PR has worked with a number of well-known brands, including Hertz Rental, Visit Florida, and Visit Benidorm.


Calacus PR

Top PR Agencies in London | Learn Who to Work With in 2023 (7)

There are lots of sports PR agencies in London, but Calacus PR are amongst the most respected. The specialist, boutique sports PR firm is based in the heart of the city and works with clients across the globe, helping to bring sport and athletes to the masses.

Their team has expertise working with regional, national, and international media, and they provide clients with a host of services, including consultancy, crisis management, media training, event management, and internal communications.

The agency has worked across huge sporting events such as the Premier League and Serie A, as well as stars such as Usain Bolt and Amir Khan.

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Clark Health Communications

Top PR Agencies in London | Learn Who to Work With in 2023 (8)

Holborn-based Clark Health Communications is a specialist healthcare communications and PR agency in London, delivering traditional PR solutions and innovative new media services to clients across the country.

The small team allows them to be highly flexible, ensuring they can react swiftly to the latest trends and keep their clients in front of customers. The entire team are specialists in the healthcare sector and work with clients in the belief that communication is vital in the fight against disease.

Since its launch in 2011, the company has worked with a number of leading healthcare brands and produced innovative campaigns, including a popular gamification launch, unique events, and in-depth market research.


Pearl Lemon

Top PR Agencies in London | Learn Who to Work With in 2023 (9)

Pearl Lemon PR is a full-service public relations firm dedicated to staying at the forefront of public relations in all of its many forms. The team uses innovative digital PR strategies to adjust to the ever-changing media landscape.

Offering services in online reputation management, media outreach, crisis, and corporate communication, Pearl Lemon leaves no stone unturned. Whether you need PR for the aviation, fashion, education, or financial sectors, the Pearl Lemon team works to make sure that you get the right kind of media attention.


Top PR agencies in London revealed

As you can see, there is no shortage of highly skilled PR firms in London to help with your communications needs.

If you work for a PR agency yourself, you might want to check out Prowly PR software. Prowly has all you need to support your PR agency goals – be it more clients, improved retention, or higher retainers.

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Cover photo by Charles Postiaux

FAQs

Top PR Agencies in London | Learn Who to Work With in 2023? ›

As a world capital of finance, media, advertising, culture, and just about anything else you can think of, London is home to a long list of PR companies that specialize in every facet of promotions and brand communication.

How do I find the best PR agency? ›

How to Choose the Right PR Firm for Your Startup
  1. Find PR firms you like. ...
  2. Ask around. ...
  3. Decide on a budget. ...
  4. Get the size right. ...
  5. Ensure the PR firm understands what you do. ...
  6. Understand what they – and you – will do together. ...
  7. Listen for ideas. ...
  8. Find out if they listen.

Is London good for public relations? ›

As a world capital of finance, media, advertising, culture, and just about anything else you can think of, London is home to a long list of PR companies that specialize in every facet of promotions and brand communication.

Which PR agencies pay the most? ›

Here's a sampling:
  • Edelman, the industry's largest firm, paid an EVP up to $280,000.
  • Omnicom's FleishmanHillard paid a managing supervisor $96,000.
  • Teneo paid senior associates up to $135,000.
Feb 25, 2022

How long should you stay at a PR agency? ›

Demonstrate staying power

So the biggest piece of advice would be to stay in your first job for at least two years. During the first six months you are learning on the job, the second six months you are starting to get traction and confidence internally with the team and your clients.

Who hires the most PR professionals? ›

Public relations specialists are most often employed by the Advertising, public relations & related services industry.

How much should you pay a PR agency? ›

Most agencies bill hourly against a retainer, which guarantees a certain amount of work each month. Those costs can be between $100-500 per hour per each person on the team, depending on the seniority of each team member.

How much do you earn in PR in London? ›

£80,000 - £115,000. According to our salary calculator, the average annual salary for Public Relations Directors working in London is £80,000 - £115,000.

Is PR in demand in UK? ›

The PR and communications sector is one of the fastest-growing professions in the UK. With the explosion of online media, PR is more important than ever, and companies are hiring more agencies and PR staff to manage reputations.

Where do most people who work in London prefer? ›

Many people work in London prefer to live outside it, and to go into their offices, factories or schools everyday by train, car or bus, even though this means they have to get up earlier in the morning and reach home later in the evening. One advantage of living outside London is that houses are cheaper.

