JIM DEVLIN

ACTIVITY Business was good in 2021. We had good levels of activity with our existing clients and a respectable flow of new business. I think during 2021 most clients had accommodated to Covid restrictions and decided to progress their plans in the face of this reality.

PR OBJECTIVES The strategy bit is the foundation, and really determines the alignment and quality of subsequent PR activity and media relations. It needs to go to the heart of what the client is about and what they need to achieve from their communications and PR function. Clients understand this, and they are usually very supportive of working on their strategy, where they sit in their overall market, what they are trying to achieve, who they want to speak to and what they want to say.

EVENTS Virtual events will continue, in our view, but maybe with a better mix with in-person events. The various web platforms have become much more robust, and we are all more familiar with their operation and how to run effective online events.

OUTLOOK Most clients value their communications function and recognise its importance in the functioning of their business and within their overall strategy. I would see investment in this area probably increasing somewhat.