Pictured above: Sarah Thompson meeting David Beckham in Milan earlier this year.

Shropshire based PR agency, STC-PR is celebrating its eighth birthday in style this month having had a successful year despite the recession and winning more new clients than at any time in its history.

The PR and communications provider, which has offices in Telford, Solihull and Dudley, is headed up by journalist and PR specialist Sarah Thompson, and boasts clients across the country in a number of business sectors including leisure, tourism, food, manufacturing, sport, service providers, retail and charity.

PR companies have faced a torrid time due to the global recession but STC-PR has so far weathered the storm by remaining true to its roots and concentrating exclusively on delivering the type of media attention and coverage that increases client sales, raises their profile and ultimately improves their bottom line.

Over the 8 years since the company began it has worked as an integral part of many of its client's businesses, organising and managing every aspect of their communication mix.

The company has also proved that it can successfully handle global brands including work with Volvo Cars, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, cosmetics giant, Elizabeth Arden and one of the world's leading consultancies, Capgemini. The company is currently overseeing work for a leading commercial partner of Manchester United Football Club, which has enabled business owner Sarah Thompson to work amongst some of the most famous footballers in the world.

Speaking about the last two years Sarah said, "There is no doubt about it, the last 12 to 18 months have been a rollercoaster where we have expected the recession to take hold at any point but the reality has been that we have enjoyed excellent business growth and most importantly, raised our profile to win exciting new clients".

She continued, "Never one to rest on our laurels and as we head into our 9th year we have a number of exciting plans for the future and hope to be one of the first names that companies are looking to work with".

Sarah Thompson is owner of STC-PR, a specialist PR and communications consultancy based in the Midlands. She has over 20 year's industry experience working for a range of companies from boutique brands to major blue chip companies.