A Chat With: Simon Groves at PRG Marketing Communications

By Donna Fielder and Sarah Cronk

Every month, we speak to people working in digital in and around Eastbourne. This month we caught up with Simon Groves from PRG to find out more about him and his company.

Tell us about your company?

PRG is a second-generation family business that was started by Simon's father, Ray Groves, 41 years ago. Ray was a journalist, working up in London, who could often be found writing press releases in his notepad on his daily commute. Realising his strength in PR, he one day decided to take the plunge and set up PRG.

Over the years, the business offering has grown from purely PR to full-service marketing, with graphic design, web design and digital marketing incorporated under that umbrella.

Its office today is based in Eastbourne town centre with a team of nine handling the full marketing mix in-house. They also work with a network of freelancers when additional support or specialist skills like photography are required.

PRG has "a real pedigree and strength" in their PR offering, which really sets them apart from their competitors.

The name PRG has one of two meanings: "PR Groves" or "Publicity Ray Groves" - something Ray himself could never really decide upon. Either way, it works! Today, Ray remains Chairman of the business but no longer has a day-to-day hand in the running of the company, although you may occasionally see him at an event stand.

PRG is truly a family business - not only is there the father and son connection, but Simon met his wife Jo at PRG 17 years ago too. They also appreciate that everyone in the team has their own families as well, so Simon ensures there is flexibility for people to never miss a parents’ evening, or watching their child swim, or other important events.

Tell us about your clients?

PRG works with a broad mix of clients. Typically the more national companies, which make up about 60% of PRG's business, give them free rein to handle all of their marketing with a retainer budget in place. Other regional or smaller companies may just need a website, brochure, or social media campaign as an ad hoc project.

Most of PRG's clients are B2B; they have quite a pedigree in building services, logistics and fire and security. Their biggest client is Chubb Fire and Security, for which they handle the UK PR, marketing and design. PRG also work on specific campaigns for Chubb such as their wireless fire alarm and smoke alarm systems and their connected services package that they launched back in the summer.

PRG also works with Johnson Controls, a global technology and industrial leader. Their Building Management Systems division partnered with PRG to deliver a pan-European digital marketing campaign to strengthen its distribution channel. The microsite, paired with digital and traditional marketing methods, secured an impressive 5% conversion rate (more on this case study here).

More locally, PRG work with Go Plastic Pallets in Eastbourne; the largest distributor of plastic pallets in the country. PRG are supporting their growth trajectory at the moment and have driven Go Plastic Pallets' sustainability and recycling campaign which is starting to be recognised within the industry.

Simon is also a director of Eastbourne BID, helping to champion and publicise local initiatives including Eastbourne's first ice rink.

How much have things changed in the business in the past 18 months?

PRG already had plans in place to start upgrading their IT; the pandemic accelerated this change so everyone is working in the cloud, on laptops, and can work from home or from the office.

The nature of their business means that working in the office is better, in terms of idea sharing as well as being in the town centre.

Simon says they don't take anything for granted now, as "anything can change in a heartbeat". He finds himself perhaps a little more cautious now but also very conscious about looking after his team: the challenges faced have made PRG a stronger team.

Two new recruits have joined PRG in the past six months, an account manager and digital marketing manager, who have been keen to get stuck in and work in the office.

Any advice for people trying to start working in marketing?

Qualifications and experience will certainly help, but as well as having a good general understanding of marketing, Simon advises cultivating a specialism of some kind within marketing, such as PR, branding, or design. This will help you stand out.

If you are able to work somewhere even for a little while for a lower wage, Simon explains how gaining this experience can really help you to add value to yourself in a competitive market.

As an example, one of their recent hires, Robbie, joined PRG as a Digital Marketing Executive a few months ago. Rather than going to university, he completed an apprenticeship through Creative Process Digital after leaving Eastbourne College and then worked in digital marketing at Brufords before starting at PRG.

Why Eastbourne?

When the business started, Simon's father found it a bit of a nightmare being based in Eastbourne, especially with clients all over the country. But now, it doesn't matter where you're based thanks to online video communications.

Being in Eastbourne allows PRG to stand up against London agencies and offer a London-quality service at out-of-London prices. Operational costs are a lot lower, even compared to Brighton.

Most of the staff live in Eastbourne or the surrounding areas and can easily get into work with good parking.

That all sounds great - are there any vacancies?

Not at the moment - but check PRG's website regularly or feel free to send Simon your CV which he can keep hold of until a vacancy arises.