Margaret Tarpey and Concept PR
What is your business? Concept PR. We are ‘what it says on the tin’ – a public relations consultancy. We manage clients PR and marketing campaigns this includes creative events such as corporate dinners, conferences, exhibitions, and on street events for thousands of people.
Why did you start it?
I started the business 15 years ago. I had worked in the advertising and marketing sector for more years than I would care to admit to here and I knew I had the knowledge and expertise to make a success of the business. When I worked in-house as ‘the client’ I had been disappointed at the level of service we received from our public relations consultants – and I am talking top London agencies here. So I decided that I would offer a highly creative service and ensure every client received a significant return on their investment. This philosophy continues to this day and is the reason we are successful.
What did you do before it?
I began my career in local newspapers, and then worked in advertising agencies. Every job I had I loved and through each position I gained experience of the creative industry. I eventually went to work in retail, promoting department stores. My last position before starting the business was as Marketing Manger for Owen Owen and Lewis’s when their head office was in Liverpool and when they had 20 department stores throughout the UK.
What makes our business unique?
We are a team of highly skilled people who are quick to react and ready to maximise every opportunity for our clients. The size of the client’s fee does not influence the service they receive. We have national blue chip companies and one man businesses on our client list and each and every one of them is important to us. Most of them have been with us for years. We never become complacent and are always pro-active on client’s behalf.
What are our plans to make the most of Capital of Culture?
We are having a ball attending the Capital of Culture events. When 08 businessconnect club has alerted members to the events we have applied for tickets and generally been fortunate enough to get them. We have been to so many incredible events – I think the City should be very proud of how the year has gone so far. We have used every opportunity to network with other businesses while at the social events and have picked up contacts along the way. As a business we are corporate sponsors of the Everyman/Playhouse and this has given us the opportunity to host and entertain clients plus the consultancy team gets to see all the productions!
Any tips?
However busy you are make time to consistently promote your business. The more you do the better your performance and profit will be. When times are tight be glad – it means there are opportunities out there!
I am renowned for quoting! But I think these are relevant;
- In adverse markets, only the above average will prosper – the average and below average will generally fail – which has the affect of raising the average.
- Advertising is what you say about yourself – public relations is what others say about you and therefore it is a very powerful marketing tool!
