In, out or shake it all about?

As a PR agency the debate over running an internal comms department versus outsourcing is of perennial interest. Of course finding those companies that would benefit from external experience and helping meet their business goals is our central raison d'etre.

However, outside of the boardroom the reasons for making the choice is rarely laid out clearly. For internal PR departments, outsourcing, for obvious reasons, is the unmentionable. Indeed, internal PROs simply quail in terror at the word. On the other hand consultancies often get too caught up in their own sales pitch, preferring to blitz you with benefits than present both sides of the argument.

But I'm speaking from a consultancy you exclaim! Indeed I am. However, impartiality dictates the publication of these words. So, if you're reading this, you may stop worrying about me polluting your mind and examine the real arguments.

Let's start with communications consultancies. There are a number of core reasons that may lead to the selection of a consultancy to cover your PR needs. These stem from the experience gained by working in a multi-discipline, multi-industry environment.