Top 10 Best PR Agencies in the UK

PR leans on offline channels like real-life events and relationships with the press, emphasising the importance of networking. Online PR thrives through blogs, websites and social media, encouraging interactivity with the audience through comments, likes and shares. Traditional PR has fallen by the wayside in recent years thanks, in part, to the rise of online and digital services.

However, there’s longevity in PR because it’s memorable — traditional PR can consequently have a longer lifespan than online PR, which can get buried in the fast-paced digital environment.

Let’s explore 10 top PR agencies that have mastered the blend of experience and modern tactics that fuel impactful PR in today’s ever-evolving landscape, which calls for more long-lasting PR.

1. Reboot Online

Reboot Online was built on technical prowess and daring experimentation when SEO and Digital PR was still in its infancy in 2006. Since then, the dynamic company has developed to become of of the top Digital PR Agncy with some of the best known PR processes of all the PR agencies in the UK  — and an in-house team to match.

What they specialise in

Reboot Online specialises in SEO, content, digital PR, and traditional PR services.

Services they offer

What makes them different

One thing that puts Reboot Online among the UK’s best PR agencies is its unwavering commitment to the art of SEO experimentation . Reboot Online has conducted several scientific and data-driven experiments that have tested and challenged the industry, shared by some of the biggest names in SEO.

One of the company’s notable experiments involved a controlled test to see how the rankings of AI-generated content compare to human-written content named “ AI Vs Humans - The SEO Content Experiment ”.

Notable clients they’ve worked with

2. Edelman

Emanating from its inception in the 1950s, Edelman stands today as a worldwide PR powerhouse, its influence spanning the globe with a formidable presence in the UK.

Edelman has mastered melding its worldwide influence with the UK PR companies market, even using Taco Bell to bring Big Ben back to life. Unifying the Mexican-inspired restaurant chain with the iconic London landmark is a delicious example of successful PR and offline marketing methods.

What they specialise in

Among the top UK PR companies, Edelman specialises in global communication with capabilities ranging from business marketing to start-up development.

Services they offer

Some of the services by Edelman include:

What makes them different

In the realm of top PR agencies, Edelman’s vision concerning AI emerges as a distinctive force. It doesn’t merely offer an AI service; it enlightens clients about transformative tools like AI, guiding them to use the tools practically to support the business from the ground up.

Looping back to Taco Bell, Edelman successfully used ChatGPT to generate an authentic review included in a relaunch press release for the comeback of a Taco Bell cult classic, leading to an impressive 15.8 million-plus impressions.

Notable clients they’ve worked with

3. FleishmanHillard

Mirroring the spirit of Edelman, FleishmanHillard stands tall as a global powerhouse with offices in the UK. This PR agency doesn’t merely tread the traditional path. At its heart lies an unyielding emphasis on big thinking and boundless creativity in cultivating its business strategy.

What they specialise in

FleishmanHillard’s core capabilities range from B2B communications, brand marketing and design to media training and social and digital services.

Services they offer

Some of the services by FleishmanHillard include:

What makes them different

FleishmanHillard is on a mission to dispense its “deep experience” across pivotal domains such as climate and sustainability. The company has many units of expertise that help clients understand these topics and how to convert the knowledge into tangible actions.

The company also offers a wide range of insight on pivotal topics through its news and opinions, including more climate and sustainability commentary like whether today’s consumer is still prioritising sustainability in their purchasing decisions, showcasing their commitment to thinking about the bigger picture.  

Notable clients they’ve worked with

4. Weber Shandwick

Nestled in the heart of London, Weber Shandwick UK and Ireland is a multi-award winning PR agency. Embracing the timeless qualities of PR, Weber Shandwick focuses on developing long-term and tangible value for clients.  

What they specialise in

Weber Shandwick specialises in all aspects of marketing, from culture marketing to public affairs, advertising and market research.

Services they offer

Some of the services by Weber Shandwick include:

What makes them different

Weber Shandwick’s commitment to standing up for what they believe in and striving to make a meaningful impact is backed by the work they’ve carried out. Work like “Unmute”, where Weber Shandwick partnered with Unilever to bring attention to the rise in domestic violence cases during lockdown, making 13.3 million impressions in five weeks.

