A Warwick-based entrepreneur has an extra reason to celebrate her business's eighth anniversary after it was voted the Best PR Agency in the West Midlands.

Amanda Chalmers has been recognised by My Local Awards for her excellence in PR & Communications, thanks to the latest in a series of accolades for her company, Chalmers News PR.

Amanda's 30 years in the regional press culminated in a stint in the Stratford-Upon-Avon Herald editor's chair between 2014 and 2018, before launching Chalmers News PR, which specialises in affordable cross-sector PR for small businesses and start-ups as well as charities and not-for-profits.

It also follows hot on the heels of her recently celebrating being named among the Top 10 Businesses From Home in the UK Small Business Awards, as well as Influential Woman In Business in the Innervision Media Awards; and receiving the Ladies First Excellence In Media Award in 2023 and 2025 and the Woman Who Awards 'Achieves In Media' category gong in 2024.

Before establishing her business, Amanda worked on news desks in and around Warwickshire, including the former Nuneaton Tribune and Rugby Advertiser, and as deputy editor at the Daventry Express and Buckingham and Winslow Advertiser series before joining the Herald between 2014 and 2018.

Reflecting on the achievement she shared: "What better way to mark my business anniversary this month than with this latest award.

"This one is particularly special to me as it is the result of a public vote - there is no greater sense of reward than receiving the endorsement of the very people you've helped. I'm so incredibly grateful to each and every person has supported me, both now and since the beginning."

She continued: "One of the favourite aspects of what I do is spotlighting and celebrating my clients' successes, but, I must admit, it feels great to receive some formal acknowledgement for my own business which I have worked hard to build from the ground up for the last eight years. Proud too, to have achieved this all on my own, without the support of a big team and even bigger budgets.

"As a solopreneur, what I passionately stand for is supporting other solopreneurs or SMEs and start-ups with access to affordable PR campaigns – without compromise. So I feel like this victory is one for the little guys with the big ambitions!

"Despite being in my fifties now, I have absolutely no plans to slow down. In fact this has spurred me on towards the next chapter of growth with more plans and collaborations in my sights. Watch this space."

The My Local Awards recognise everything from independent shops and family-run businesses to talented creatives, professionals and community champions throughout all regions of the UK.

A spokesperson said: "Huge congratulations to all the winners whose hard work, passion and commitment to your communities deserves to be celebrated. And to everyone who took the time to nominate and vote, thank you. You're the reason these awards exist, helping local businesses get the recognition they deserve.

"Congratulations Amanda. This latest award is a huge testament to not only your achievements, but flies the flag for solopreneurs everywhere who are successfully punching high above their weight. Incredibly well deserved."

To learn more about My Local Awards here.

Visit Chalmers News PR online here.