The Central Office of Information (COI) has announced that over half of its PR framework, worth around £15million a year, is now made up of agencies located outside of London.

827 applications were made by agencies for the roster, with 206 agencies going through to the review stage and were selected on proven expertise and experience across sectors such as: UK Wide, Nations (Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) and government regions, Government and public sector business, International, Healthcare, Consumer, Strategic/stakeholder, Environment, Sport.

The new Framework, which becomes operational on 1 December, has been divided to meed the requirements which were introduced by the 2006 Public Contract Regulations which insist that agencies selected must be "capable of performing the proposed contract".

The new system has been introduced in order to ensure that agencies can compete for work without going through a lengthy procurement process for every contract. Briefs can also be issued across lots depending on the requirements.

Neil Martinson, COI’s Director of News and PR commented: “Government and public sector campaigns are diverse and challenging and the role of PR is growing.  That’s why we’ve trebled the number of agencies that we can call upon and recognised the specialisms that meet the needs of our clients.

“The review was rigorous, very competitive and had the highest standard of submissions we have ever seen. The process provides COI with a unique insight into the UK’s PR industry and we’re truly impressed by the huge amount of talent and range of expertise that’s out there.

“We’re now looking forward to working with our agencies to deliver some really innovative, successful campaigns that can demonstrate significant returns on investment for our clients.”