Notable clients they’ve worked with

5. M&C Saatchi PR

Another international company and one of the top UK PR companies is M&C Saatchi. Headquartered in London, M&C Saatchi’s operations span 23 countries with hubs in the UK, the Middle East and Australia. This PR agency promotes the importance of data and technology in its strategy.

What they specialise in

M&C Saatchi is a multi-disciplinary UK PR agency, offering expertise from demand creation to multi-channel creative communications and performance media.

Services they offer

What makes them different

M&C Saatchi collaborates with others to give back to communities. Whether it’s establishing a “Saturday School” for fledgling businesses or helping black business entrepreneurs unlock their potential with mentoring from industry professionals.

Notable clients they’ve worked with

6. Golin

Fascinatingly, Golin embraces the powerful motto “Go All In”, a mantra that finds its embodiment in the very name of its visionary founder, Al Golin. With a commitment to both traditional PR and online services, Golin champions working truthfully, creatively and inclusively, providing effective solutions for major brands.

What they specialise in

Golin has a variety of specialities within key practice groups like Healthcare, Social Impact, and Inclusion and Technology.

Services they offer

Some of the services offered by Golin include:

What makes them different

Originality. Golin breaks into this list of the best PR agencies UK thanks to the original work and ideas they carry out. Successful ideas include a game of “Tag” that inspires gamers to play outside and remixing a Kylie classic with South Korean dance music icon Peggy Gou to build fandom and cultural relevance for Magnum.

Notable clients they’ve worked with

7. Ketchum

London-based Ketchum has helped brands and businesses recognise what audiences think in our ever-changing culture to create work with purpose. They are also award-winning, having won PRWeek’s Best Places to Work in 2022.

What they specialise in

Ketchum specialises in bringing big-agency-energy but with a boutique feel — promising regular contact, agility and passion for all projects.

Services they offer

Ketchum offers many types of services, some of which include:

What makes them different

Ketchum seems to have the capability of recognising and playing to the connection between the audience and the work they carry out. Regularly bringing audiences together through immersive offline experiences. A prime example of this is their partnership with Activia and Dr. Zoe Williams to demystify gut health through their “What the Gut” Museum.

Notable clients they’ve worked with

8. Red Consultancy

Red Consultancy emerges as a strategic communication powerhouse based in London, seamlessly fusing candour with creativity. Their modus operandi is out of the ordinary, catches the eye, and is designed to generate a measurable shift in the audience.

What they specialise in

Offering services that create large-scale and impactful campaigns.

Services they offer

A range of services are offered by Red Consultancy, some of which are:

What makes them different

Campaigns that seize attention! Whether it’s transforming lighthouses into multi-media canvasses or playing a part in creating the first-ever online Breast Check-Out for Avon in support of breast cancer awareness.

Notable clients they’ve worked with

9. Taylor Herring

Taylor Herring is an award-winning creative agency that, like Red Consultancy, proudly calls their campaigns creatively driven and eye-catching. Solid outcomes are delivered to clients through a means of smart thinking and innovation at this PR agency.

What they specialise in

Creative eye-catching campaigns that are capable of generating headlines, making an impact and inspiring audiences.

Services they offer

Taylor Herring’s main service includes delivering long-running PR programmes and high-impact launch moments for brands, alongside:

What makes them different

Taylor Herring has an energetic approach (even Alan Sugar says so!) to traditional PR and online PR, injecting life into long-standing partners with daring and fun concepts. Their Greggs Concierge Card Service is a prime example.

The concierge service gave cardholders special pastry privileges and the concept was catapulted across social media thanks to Stormzy unboxing the surprise gift, broadcasting to over three million of his followers.

Notable clients they’ve worked with

10. Grayling

Grayling is another global force to be reckoned with, with offices across the UK and Ireland. This PR team offers an international perspective, on-the-ground experience, and a large dose of creativity.

What they specialise in

Grayling specialises in PR problem-solving for sectors ranging from FMCG to personal finance. The company has consistently met challenges, from launching a new train operator during a pandemic to persuading the government to prioritise the psychological impact of cancer.

