In Consultancy world, many companies are reporting a strong finish to the year.  Lack of activity around the middle of 2009 meant there were a few reductions in size but the consumer world of consultancy PR seemed to hold up rather well and the corporate consultancies are finishing the year well.  There were winners and losers of course - and some were in both camps, such as Porter Novelli, who picked up Southern Cross and all of Microsofts work (previously held by both Porter Novelli and Consultus) but failed to keep Westpac who are now using  Star PR for some work going forward.   Haystac added to their staff of one, having launched mid-year, and Eleven PR continues to show a strong performance with a net two staff added this year.   BBG lost Southern Cross but picked up a major project for Eden Park.   In a move reflecting the trend towards experiential PR, Mango appointed experienced Group AD Steve Kane to the new position of Creative director - experiential in what is probably a first for the world of PR consultancy.

So - all in all - a tough year, everyone has worked incredibly hard but most are happy with the way the year is finishing and are pleased it is coming to an end!  It looks like the world of Corporate PR is loosening up a little as well as some companies realise that they have under-resourced the communications function and have had to resort to contract staff or supplementing existing resources after some pretty robust restructuring.

So how are things shaping up for 2010?  Not bad if current demand is any indication, with many consultancies looking for experienced staff at a senior level, partly the result of people who avoided moving earlier in the year because of job uncertainty now being willing to put their toe in the job market to see what's out there now that confidence seems to be on the up.

A Merry Christmas to all you blog followers in PR land and for those who want to start 2010 with a sniff around the job market, don't forget to email me - michelleboag@momentum.co.nz or call on 021-940884.  Have a great break - you certainly all deserve it!