Ilkley-based consultancy Approach PR showed that regional PR is as key to business success as big brand campaigns at an awards ceremony.

This six-strong team was pitched against national household brand Marks and Spencer to win gold for Regional Campaign of the Year at the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Pride Awards at the Queens Hotel on November 28.

The campaign for Rising Stars, a programme jointly delivered by Bradford Council and the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, encouraged people to become self-employed, and assists new and established businesses to increase investment, support growth and develop competitiveness, all with the goal of creating more sustainable employment in the district.

Suzanne Johns of Approach PR, said: “I am incredibly proud of our team as we continue to deliver some of the best public relations in the region.”

CIPR president, Sue Wolstenholme, said the exceptional quality of entries this year was a real testament to the thriving industry in the region.