“If I was down to my last dollar, I’d spend it on public relations.”  That quote from Microsoft founder Bill Gates sits framed in the boardroom of longstanding Lee Green client Hughes Public Relations in Rundle Street, Adelaide.

“I’m not advocating that our clients should take his advice – Bill Gates is doing it for me,” says consultancy founder Tim Hughes.  “And that’s the point of PR – creating an environment where third party opinion (reputation) gives organisations and individuals the power to influence action and opinion of their stakeholders – be they customers, corporates or government.”

That’s been the touchstone of the communication consultancy since its establishment in 1992 – under the watchful eye of Lee Green founder Tom Green and the practical support of Lee Green bookkeeper Tracey Sykes, who together have helped establish, build and protect the business through their strategic advice and delivery of personal and practical accounting services.

“As a 30-year-old former journalist with limited professional experience and no business expertise but with some big ideas and a young family to feed, I recognised the need for business back-up from the start,” Tim says.

Lee Green – also a fledgling firm at the time – provided that guidance before Hughes Public Relations even opened its doors, insisting on a five year business plan and sustainable business structure aimed at supporting growth and longevity while also reconciling the often competing personal and business priorities faced by small business.

Tom and Tim have met monthly for the past 30 years – initially informally but subsequently as members of the consultancy’s Advisory Board.  Such is the strength of understanding between client and accountant, they also sit on the board of a highly successful unrelated business in which Tim and his wife Ginny are shareholders.  Tracey – now the longest serving team member (31 years and counting) spends half a day a week overseeing administration, compliance and reporting at Hughes.

Together, the Hughes Advisory Board and Lee Green have continued to develop and refine the consultancy’s offering to the point where it has become South Australia’s leading corporate communications consultancy offering strategic public relations services backed by sector-leading digital communications advice and services; graphic design and corporate videography to assist clients build and protect their reputations in an increasingly diverse media environment.

The board has also overseen an orderly succession with longstanding team member Simon Hatcher now leading the business to an even brighter future after a five year transition – and with the support of Lee Green.

You can find out more about Hughes PR’s services on its website here.

If Lee Green can help your business succeed, please contact us on (08) 8333 3666 or reception@leegreen.com.au