Case Study: Three PPP, Leicester

With more than 20 years combined experience of the public relations industry, Sherilyn Pereira and Bhavisha Parmar knew they could make a go of their own Public Relations, Publishing and Photography consultancy (Three PPP).

With the help of the Co-operative and Social Enterprise Development Agency, (CaSE-da) their dream of being their own bosses is now a reality. “CaSE-da provided us with full business support, and a mentor to help guide us all the way through setting up our co-operative. Being your own boss can be daunting, but the consistent support has been second to none, having CaSE-da to turn to has helped our confidence soar.” said Sherilyn.

Bhavisha explained: “Sherilyn and I both worked for the Braunstone Community Association (BCA), but when funding for our communications department came to an end we decided the time was right to set up our own agency to help other organisations and small businesses improve their marketing and communications strategies. Having worked in an area where £50 million was invested to regenerate it, we knew the difference it has made to the community, both physically and mentally. Although, even giving up some of your time to help out local groups and projects can be so rewarding. So when it came to the crunch, we felt very strong about our business ethics.”

Three PPP wanted to generate an income, but felt it was not all about maximising shareholder value. They are both really proud of their community and have chosen Leicester to raise families. They strongly believe investing time and money in the local area is important and helping to create a great community and working co-operatively is an excellent business model.

Formed eight months ago, Three PPP has already helped several voluntary organisations, local schools and small firms – including previous employers, BCA. Three PPP offer work experience for those who want to learn everything from creative writing techniques to PR and Marketing skills. Many enquiries come from people ranging from 15 to their mid 20s. Three PPP can offer them a real flavour of the local media world, and also get them interested in their community.

Three PPP are also proud publishers of a city wide magazine, In Citie. The magazine has been a great tool to help promote and showcase all that’s fantastic about living and working in Leicester and Leicestershire. In Citie magazine has been a great success with local people, it receives many positive comments. It’s uniquely a magazine that promotes Leicester and the regeneration work that is happening to the ever changing vibrant and cultural city.

The company has also relocated from their respective dining room tables to an office at the LCB Depot in Leicester which they love. Not only is the LCB Depot in such a creative environment, it was one of the first regeneration projects to take place, and is in the heart of the city.