Services they offer

Some of the services offered by Grayling include:

What makes them different

One of the key factors that puts Grayling ahead of other top PR agencies in the UK is its long-term approach to projects. Clients frequently praise Grayling for their commitment to strategy and their long-term support  —  perhaps reflected best in their 15-year-plus partnership with Emirates.

Notable clients they’ve worked with

How to Select the Best PR Agency

Navigating the landscape of top PR agencies to find the right fit for you requires a considered approach that balances expertise, transparency and cost with your goals. Consider the following three points:

Price-Experience Analysis

When selecting the right PR agency, adopt a holistic approach to price and experience. Evaluate PR agencies that offer competitive pricing and a proven track record in the industry.

Prioritise UK PR agencies that can showcase real client case studies demonstrating their ability to deliver tangible results over time. A slightly higher investment in an agency with a strong history of success can often yield better long-term outcomes.

Transparency and Skill Alignment

Transparency is key to the selection process. Look for UK PR agencies that openly discuss their strategies, methodologies, and reporting practices. A reliable agency will be forthcoming about the potential challenges ahead and how they intend to address them.

Focus on agencies whose skill sets align with your needs. Consider their expertise in your niche, the quality of their media relationships, and their proficiency in crafting compelling work that resonates with your target audience.

Detailed Quote Evaluation

The detail of the PR agencies' quotes can reflect their professionalism and commitment to your project. Scrutinise the breakdown of costs provided. A reputable agency will offer a comprehensive overview that outlines their services, intentions and deliverables referenced in their proposed package.

This level of detail reflects their understanding of your requirements and dedication to meeting them. Approach quotes that are vague or lack clarity with caution, as they may lead to misunderstandings and unmet expectations.

Things to Avoid in a PR Agency

Steering clear of pitfalls is parament when considering a PR agency, here are three things to look out for:

Limited Experience and Negative Reviews

Avoid PR agencies with limited experience or consistently negative reviews. A business's portfolio and online reputation are strong indicators of an agency’s capabilities. Choosing an agency with low industry experience or poor client feedback could lead to subpar work carried out, missed opportunities, and a potential waste of resources.

Opt for best PR agencies with a solid track record and positive client testimonials to ensure your traditional PR efforts are in capable hands.

Underpricing and Brand Neglect

Approach UK PR agencies offering unrealistically low prices with caution — they might compromise the time and effort required to build your PR efforts. Avoid the allure of cheap solutions that could result in cookie-cutter approaches, shallow media relationships, and minimal brand development.

A PR agency willing to invest in your brand’s growth is more likely to yield substantial and sustainable results.

Skimming on Detailed Briefs

Beware of PR agencies that overlook the importance of a detailed brief. Avoid those who rush into work without thoroughly understanding your brand, target audience, and objectives. A lack of a comprehensive brief can lead to ineffective strategies and misaligned messaging, undermining the success of your PR efforts.

FAQs


How much does a top PR agency typically cost?

The cost of hiring top PR agencies in the UK varies depending on factors such as agency reputation, scope of services, and work complexity. Generally, monthly retainers can start from  £ 2,000 to £5,000, while more comprehensive strategies or big-name agencies may hit the £20,000 mark .

Customised packages and negotiated rates are common, highlighting the importance of aligning costs with your company’s goals and expectations.

What skills are essential in a professional PR agency?

Ideally, a great PR agency will offer clear communication, strong media relationships, strategic thinking and adaptability. Proficiency in crafting compelling work, a deep understanding of the media landscape, and the ability to seamlessly integrate offline and online media channels are indispensable skills too.

How long will it take to see results in PR?

The timeline for tangible results from PR efforts can vary based on factors like your company’s goals, industry dynamics, and audience reception. Generally, initial traction might be noticeable within a few months.

However, achieving significant brand transformation and widespread recognition may take six months to one year of consistent strategic PR activities, highlighting the need for a focused, long-term approach and a large helping of patience.

What’s the difference between traditional public relations and online public relations?

The differences between traditional PR and online PR mainly lie in the channels and methods used to communicate messages and build relationships with the target audience. Traditional PR usually relies on offline channels such as printed publications, television, and radio, while online PR focuses on platforms such as websites, social media, and influencer campaigns.

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