What is the biggest PR agency? ›

Top PR agencies in the world
  1. Edelman. Edelman is a global communications company that partners with organizations and businesses to evolve, promote and protect their brands and reputations. ...
  2. Weber Shandwick. ...
  3. BCW. ...
  4. FleishmanHillard. ...
  5. Ketchum. ...
  6. MSL. ...
  7. Hill+Knowlton Strategies. ...
  8. Ogilvy.

What are the starting salaries in PR? ›

The average Entry Public Relations Specialist salary in the United States is $58,600 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $52,900 and $69,300.

What is the highest position in PR? ›

A Public Relations Officer, or the Head of PR, is a senior management position that leads a public relations team.

Is PR work stressful? ›

Public relations, however, stands above many careers as one of the most stressful. This is due to the very nature of the job. PR professionals have to create relationships with the public. They also handle clients who often have unrealistic expectations and work in a field that is not understood by most people.

Is a PR agency stressful? ›

Public relations is a very stressful job, whether you're a PR practitioner or someone in a company that works with a PR firm or team. PR professionals and others working in the field face stressors such as: Audio: Listen to this article.

How much is the average PR agency retainer? ›

Typical monthly retainers with a PR agency will range between $2,000-$5,000 on the low end and for top-notch firms can go all the way up to $20,000-$50,000 per month depending on the scope of work and value provided.

Do PR people make a lot of money? ›

Yes, public relations managers make a lot of money.

The best public relations manager jobs can pay up to $120,500 per year. In contrast, the national average for public relations managers is $82,000 a year.

Is PR a high paying job? ›

The top 5 highest paying jobs who knows Public Relations with reported salaries are: vice president and head - ₹50.0lakhs per year. global head - ₹47.0lakhs per year.

How do I get a successful PR career? ›

How to Be Successful in PR: 9 Ways to Up Your Game and Stay Sane.
  1. Make Time to Stay Organized. ...
  2. Prioritize the Information Onslaught. ...
  3. Stay Active on Social Media. ...
  4. Follow the Influencers. ...
  5. Read, read, and read some more. ...
  6. Polish Your Blogging Skills. ...
  7. Understand SEO Concepts. ...
  8. Understand Analytics and Measurement.

How much does a PR agency cost UK? ›

PR agency costs

Typically, your average smaller PR agency could charge between £2,000-£10,000 for a monthly retainer. For a larger company, the prices can be notably higher, with retainers regularly costing more than £25,000 a month.

What is the hourly rate for public relations agencies? ›

Average hourly rates for PR in the US range from $125 to $500 depending on expertise and subject matter (for example, a crisis communication campaign will cost much more per hour than PR for a startup).

Is it hard to get PR in London? ›

Upon completing a master's degree, an international student cannot obtain permanent residency in the United Kingdom. The first stage is to apply for a work permit and work in the UK for at least five years. Basically, the whole method of obtaining a PR for the UK is relatively simple if you meet all of the criteria.

How many years should I work in UK to get PR? ›

If you have lived in the UK for 5 or more years, you should be able to apply for permanent residence in the UK. There are exceptions, though.

Is PR a good career in UK? ›

There are few specific PR degree courses available, and entry to the profession is generally open to all graduates. However, as PR is one of the most popular career choices for graduates in the UK, the following degree and HND subjects may be particularly helpful: business or management. communication and media studies.

What is the fastest way to get PR in UK? ›

Get a UK PR via a work visa

In most cases, you will get PR once you have held your work visa for 5 years. The Skilled Worker visa is currently one of the easiest ways to get PR in the UK for non-EU nationals. There are several UK work visas that qualify for UK residency, including the following: Skilled Worker visa.

Which degree is best for PR in UK? ›

Popular Courses for PR in UK
  • Masters In Business Administration (MBA) ...
  • Civil Engineering. ...
  • Law. ...
  • Medicine. ...
  • Computer Science. ...
  • Education. ...
  • Psychology. ...
  • Architecture.
Oct 20, 2022

What benefits do PR get in UK? ›

You can register with a General Practitioner (family doctor) to avail all the benefits of dental and optical care. Another option is to avail of National Health Service (NHS) hospital treatment. Your status of having UK residency can help you with appropriate health costs and also be exempted from them if applicable.

