James Hewes, CEO of the PRCA on the PRmoment Podcast

On the PRmoment Podcast this week, we’re talking to James Hewes, CEO of the PRCA. James joined the PRCA in January this year. The organisation had been in an uncertain state for a year or so because of the long-term illness and untimely passing of previous CEO Francis Ingham.In 2023/4, the PRCA set off on a governance review and subsequently made significant changes to its structure, senior team and member offer. So, I thought it would be good to get James on the show to give an update on his plans for the PRCA and what he’s been up to for the first six months of his tenure.The PRCA has a turnover of £3.8 m.Before we start, our PR Masterclass: Agency Growth Forum has now launched. It’s on 12th November 2024, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm GMT. Both face-to-face and virtual tickets are available. The event is held in central London.The final entry for the ESG and Sustainability Awards deadline is 27th of September.Finally, thanks so much to the PRmoment Podcast sponsors the PRCA.Here’s a summary of what James and PRmoment founder discussed: 2 mins What state was the PRCA as an organisation in when you started?“We were probably doing too much stuff. There was a tendency to throw resources and activity at every single thing…rather than stopping and thinking what was the best value for members.”4 mins Was the PRCA’s governance review worth it?“The positive outcome of the governance review: there’s a lot more transparency…there’s more opportunity for members to get involved in a structured way.”“It (the governance review) has simplified things dramatically.”6 mins James updates us on the PRCA’s finances.“The numbers were a bit tough for 2023, they’ll be a bit tough for 2024, but the organisation is on a much much more stable footing.”“The organisation has been a break-even business for a very long time. In a world of great uncertainty, you need to be a bit better than that.”“We are non-profit making with a good cash reserve…we’re cash generative.”10 mins Are the PRCA’s membership numbers growing again?11 mins Over the years, there have been stop-and-start rumours about the CIPR and the PRCA merging. Are there any active conversations on that side of things at the moment?12 mins Where does James want to take the PRCA under his leadership?19 mins The PRCA’s Articles of Association talk about growing the organisation internationally. James talks about how that has gone so far.22 mins Who are the key people at the PRCA now?23.30 mins What does James see as the most important issues affecting the PR sector currently?