York PR and communications agency Partners PR is celebrating as director Karen Tinkler marks 20 years with the company.

Karen joined Partners in 1999 as an account executive, before being promoted to account manager and account director and subsequently buying the business in 2006. During her time with the firm she has worked on projects ranging from Viking invasions to window hardware launches and global business acquisitions to grass roots charity campaigns.

Talking of the anniversary, Karen says, “It’s amazing to think 20 years has gone by since I joined Partners. So much has changed, both in my role here and in the PR industry over the last two decades, which means it’s stayed an exciting industry to work in.”
 
In 2006 Karen was part of a management buyout team with colleagues Monica Green and Jayne Davies. Together, they took over The Partners Group from founder Hugh Venables and went about building on the firm’s already strong reputation in the city and beyond.  

Karen says, “A good relationship with Hugh paved the way for a smooth buyout, but there was a big mindset shift to make from employee to employer. I also felt the pressure of buying an already successful business and making sure it stayed successful!

“What I quickly learned was that I had to put my own stamp on the business and not just carry on doing things just because that’s the way they had always been done.”  

Karen spearheaded the company’s international work and is now chair of the International Public Relations Team, a network of independent PR consultants from around the globe delivering international publicity campaigns for SMEs. She is also vice-chair of York Professionals and works with charities including MySight in York, where she is supporting the team to develop a publicity strategy.  

Partners recruited two new members to the team earlier this year. The other team members have been with the company from three to 23 years, including Team PA Anneliese Marshall, who is celebrating her 15th year with the company this month. Read Anneliese's story here.

Karen adds, “I feel very lucky to work with fantastic people and with clients who understand how strong PR and digital campaigns can help them move their business forward.”
 
Established in 1988, Partners PR works with clients in the manufacturing, professional services, food and drink, building and construction sectors throughout the UK, providing PR, digital and communications services.