Where do most Americans live London? ›

North London is a popular area to live in the capital as it can be more affordable and quieter than other areas. North London tends to have a more liberal, laidback feel to it and there are many attractions here, including Camden Market, Regent's Canal and Hampstead Heath along with some of the best green spaces.

Where do most foreigners live in London? ›

Kensington. Kensington is an affluent area in the famous West End of the city. Two of its most popular areas for foreigners looking to live and work in London include High Street Kensington and South Kensington.

Who are the most foreigners in London? ›

Percentages are found in the data table. Of Londoners not born in the UK, more were born in India than any other country. 349,000 Londoners were born in India and the second most common non-UK born country is Nigeria with a population of 135,000.

What are the big four PR agencies? ›

Summary. The advertising world is dominated by the 'Big Four' agencies: WPP, Omnicom, Publicis Groupe, and Interpublic Group of Companies.

Who is Coca Cola's PR agency? ›

WPP is The Coca-Cola Company global marketing network partner.

Who is the target audience for PR agency? ›

Public relations is primarily about reputation building, and so targeted audiences include key stakeholders (legislators, event sponsors, employees, community partners, for example).

How to get first job in PR? ›

The first step to getting a job in PR is to get work experience or what many now refer to as a PR internship. These opportunities offer professional experience beyond what you may have learned to date. Internships provide you with examples of work you have done within the industry so far.

What is the average yearly income in PR? ›

The following data are the most current income statistics for Puerto Rico from the US Census Bureau, are in 2021 inflation adjusted dollars and are from the American Community Survey 2021 5-year estimates. Median Household Income: $21,967. Average Household Income: $34,931.

What is the average income for PR? ›

Average salaries can vary and range from $53,942 to $243,437. Salary ranges can differ significantly depending on the job, industry, location, required experience, specific skills, education, and other factors... Salaries listed below are U.S. national averages data from May 01, 2023.

Can you make six figures in PR? ›

People in public relations get paid an average of about $61,000 a year. However, salaries can range from about $40,000 a year to well into the six-figures.

What is a PR manager called? ›

Director of public relations

These senior-level PR professionals direct promotional activities and ensure that their organizations' brand messages and content are consistent, up-to-date and relevant.

Is PR a female dominated field? ›

The definition of public relations is important to know in order to understand why women have been dominating the field of public relations and the societal impact of gender roles. The percentage of women in public relations jobs is about 63%, however, some say the number falls closer to 73%.

How many hours do PR professionals work? ›

Work Schedules

Most public relations specialists work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week.

How many hours a week do PR managers work? ›

PR manager work structure and environment

They have the standard office-based position and office but may frequently travel when engaging in the company or brand's social, public speaking, media, or networking events. They also usually work 40 hours a week and may experience over time depending on their workload.

Is PR a fun job? ›

Public Relations is not a glamorous industry

While yes, sometimes there are fun parties or events, those probably will not be the majority of your job. I wouldn't pick PR as a career because you think it is going to be fun. Like any job there are good and bad aspects.

Is PR a good career for introverts? ›

The true introvert has numerous qualities that make him or her ideal for a position in public relations. In fact, introverts can make excellent PR pros. They simply need to understand how to work their inherent strengths.

What is the disadvantage of PR agency? ›

Disadvantages of Public Relations
  • No Direct Control. Unlike other tools in the promotion mix, marketers have no direct control over public relations. ...
  • Lack of Guaranteed Results. ...
  • Difficulty of Evaluating Effectiveness.
Jan 25, 2023

Are PR professionals happy? ›

Do public relations specialists find their jobs meaningful? On average, public relations specialists rate the meaningfulness of their work a 2.7/5. While most public relations specialists aren't very fulfilled by their work, some people may still manage to find meaning in it.

What is a 50 retainer fee? ›

Charging a 50% retainer shows that you value your time. If a client tries to reduce the retainer or avoid paying it, explain that you have this policy because you are reserving the date and won't be able to take on any other business in case of a cancellation.

What is a $500 retainer? ›

Example of a Retainer Fee

For example, a lawyer may charge a $500 retainer fee. If the lawyer charges a total of $100 an hour, the retainer covers all services up to the five-hour limit. The lawyer then bills the client for the cost of any additional hours they invest on behalf of the client.

