A RAMSBOTTOM PR company is celebrating 10 years of success in the business.

Owned and run by Emma Starrs, Ad Hoc-PR, based in Holcombe Brook, was launched in 2008 and has since enjoyed a decade of growth.

Today its clients range in size from sole traders to global brands, including Clarke & Clarke, Acuity Global Development, WST Travel, Betty Hula and Modes & More.

Although she occasionally receives support from freelancers and has a web developer, the mother of three runs the company largely single handedly.

Speaking about Ad Hoc's success, Ms Starrs, aged 41, said: "It's fantastic. It's all about customer service and a quite informal approach — there's none of the PR waffle that puts people off.

"It's all about getting the message out, treating journalists with respect, treating people in a way they appreciate and getting the job done."

Ms Starrs described the 10 year journey as "an absolute joy", adding: "It's fascinating the way the industry has all evolved.

"At first it was a press release sent in an envelope with a photo, now you have social media and it's become a lot more rapid.

"It has been really really cool and interesting."

Originally from Chorley, Ms Starrs has over 17 years combined experience in the press, PR and copywriting sectors.

After studying English literature at university Ms Starrs took her first job at the press office of travel company Airtours.

She then moved to agencies in Leeds, later becoming a copywriter, before relocating to Ramsbottom and founding Ad Hoc.

Ms Starrs is excited and optimistic about Ad Hoc's future, and has ambitions to train an apprentice.

She said: "I would like to pass on my knowledge and it would be nice to get a youngster on board, and from there focus on business regeneration and networking.

"I see Ad Hoc just growing and growing, because it works, so I don't see why it wouldn't really."