Cicada

The Harrogate-based public relations company saw a 59 per cent increase in sales over 2003/4, which boosted profits substantially.

And that is enough to make seven full-time employees and one part-time journalist chirrup happily, particularly since they have been offered share options, with profits ploughed straight back into the business, plus each receiving a bonus of £400.

Now Cicada is pitching for both the Small Business Of The Year and Progress Through People titles in the 2004 Evening Press Business Of The Year awards.

The firm, under its managing director Di Burton, pictured, has forged ahead on the basis of new referrals and networking but also with the belief that the best way of growing the venture is to increase business from existing clients - hence its emphasis on customer service.

That has meant involving a highly-trained and motivated staff - reflected in the fact that within six months the company achieved the coveted Investors In People standard.

Apart from fortnightly company briefings, each staff member has a personal development plan and all are actively encouraged to attend a wide range of training courses.

You would expect nothing less from Di, who was shortlisted in the outstanding individual working in education and training category in the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Excellence Awards.

As an IPR approved trainer she holds regular half-day in-house sessions, as well as conducting on- the-job training. She has also embarked on the IPR Developing Excellence CPD course and encourages her staff to do likewise.

Meanwhile, among the new business secured by Cicada over the past year has been promotion of The Viking Fund, renewal of a contract with Loop Customer Management Ltd, Leeds Business School, renewal of a contract with Shopbox Systems Ltd, extension of a contract with the Royal Entomological Society, Calverts Carpets and the Institute of Directors.

Updated: 12:09 Thursday, August 12, 2004