SKV only Northern agency on public sector PR framework

Manchester-based national PR agency SKV Communications has won one of six places on the Government Procurement Service's new creative solutions framework for all Government PR spend.

SKV is the only agency based in the North of England on the framework for PR and related services. Fifty nine agencies competed for a place on the PR roster.

In recent years, SKV is perhaps best known for its multi-award winning viral videos for Visit Blackpool, but its varied credentials include long-standing retainers with Swinton Insurance, Selfridges' stores outside London, and international design practice BDP, and for projects including the launch of the George Foreman Grill and the Alex Ferguson Testimonial Year.

SKV supported Lancashire County Cricket Club throughout its high-profile campaign to bring the Ashes back to Old Trafford this summer, overcoming legal challenges from Albert Gubay's Derwent along the way.

Government Procurement Service intends to streamline communications by delivering more effective, value for money campaigns. The new approach consolidates the Government's buying power, replacing nine previous frameworks with estimated savings of approximately £3m a year.

The framework award will be for a term of two years with the option to extend for a further period of two years. The procurement was conducted in line with EU regulations and provides a fully compliant procurement route for the public sector to access creative solutions.

As a framework agency, SKV is encouraged by Government Procurement Service to actively promote its position to existing and potential customers comprising Government departments and organisations across the public sector including local government, health, education, not-for-profit and devolved administrations.

Andrew Spinoza, managing director of SKV Communications, said: "At the induction briefing at Cabinet Office, Whitehall, we were left in no doubt that Government communicators held the PR sector in Manchester and the North of England in high regard, and we are proud to be representing the Northern PR sector on the roster for large projects throughout the UK."