Bristol PR consultancy Distinctive Communications has been shortlisted for two major industry awards following a year of growth, client expansion and recognition for its workplace culture.
The specialist communications consultancy is a finalist in the long-term client care category at the national Chartered Institute of Public Relations Excellence Awards and has also been shortlisted for small to medium consultancy of the year at the South West and Wales edition of the Public Relations and Communications Association DARE Awards.
Founded in 2022 by Chartered PR practitioner Ben Lowndes, the Bristol-based agency works across sectors including property, placemaking, education, transport, charity and professional services.
The double shortlisting follows a period of growth for the consultancy, which has expanded its team from four to six people over the last year while increasing turnover by more than a third.
Speaking about the recognition, Ben Lowndes said the nominations reflected the progress the business had made in building a values-led consultancy culture.
Being shortlisted for two respected industry awards is a lovely moment for the team and comes off the back of some tremendous progress over the last year. We’ve worked hard to build a consultancy that takes client care seriously, makes a positive difference and gives people the trust and flexibility to do their best.
The PRCA DARE Awards shortlisting also reflects the company’s wider social impact and employment practices. Last year, Distinctive Communications became the smallest organisation to achieve full accreditation from the West of England Good Employment Charter.
Meanwhile, the CIPR Excellence Awards recognition highlights the agency’s long-term client work, including its involvement in the regeneration of Gloucester city centre.
The firm has advised on the £200m Kings Quarter regeneration project since 2018 and now supports The Forum, a £107m mixed-use development nearing completion in Gloucester.
According to the agency, its communications strategy has helped maintain stakeholder confidence and secure positive media coverage as the development progressed from planning to delivery.
Lowndes added:
We’re often working alongside clients through complex, long-term projects where trust, consistency and good judgement matter just as much as creativity.
A recent client survey carried out by the consultancy recorded a Net Promoter Score of 83, with almost all respondents scoring the business either nine or 10 out of 10.
Over the last year, Distinctive Communications has worked with clients, including Beard Construction, First Bus, Henley Business School and Homes England.
Winners of the PRCA DARE Awards South West and Wales will be announced on 3 June, while the CIPR Excellence Awards take place in London on 1 July.
