London - 7 September 2006

AxiCom has been named the 2006 'Best Specialist Multi-National PR Agency to Work For' by international PR newsletter The Holmes Report.

The award is based on the results of confidential surveys completed by agency employees. We especially liked that "AxiCom ranked number one among all firms when employees were asked whether morale was high". The full Holmes Report item on AxiCom read: 1. AxiCom Like all but one of the firms on our specialist multinational list, AxiCom focuses on technology public relations, operating a network of offices in continental Europe from its London headquarters. So its no surprise that the firm has harnessed technology wherever possible to help it create a more flexible work environment. For example, AxiCom recently installed a computer system that enables all employees to work at any time from anywhere there is an internet connection. So people can elect (with their managers approval) to work from home if they need to do some writing-intensive work, or cope with a domestic issue. About 5 percent of agency work is now done from home. Technology helps with communication too. The firm sends an email newsletter to all employees once a week, sharing all new business activity across the company and all major PR activities conducted by each team. Theres a pan-European AxiCom meeting for all employeesa Ceilidh in London or a visit to the Munich Oktoberfestthat helps ensure a unified pan-European service to our clients. Professional development is another distinguishing factor. AxiCom manages two strands of training: one focused on developing individuals skills, and one on bringing knowledge and general skills to all employees. The firm expects employees to stretch themselves constantly, and will have relatively new employees pitching to the press and working directly with clients at a very early stage in their career. AxiCom ranked number one among all firms when employees were asked whether morale was high, and number one among specialist multinationals when employees were asked whether they found their job rewarding overall, whether their firm was fun place to work, whether they found their work intellectually stimulating, and whether they were fairly compensated for their contribution to the firm. AxiCom has matured hugely over the last three to four years, in particular focusing on developing specialist teams that really know their market sector, says one respondent, who is impressed with the commitment to professional development that drove that process. Others enthuse about great leadership, very fair treatment of colleagues, partners and customers, and that all employees are treated equally regardless of position and all achievements are recognized on a constant basis. The bottom line: AxiCom is a very family oriented agency where everyone contributes to the agencys growth and good reputation. Even as a junior two years ago I felt my voice always could be heard and the company encourages people to have their own initiatives and gives support for those to happen.