Technology PR agency Houston Associates has passed the PRCA (Public Relations Consultants Association) Consultancy Management Standard. As a result, the agency has been made a full member of the trade body, which consists of the UK's most respected consultancies.

"The PRCA represents a chance for us to benchmark ourselves against the highest standards in the industry," remarked John Houston, managing director of Houston Associates. "However, perhaps more importantly, membership also opens up a wide range of training opportunities as well as access to archive information that could prove vital in the company's evolution."

The Consultancy Management Standard audit was written specifically for public relations firms and applies strict measurement of management, client servicing, staff development and finances. The PRCA commissioned an independent company to audit Houston Associates in December. The exact results of the audit are confidential.

"The areas of the survey where we could identify improvements were, unquestionably, the most useful," continued Houston. "All good companies constantly strive to develop but, without an outside perspective, it is hard to see where effort can best be expended. The audit, and PRCA membership overall, provide us with that perspective."

Released 04-03-05

For further information about Houston Associates contact: Richard Stone,
Houston Associates PR Limited, Media House, 181-185 Kirkdale, Sydenham, London, SE26 4QH
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8778 1900
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8659 9191
e-mail: richard@houston-associates.com
Website: www.houston-associates.com