SIZE isn't everything, as York-based Simon Mountford Communications is proving.

Not that this PR company set up seven years ago by Simon, a former Evening Press journalist, is tiny, but with just seven employees it is succeeding beyond the dreams of many massive public relations organisations.

That alone is reason enough for managing partner Simon and his wife Jo to enter the small business category of the Evening Press Business of the Year 2001.

Its client list features some of the biggest names in Yorkshire business, including the international law firm, DLA; the international professional services company, Deloitte & Touche; the UK's largest commercial radio group, GWR; and one of the region's largest independent motor retailers, Harrogate-based Nidd Vale Group.

It operates out of The Old School in Newton-on-Ouse, a 19th century listed Grade 2 building which Simon converted into offices, and from here he and his staff have masterminded a number of high-profile projects, including the launch of the Yorkshire Business Conference at Harewood, involving speakers such as Henry Kissinger and Lech Walesa, GWR's bid for the new Yorkshire commercial radio licence and the flotation of Sheffield Eagles rugby league club.

Simon says: "There is no magic formula for winning blue chip clients. It's all down to customer service, fast response, attention to detail and value for money.

"An essential element to customer service is building a strong relationship with each client. We aim to work as closely as possible with our clients, to understand their business and provide effective solutions to their needs."