SUFFOLK public relations firm Genesis PR has received national recognition for its work with Ford Retail, the UK’s largest manufacturer-owned car dealer group.

Genesis, based near Ipswich, won the national Automotive PR award at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Excellence Awards held at the London Hilton Park Lane, beatinf off competition from PR agencies and in-house teams working for Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Skoda, VW and Co-op Insurance.

It was the second year running that Genesis PR has been shortlisted for the award, having been working with Ford Retail for the last six years on building the dealer group’s profile and reputation at both a local level for the company’s 40 dealerships around the UK and at national level.

Charles Arbuthnot, director at Genesis PR, said: “We are thrilled to have won the award which is a testament to the hard work the team puts into the account and the strong relationship we have built with Ford Retail.”

Sally Sykes, president of the CIPR, said: “Winning a CIPR Excellence Award is the ultimate public relations accolade and I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Genesis PR.

“The competition was fiercer than ever, producing exceptionally high quality entries which are particularly impressive considering the economic challenges we continue to face. Tonight is a reminder of the contribution excellent public relations makes to business and growth.”

In keeping with the upcoming Olympics, the awards were hosted by former British athlete and world No 1 in the 110m hurdles Colin Jackson.

Lord Coe, Olympic gold medallist and chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, was also in attendance to receive the CIPR’s Presidents’ Medal in recognition for his outstanding contribution to public relations – in particular his role in London’s successful bid for the Olympic Games.