CASE STUDIES

• AG Design
• Altcom Ltd
• Artonomy
• Black Cat Public Relations
• Business Cornwall
• Channel Computing
• Corporate Toolkit Ltd
• D'Silva Editions
• Dodo Pad
• Go24
• Headworx
• InfoTeam
• IntoArt Solutions LLP
• i-webmarketing
• Leap Media
• Lowdon Graphic Design
• New Business Matters
• Noel Akers
• Rebus Collective
• Richard Quick Design
• Seed Brand Communications
• sixixis

REPORTS

ICT and Media

Overview
Black Cat Public Relations Ltd was formed in 2006 by Tim
Bowcock, who grew up in Cornwall and spent more than
10 years in PR and journalism. Tim started his career at
Cornwall's independent local radio station Pirate FM and BBC
Radio Cornwall before working around the country as a BBC
producer and TV researcher.
Having gained an insider's perspective of how the media
works, Tim took up the post of Public Relations Officer for
First Great Western, based in Swindon, before successful franchise
bids led to a vastly expanded responsibility in the role
of communications manager. With a portfolio covering media
relations, internal communications, event management and
public affairs, Tim began considering how he could take his
expertise back home.
"The media has been a huge part of my life and as I began
considering making a move back to Cornwall, my research revealed that there was a real niche in the market place. Firstly,
many businesses have yet to exploit the benefits that PR can
bring, while the county's larger companies have traditionally
looked outside the county for Public Relations support.
Running my own business had always been appealing and
having identified the potential for a media relations business
in Cornwall it became a hugely exciting prospect that I really
wanted to make work".
Tim decided to set up Black Cat Public Relations with his wife
Sherryl. They have moved to Mitchell just outside Truro and
his first few months have been busier than they could have
imagined. Tim explains: "There's no doubt that starting up a
business is extremely hard work, but we're already trading
ahead of target and I have been hugely encouraged by the
positive response we have received in the county. "
The niche in the market place is just one of the many reasons
the Bowcocks made the move. As well Tim's Cornish heritage,
the beautiful landscape and fantastic lifestyle made relocating
much more appealing.
"We were expecting our second child so particularly wanted
to move here to benefit from schooling and a community feel
which is a world apart from that found in many urban areas.
Our quality of life here is second to none. The success of the
business depends principally on what we do, not where we
are. And because we can achieve great results from anywhere,
being able to work in such a wonderful location really
is a bonus."

Workforce
As well as Tim events management background, Sherryl also
has a background in pharmaceutical events, offering clients a
wider range of additional expertise. Tim said: "As the business
has taken off so quickly we are currently looking to recruit a
part-time member of staff. We have been really encouraged
by the number of potential applicants who have the skills we
require."

Clients
Black Cat Public Relations' client roster is varied and growing.
It includes London-based Journey Solutions, an integrated
public transport provider, as well as local success stories
such as Bott UK and The Electronic Waste Company. In
order to demonstrate the company's confidence in its work,
Black Cat operates a "no coverage, no fee" principle. Tim
commented: "This is a unique and highly effective USP, and
offers a risk-free way for companies to harness the power of
PR.
"It provides the client with peace of mind that we are working
hard to increase their profile while also demonstrating the
benefits media relations brings."

Support
Black Cat Public Relations received the actnow broadband
rebate while Cornwall Pure Business has assisted the business
with information on recruitment and advice on business
demand. The business has benefited considerably from taking
an active part in the many Cornish business networks. "I have
joined the BNI which is an excellent network for business
referrals and also have attended Business League and Chambers
of Commerce meetings. The networking events are very
popular and have already resulted in new business. Access to
such networks has been invaluable, and highly recommended
to relocating companies".