Northampton PR agency joins Royal & Derngate business network

A Northampton-based PR agency has joined the business network of one of the county’s leading cultural venues, in a move that reflects continued crossover between the region’s creative and commercial sectors.

Ballyhoo PR has become a member of the Royal & Derngate Business Club, a scheme that brings together organisations from across Northamptonshire to support the theatre while creating opportunities for collaboration and connection.

The theatre, based in Northampton town centre, is widely regarded as one of the area’s key cultural institutions, attracting both regional audiences and national touring productions. Its business club has grown into a network of local firms with a shared interest in supporting the arts while building relationships across sectors.

For Ballyhoo PR, the move aligns with its focus on working with and promoting local organisations, particularly within the creative economy.

Emma Speirs, founder and director of Ballyhoo PR, said the decision to join the network reflected both professional and personal priorities.

“Supporting local organisations is central to what we do,” she said. “As a creative business ourselves, it’s important that we also back the cultural organisations that play such a key role in the county. The theatre is a significant part of Northampton’s identity, and being involved through the Business Club gives us the opportunity to connect with other businesses while supporting that wider ecosystem.”

Chris Smith, development manager at Royal & Derngate, said the organisation continued to see strong engagement from local businesses through the initiative.

“Our Business Club brings together organisations that value culture, collaboration and community,” he said. “Ballyhoo PR’s focus on supporting local organisations and the creative industries makes them a strong addition to the network.”

While partnerships of this kind are often seen as networking opportunities, they also reflect a broader trend of businesses engaging more closely with cultural institutions as part of their local presence and brand identity.