For almost 40 years, Partners PR has worked with manufacturers across the UK and beyond, helping them build and maintain visibility among the right people. Our very first client back in 1988 was a Midlands-based UPVC window profile manufacturer and, over the three decades since, we’ve worked with companies behind the manufacture of every window component you can think of, as well as manufacturing and engineering clients making everything from industrial lubricants to global steel processing equipment.
We’re looking forward to exhibiting at the Made in Yorkshire Expo next month. As part of the Exhibitor spotlight series, Partners director Karen Tinkler spoke to Sam Sleight about what sets Partners apart, and what’s new and exciting in the world of PR.
1. In one sentence – what does Partners PR do best?
We help manufacturing companies use PR to support business growth; attract the right talent; communicate their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities and commitments; build value ahead of an exit or sale; and prepare for – and communicate well in - a crisis.
2. What’s the driving mission or purpose behind Partners PR right now?
We believe that communication is powerful. Used well, it helps businesses stand out to the right people – as well as the things I’ve already mentioned. PR can be seen as ‘fluffy’ or ‘nice to have’. But it’s not. It’s a mighty business tool, and our mission is to help as many SMEs as we can to use communication effectively in their businesses and enjoy the benefits and value that will bring. 
3. What’s been the biggest milestone in the past 12 months?
Two of our team have celebrated their 25th anniversaries with Partners in the last 12 months. Karen Tinkler – one of the agency’s two owners – and Hannah Trinder, account director and people champion. We’re very proud of this, because it reflects the culture we’ve built in the business, where people – both employees and clients – come to work with us, and stay for a long time.
From a business point of view, we’ve broadened work with rail sector manufacturers over the last 12 months, where we’re getting a reputation as the go-to PR agency for companies involved in product manufacture and the development of the UK railway infrastructure.
4. Any exciting developments on the horizon?
AI optimisation (also known as GEO – Generative Engine Optimisation) is the next big thing in PR for helping businesses appear in AI searches for information, products and suppliers. We had an interesting experience recently, where a company ran a Google search for a PR agency, which gave them 30+ results. The same search on Chat GPT gave them just three companies to choose from. People are increasingly shortcutting Google and using AI to find information, fast. And research shows that AI searches use media coverage, forums, and company websites to find the information they feed back in search results. This makes it important for manufacturing businesses to be visible in relevant online news sites and media outlets, as well as making sure their own website content is accurate and up to date.
5. Something surprising or little-known about us…
We don’t just help businesses around the UK. We’re also part of the International PR Team network of trusted global PR practitioners operating across six continents. This means we can help manufacturing businesses add PR weight to their export strategies.
Come and meet us at the Made in Yorkshire Expo 2025. We’ll be on stand MIY163. There'll be fun and games on the stand, and we'll be very happy to chat about how PR can help support your business ambitions and boost your brand visibility - particularly in an increasingly AI-influenced world.