Small businesses currently engaging freelancers or PR firms on monthly retainers may find it tough going in 2009. However, even with the recession looming large on the horizon there are new opportunities arising for SMEs.
Public relations and digital strategy outfit, tion London, has made sense of the economic downturn and launched Funktion, a no-frills think tank that provides creative services for small and medium sized businesses, as opposed to media relations.
Siobhan Kindness, creative partner at tion London and founder of Funktion, comments: "In times of recession there are companies out there that don't have the budget for a monthly retainer, but still require PR support. By providing one off or bulk buy creative solutions, Funktion affords these companies the luxury of having access to an Experienced agency. While media relations isn't part of the deal, we are offering a range of bespoke services, from press releases right through to thoroughly researched proposals, allowing clients to budget more precisely."
A PR agency not offering media relations might sound like a contradiction in terms, However, Funktion's solutions do make sense. Clients don't have to worry about going over their monthly budget, as costs are clear from the outset and communication with the agency is streamlined. Moreover, with companies retaining control over media contact, there is continuity, even in a climate where budgets are bound to be in flux.
Siobhan Kindness comments: "Clearly some businesses don't know what lies ahead in 2009 and having to deal with contractual issues due to lack of budget halfway down the line can create problems. However, at Funktion, there are no strings attached, and being able to source affordable creative assistance from a knowledgeable PR team on a one-off basis will even the scales for SMEs feeling the pinch in the credit crunch."
Described in a recent interview with Travelosophy*, as conceptual in its thinking and avant garde, Funktion's team also offers a range of digital strategies from fully integrated websites with ecommerce to e-newsletters and all encompassing web marketing solutions.
Eoin Dowling, managing director of Candy Content and previously Director of Red Circle, a mobile entertainment company which sold for €24.4m in 2007, comments: "There are no million-dollar questions with Funktion; they are straight talking, ethical experts with a global perspective. Any boutique agency that can prioritise and time a campaign across the UK, Ireland, Australia and the US, and ensure an international profile for the brand is switched on."
Funktion is available on Facebook® - the social networking platform chosen for its no frills appeal. The agency is offering SMEs a 30% recession-proof discount on selected PR solutions purchased before 30 June 2009. Prospective clients joining the Funktion Facebook ® page will also be entitled to a 50% discount for the same services within that period.
