Jargon makes its mark in tech sector PR
For Jargon PR’s founder and managing director Simon Corbett, success is about supporting Thames Valley businesses as well as mixing it with the PR industry’s big players on the international stage, writes Tim Wickham.
You don’t need to head to London to find a PR agency capable of handling national and global B2B campaigns for technology brands, says Corbett. In fact, you need go no further than Hook, Hampshire.
His fast-growing agency runs campaigns in the UK, US and Asia Pacific for over 40 clients, ranging from local tech companies to multinationals. “We offer a ‘shopping list’ of PR and media services,” said Corbett. “Unlike many agencies, we don’t have a minimum fee and don’t demand retainers. This attracts both small and large clients looking for a best-in-breed specialist agency.”
Creative thinking
Jargon’s work centres on media relations – “getting clients into the press and helping them with media campaigns”. The firm’s experts also help client marketing teams produce content, from press articles and blogs to social media posts, as well as writing industry award entries for them.
“We try to be as creative as possible with our ideas and content. And the team you meet when we pitch for business are the same people you’ll be working with,” said Corbett. “For me, it’s always been about delivering brilliant PR services to our clients.”
Jargon’s workforce now numbers nearly 20 and Corbett expects to continue recruiting in 2020 as the firm expands. That’s a far cry from his early one-man-band beginnings in 2009, working out of a “horrendous” serviced office in the centre of Reading after spending 10 years with large PR firms in the capital.
The £2 million annual turnover business moved to its office in a converted barn in Hook about eight years ago. It has WeWork office space in London and part-time PR specialists based in France, Germany, Spain and the US to localise PR campaigns for global clients.
Local links
Jargon’s client base in the Thames Valley is growing rapidly. “We’re just down the road from many of our clients, who know they can drop in any time for a coffee and a face-to-face discussion. After all, people do business with people,” said Corbett.
The firm invests significantly in staff training, from weekly ‘Lunch & Learn’ sessions to hosting two Bournemouth University students on placements every year. Some of these graduates are taken on full-time. “Learning and development is so important, especially in the tech sector,” said Corbett.
As well as being big on employee wellbeing, Corbett is making sure Jargon does its bit for the environment. From 2020, the firm will be offsetting air miles spent visiting clients and events by donating to tree planting initiatives. “There’s a lot more we can do, but it’s a start,” he said.
2020 goals
Jargon has three priorities for 2020. It is one of a handful of agencies now providing sponsored content to international business magazine Forbes. This offers huge global exposure; the readership of Forbes is in the tens of millions.
The firm is extending its podcast service for clients using professional-quality recording equipment, as well as advising on content that adds value for listeners. Jargon will also be helping more business owners who are thinking about selling up. “Our exit strategy methodology helps businesses boost their value by raising awareness through PR messaging and press content. This creates competitive tension in the market and increases interest from potential buyers,” said Corbett.
After hitting 30% revenue growth in 2019, Jargon plans more of the same in 2020. “We punch above our weight in the PR industry, where we’re expecting to be named a top 20 UK agency by PR Week. And what I enjoy most is helping our clients achieve similar levels of success in their sectors,” said Corbett.
For more information call Corbett and the team at Jargon PR or email Corbett:
0118 9739370
