Chartered Institute of Public Relations backs government's £30m Growth Vouchers scheme
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has today revealed it is working in partnership with the Enterprise Nation Marketplace, a research project that forms part of the government's £30m Growth Vouchers programme.
Created to test how to help small business grow through advice, CIPR members can register on the Marketplace as business advice suppliers offering their expert guidance and support on public relations, marketing, and attracting and keeping customers, as well as advice on how they can make the most of digital and social technologies.
The Growth Vouchers programme, announced as part of the 2013 budget, was initially rolled out in January 2014, and will distribute vouchers to around 20,000 small businesses in England, focussing on small businesses who have never sought business advice before.
Stephen Waddington MCIPR, CIPR president said: “Public relations has a critical role in supporting the growth of early stage businesses through traditional and social forms of media, and other forms of stakeholder engagement.
“The Growth Voucher programme is a great opportunity for UK businesses to connect with credible and accountable public relations professionals through the CIPR. It is also an excellent opportunity for CIPR freelance and agency members to attract new clients.”
Alongside the CIPR, other professional bodies recognised on the criteria for growth voucher advisors include the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Chartered Institute for IT, Chartered Institute of Marketing, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.