BPRA gets reinforcement from French-speaking Switzerland
At its fall general meeting on October 29, the Swiss Association of Public Relations Agencies (BPRA) admitted Voxia Communication, a public relations agency with offices in Geneva, Zurich, and Lugano, as a new member.
Voxia Communication was created in 2013 from the merger of European Investor Relations and the long-established Geneva-based agency Rochat & Partners. Laurent Ashenden, Founding Partner of Voxia: "For Voxia, BPRA membership is a logical choice, based on our strong development in the three main parts of Switzerland." At the same meeting, FTC Communications, an agency operating in Lausanne and Geneva, was also admitted as an observer member. François Huguenet, Directeur associé of FTC Communication: "The Swiss communications market needs more clarity and we are convinced that the BPRA is an important structuring player in it. As an independent agency focused on French-speaking Switzerland, we look forward to our observer status with the BPRA and to making our contribution."
Majority of agencies satisfied with 2015 financial year
BPRA member agencies are confident about the 2015 fiscal year as it draws to a close: 67 percent of agencies believe their fee income in 2015 will be the same or higher than in 2014. In the fall survey presented at the meeting, 58 percent of members also reported a slight or significant improvement in profitability compared to the previous year. Agencies, on the other hand, are concerned about recruiting experienced consultants: As in previous years, the lack of practical experience of many applicants is criticized. Not least for this reason, the majority of agencies are planning to offer various internships again in 2016. These internships will last between one month and one year and will be remunerated with a salary of between CHF 1,000 and CHF 3,000 per month.
