Bristol PR firm are the success of award night

Clifton PR firm Brandon Hill Communications was named the 'Outstanding Public Relations Consultancy' at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Awards.

More than 200 of the region's PR talent gathered to recognise the success of the best communicators in the region at the ceremony for the West of England region, held at the city centre's Marriott Hotel on Thursday.

Tom Bowden-Green, chairman of the CIPR in the West of England, said: "The PR industry has seen many challenges in the last year, but the West has continued to show great strength and creativity.

"Our agencies and in-house teams have shown we can compete on a national level and they play an important role in the economy of the region."

The evening was hosted by Evening Post deputy editor, Rob Stokes.

Bristol agencies also won big in the 24 other categories. Gold awards went to Pam Lloyd PR for 'Best use of Media Relations' and Geometry PR for 'Corporate and Business Communications'.

Rick Donaldson, Business Director at Geometry PR, said: "We are very pleased to see our hard work for clients recognised at the PR industry's most prestigious awards.

"Receiving the Gold award in the Corporate and Business Communications category is an excellent achievement given the strength of the competition."

A new alternative award for freelancers, sponsored by recruitment company Xchangeteam, was also included this year. 'Freelancer of the Year' award was won by to Sofie Boddy.

An award for 'Outstanding Contribution to the PR Industry' went to Jennifer Bryant-Pearson, founder of JBP Public Relations.