Small Business Awards 2020

Founded in 2006, EMPRA started out as an exclusively education marketing and PR company, working with schools, colleges and universities both in the state and independent sectors. In recent years, EMPRA has worked with clients in other industries including; health, defence and commercial services. Recently, we caught up with the founder of EMPRA, Ruth Sparkes, to learn more about her dedication and strive for excellence in the field. Best Institutional PR & Marketing Agency – UK Ruth Sparkes started EMPRA after years of experience working for a number of educational institutions that had found themselves in difficulty - whether a failed Ofsted, institutional fraud, financial collapse, illegal activity, inappropriate behaviour of stakeholders or institutions who had found themselves the centre of unwarranted breaking news and under media siege. Since its inception , EMPRA has worked with a number of clients who have suffered reputational damage from all sorts of crises and issues, developing and implementing marketing strategies, as well as clients who require branding, design, websites, strategic communications activities, Public Relations, publicity, media coverage, advertising and crises management. With core objectives of providing great service, quality work and expertise, Ruth begins by telling us more about how EMPRA values its clientele, as well as what sets it apart from competitors in the industry. “Communication is always key,” she begins. “It’s important to agree key objectives, deliverables and outcomes at the outset and keep clients appraised of progress and developments along the way. Additionally, I think not overselling what’s possible and carefully managing expectations is also important. “Each client is different, as is each project so it’s important to create processes that fit with the client’s business. “I think, also our track record is important, when we are approached by a potential client they normally want to know what we do, who we’ve done it for and real life examples.” The dedicated and experienced team at EMPRA all have specialisms in specific areas which helps to ensure that the firm can offer services in many different areas to a varied range of clients. The hard work that is put in by all is certainly a huge contributing factor in its success, as Ruth explains: “We work remotely from each other (even before Covid) and EMPRA folk have lots of autonomy. So to work with us, you have to be a self-starter, be an expert in a particular field, have a great track-record and be really up-to-speed with technology. We work all sorts of hours - it’s definitely not a 9-5 job!” Regarding the future of the firm, Ruth is candid in her predictions and it is clear to see that continuing to maintain a steadfast reputation is of paramount importance. “I don’t know what the future holds, especially in 2021. Growth would be welcome, but not at any cost. We have secured a few new clients even in this difficult climate, but we’re not going to overstretch ourselves - providing quality work to our clients is where our focus lies.” Contact: Ruth Sparkes Company: EMPRA ltd Web Address: empra.co.uk Oct20308