ALTRINCHAM-based RMS PR has partnered with Abbey Protection Group, the UK’s leading supplier of legal expenses insurance, to provide crisis communications services to members of the Federation of Small Businesses.

Loss of reputation is one of the biggest risks to businesses in the UK, with the vast majority of small businesses unable to access in-house crisis communications services.

The damage reputational crises can cause to a business was highlighted earlier this month when United Airlines faced widespread criticism after images of a passenger being dragged off from one of its planes went viral.

The innovative policy allows businesses access to specialist crisis communications support under their insurance cover.

Integrated marketing agency RMS PR was appointed by Abbey Protection Group to provide the service following a competitive pitch.

Speaking about the new crisis communications policy cover, Richard Candy, managing director of Abbey Protection Group, said: “We have vast experience working with SMEs right across the UK, providing them with the legal expenses insurance products they need. We’re extremely passionate about the services we provide and are always looking to introduce new services to meet the evolving needs or our clients.

“We’ve seen a marked rise in demand from SME clients for advice about how to handle reputational issues. It made perfect sense for us to develop this new offering which allows our clients direct access to practical help and advice.

“After speaking to a number of potential partners, we are delighted to have appointed RMS PR as our specialist crisis communications provider.”

Support and advice provided will be appropriate to the situation and will include a range of practical DIY guides; a telephone helpline; and comprehensive 24/7 crisis management for business-critical situations.

Ruth Shearn, managing director of RMS PR, said: “RMS PR has 25 years’ experience advising corporate, SME and consumer clients on reputation management.

“We have worked with Abbey Protection Group to create a tailored service to help expand its client offering and are tremendously excited to be working on such an interesting brief.

“Crisis communications has long been one of the cornerstones of public relations. Poor handling of a crisis can cause severe reputational and commercial damage to a business.

“Conversely, public perceptions of a business can be positively enhanced when a situation is handled well. It’s impossible to overstate the importance of excellent crisis communications – and we’re delighted to be working with Abbey to offer this specialist service to their clients.