WHEN choosing a name for his public relations consultancy, Twelve Thirty Eight boss Hamish Thompson was inspired by the speed of sound – 1238kmh. It s been a good omen for the fast-growing St Albans firm, which at two years old has just won for the Charte

WHEN choosing a name for his public relations consultancy, Twelve Thirty Eight boss Hamish Thompson was inspired by the speed of sound - 1238kmh.

It's been a good omen for the fast-growing St Albans firm, which at two years old has just won for the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Outstanding Small Consultancy 2008 award for the second year in succession, beating competition from agencies throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Managing director Hamish Thompson said: "We're delighted to have won this important award in both of our trading years. It is a dream start for our business and we are very optimistic about our growth prospects and the potential to create local jobs in the years to come. We're especially interested in offering our services to local firms who wish to raise their profile in the national print and broadcast media."

The CIPR awards showcase the very best work and talent in the PR and communications industry outside of London and this year's awards were announced at a gala dinner in Egham last Friday night. The judges commented: "Twelve Thirty Eight has hit the big-time in less than two years of trading. Or as one client put it: 'They are creative and sensitive to our business needs, and concerned that their suggestions fulfilled our goals. Their integrity and empathy are at all times impeccable. I cannot fault the service'."

Since it was founded, Twelve Thirty Eight has worked for a mix of local and national clients including John Lewis, Sainsbury's, PC World, Vision Express and Screwfix as well as a number of businesses from the region, including St Albans high tech software company Veritape, delivering a return on investment of up to 200:1.

The team are no strangers to award ceremonies. Prior to founding Twelve Thirty Eight, Hamish was director of media relations at Hemel Hempstead retailer DSG international (formerly Dixons) where he scooped industry awards for Best PR Campaign (for announcing the death of the video recorder), Best New Media Campaign, Inhouse PR Team of the Year and a special Crisis Recovery award following the Buncefield explosion.

Recent assignments for Twelve Thirty Eight have included the announcement of an updated version of wartime classic "Make Do and Mend" for client John Lewis. The story was covered on BBC Breakfast, The Today programme and in most national newspapers. The team have also supported good causes and this year handled St Albans Cathedral's campaign to reclaim and rename the Hot Cross Bun, a story that made national and international news and local newspapers and radio.

At Twelve Thirty Eight, Hamish is joined by former national broadcast and print journalists Nicola Carslaw and Tracey Harrison.

Commenting on the awards, Ann Mealor, CIPR Acting Director General said: "This year more than ever, consultancies and organisations entering the PRIDE Awards want to spotlight their achievements while boosting morale - and being a PRIDE finalist does just that. Having gone through rigorous judging to reach the shortlist is a great achievement and I offer my congratulations to all those who have reached this stage of the competition."

For more information, visit www.1238kmh.com.