A specialist automotive public relations firm has been ranked as one of the country’s leading performers.

PFPR Communications, based in Maidstone, climbed 10 places to 38th in the Top 50 Consumer Agency table by PR Week magazine.

It was also placed 20th in the Top 40 Outside London chart - the highest for a Kent agency. It ranked 111th - up three places - in the list of Top 150 consultancies for 2013, its highest-ever placing.

“Our improved performance in the 2013 PR Week survey is testament to the level of service we provide to a number of major automotive manufacturers as well as specialist component and service suppliers,” said chief executive officer Peter Rawlinson who founded the business with chairman Peter Frater in 2001.

“PFPR’s reputation in the automotive industry continues to grow and 2013 is proving to be a successful year. While we hope to feature even higher up the PR Week lists next year, the agency’s focus will remain on delivering excellence in automotive PR and events to our client base.”

PFPR, regarded a one of Europe’s leading specialist automotive PR and events agencies, employs 23 people at its headquarters in Turkey Mill, Maidstone.