York-based public relations agency Partners PR has a reason to celebrate this month, as one of its directors marks 25 years at the company.
Karen Tinkler joined Partners PR, which was founded in 1988, as an account executive in 1999, before being promoted to account manager, and then account director.
In 2006, Karen bought the business in a management buyout alongside fellow director, Monica Green. Now, the agency has a seven-strong team specialising in business-to-business PR support for manufacturing, food processing, building, construction and professional services companies across the UK and beyond.
Reflecting on 25 years at Partners PR, Karen said it has been “quite a journey.”
“There’s a certain pressure that comes with buying an already successful business, and we’ve seen some interesting times over the last two and a half decades,” she said.
“One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about my time so far at Partners PR has been the number of incredible people I’ve met, worked with, and alongside. I’ve learned so much.
“We’ve survived a recession, successfully led the business through a global pandemic and, while it hasn’t always been easy, I would make the same decision again in a heartbeat.”
Alongside her work at Partners, Karen has chaired the International Public Relations Team, a network of independent PR consultants from around the globe.
She has also held a volunteer board director role with York Professionals, supported startup businesses as a mentor, volunteered on the committee responsible for running the annual Northern Lights family law conference, and sat on the development board at Yorkshire children’s hospice, Martin House.
She added: “The world of PR has changed so much, and continues to do so. This keeps things interesting for me, and I love helping businesses navigate those changes and embrace communication to support their continued growth, attract talent, and build value.”
