PR consultancy wins construction client and strengthens team

South West PR consultancy Distinctive Communications has added a new construction client to its books.

Family-owned construction company Beard has appointed Distinctive on a retained basis to deliver an integrated PR campaign supporting its five regional offices across the South West, Hampshire and Surrey.

Specialising in supporting clients in place-making and the built environment, Distinctive will work with Beard’s directors and marketing colleagues to deliver strategic communications activity.

It comes as Beard, whose head office is in Swindon, embarks on a programme of continued growth which saw the 350-employee business post turnover of £179m in 2023 and is on track for a record year in 2024.

Distinctive’s founder and director Ben Lowndes said: “Through our work in Bristol and across the South West, it’s been clear to me for a long time that Beard is delivering impressive results during what has been a challenging period for the construction industry.

“We’ve enjoyed getting to understand the business and look forward to helping them build on their strong market presence to help them grow the business and attract the best people.”

Melissa Barber, head of people and communications for Beard, said: “Distinctive impressed us with their understanding of the construction industry and strong local connections, both within the sector and in the media.

“Their track record supporting clients in the built environment speaks for itself and we’re confident that they’ll do a great job in enhancing our brand, helping us to communicate effectively and tell our story.”

Distinctive has also welcomed content writer Katie Witcombe into the team to support its campaign work for the company’s built environment and purposeful clients.

This year, Distinctive has also been commissioned to work with other clients in the place-making space, including managing communications for the launch of the new Hotel Gotham by Bespoke Hotels in Bristol’s former Guildhall.

It is also delivering consultation and stakeholder engagement work for Mendip Hills National Landscape Partnership.