How do you judge a PR agency? ›

Top 3 PR Evaluation Methods
  1. 1) Budget to Results. All case studies of value need to be evaluated within budget frameworks. ...
  2. 2) Media Cadence. Multiple case studies should be assessed for their cadence of media results. ...
  3. 3) Degree of Message Depth.
Jan 24, 2023

How do I reach out to a PR company? ›

If you're trying to reach a reporter, journalist, or someone in the media, go to their profile on the outlet's site that they work for. Often there will be a link to email them directly or to connect with them via social media. 3. Leverage PR outreach software like Prowly that allows you to access contact emails.

What is the difference between a publicist and a PR agency? ›

For example, the difference between a public relations professional and a publicist? A publicist is a person whose job it is to manage an image for a celebrity, book, film, or public figure. While a public relations professional manages communication of a business or organization with a positive image in mind.

How to pass a PR interview? ›

Walk the walk and talk the talk, here are 16 top tips for nailing that PR interview.
  1. Do your research. ...
  2. Make eye contact. ...
  3. Be prepared to show off. ...
  4. Don't use buzz words. ...
  5. Follow up. ...
  6. Provide proper examples. ...
  7. Don't read this article! ...
  8. Be five minutes early.
Sep 12, 2019

What questions to ask a PR agency before hiring them? ›

Here are five questions to ask a publicist or PR agency before hiring them to ensure you pick the right option the first time around.
  • What's your experience? ...
  • Where do you see my brand being placed? ...
  • Do we need to sign a long-term agreement? ...
  • What information do you need from me?
Dec 23, 2020

How do PR agencies make money? ›

PR agencies make money by charging their clients for the services they provide. Some might charge a yearly fee as an agency of record, a monthly fee as a retainer, or per project. Typically, there's an agreement and contract signed before work begins between a business and a PR agency.

Is PR industry hard to get into? ›

It's important for all businesses to have a strong public image and as a result those wanting to work in PR are in demand. However, being seen as an attractive and exciting career means that there is often tough competition for PR roles, so you'll need to make sure that you stand out.

How do you write an email to a PR agency? ›

Without further ado, here's how to create a great PR pitch.
  1. #1. Keep it short. ...
  2. #2. Improve your subject lines. ...
  3. #3. Send from the right address. ...
  4. #4. Make it topical and relevant to the recipient. ...
  5. #5. Don't BCC. ...
  6. #6. Get their attention on social media first. ...
  7. #7. Focus on building a relationship.
Aug 21, 2021

Is PR better than marketing? ›

In a marketing role, the final goal is to increase sales through user engagement whereas PR is more about gaining positive press coverage and improving a company or client's reputation. Basically, PR seeks to gain exposure and add credibility to a brand without needing to drive sales, as is the case with marketing.

Is PR a respected job? ›

Yes, PR is a good career.

In fact, PR professionals are rated #3 in Best Creative and Media Jobs. PR professionals aim to generate positive publicity for their clients and enhance their reputation.

Why do celebrities hire publicists? ›

Publicists are also hired by public figures who want to maintain or protect their image. Publicists brand their clients by getting magazine, TV, newspaper, and website coverage.

How much should you offer when negotiating? ›

Start with a figure that's no more than 10-20% above their initial offer. Remember, you're applying for entry level, and you shouldn't expect something on the higher range. Consider negotiating lower if 10-20% places you above the average.

How do you negotiate smartly? ›

What to do when negotiating
  1. Be the first to make an offer. Part of being a good negotiator is taking control of the deal. ...
  2. Provide set terms instead of price ranges. ...
  3. Use words wisely while negotiating. ...
  4. Ask open-ended questions and be a good listener. ...
  5. Offer a win-win scenario.

How do I ask for a lower fee? ›

How to write a price negotiation letter
  1. Use a positive tone. It's important you keep a positive tone throughout your negotiation letter. ...
  2. Compliment the supplier. ...
  3. Explain your perspective. ...
  4. Request a discount. ...
  5. Set clear terms. ...
  6. Hint at an incentive. ...
  7. Choose a date for a response. ...
  8. Get to know your supplier.
Aug 8, 2022

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