SALE-based Social Public Relations has been crowned ‘New Agency of the Year’ by PRmoment at the Golden Hedgehog Awards North.

Run by the online magazine for the PR industry, the awards celebrate excellence and recognise and reward outstanding campaigns and exceptional talent in the PR and communications industry across the UK.

The Sale-based agency opened its doors less than 12 months ago, but has already been appointed to handle the corporate communications for Places for People, one of the largest property management, regeneration and development companies in the UK; Bruntwood, and a string of consultation briefs from RBS and Rothstone Properties.

The judges said: “Social Public Relations is a very new company bringing something new and fresh to the market, and even during a tough climate, have shown many achievements, gaining a number of top clients in their first year.”

The agency, which was set up by former IPB communications director John Quinton-Barber and former PR and press officer Caty Cartwright in April 2013, now employs seven members of staff.

Mr Quinton-Barber said: “To have been recognised for setting up and running a business in challenging times and being announced as best new agency is testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff. We want to take this business from strength to strength and we are delighted with what we have achieved so far.”

Social Public Relations has also been shortlisted as Best Newcomer in the Prolific North Awards.