MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Newell Public Relations, one of China’s leading specialists in technology and corporate PR has joined IPREX – the worldwide corporation of independent public relations and communication firms.
Twice nominated for PR Week Asia's “Consultancy of the Year” and three time winner of the coveted “Technology Campaign of the Year,” Newell will add full PR and marketing expertise across the breath of China to IPREX’s already extensive global reach.
Founded in Hong Kong in 1993, Newell has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou with direct links to, and experience of managing large projects in, all of China’s major cities. For the past several years, as China’s rapid pace of economic development reaches out to even the most remote areas of the country, Newell has expanded its focus to less well-known, but still rapidly expanding cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chongqing, Chengdu, Kunming, Wuhan and Xiamen.
While Newell’s roots are in technology, with retained clients including Adobe, CSR, Polycom, Ruckus Wireless and Tellabs, the firm has grown to embrace a wide range of business-to-business work in a broad spectrum of industries, from consumer to insurance and education.
According to David Croasdale, Managing Director of Newell Public Relations, more than 45 million jobs are targeted to be created in urban areas under China’s 12th five year plan (2011-15). The OECD, he says, estimates that another 316m should move from the countryside to the cities in the next 20 years, creating solid support for infrastructure and commercial development.
“New opportunities are emerging as China switches from the highly successful producer model of the past 30 years to a flourishing consumer society,” said Croasdale. “Many multinational companies are looking to tap into this trend, especially as growth in traditional markets in the West remains tepid.
“We are delighted to be joining IPREX at this time and help overseas PR firms address their client demands for China expertise. This partnership will also be a valuable link for Chinese firms looking to expand their PR presence overseas,” he said.
IPREX Asia Pacific President Peter Wilkinson (Wilkinson Group, Sydney) commented: “We know Newell well already – and we’re looking forward to working with such an extensively networked team.
“Their outstanding business experience in China and the wider region will be extremely valuable to IPREX clients while the IPREX footprint provides global reach as well as a community of peers for Newell.”
IPREX in March held a two-day roundtable meeting in Hong Kong to discuss business opportunities in Asia, especially China. Fourteen senior executives from eight agencies across the region attended, along with IPREX partners from the United States. A similar meeting is planned later this year.
About IPREX
IPREX is one of the world’s major corporations of independent public relations and communication firms. Founded in 1983, its 68 partners have 102 offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, with annual revenue of US$178m. Its 1,300 professionals provide a comprehensive range of services for some of the world’s most successful companies.