UK - Event, production and communication company, R&B Group, is celebrating its 21st year in business and a 25% increase in sales on the first half year compared to the same period in 2011.

The company head office is located in Newcastle and a further branch in Yorkshire, however R&B Group reports that new work is coming increasingly from outside of the region.

Despite tough market conditions R&B Group has expanded its national profile and grown the business. The company believes that competitive rates make them an attractive option for national event organisers. The return to growth at R&B Group follows a three-year decline in sales.

"The enforced increase in efficiency which the downturn brought is now paying dividends, as activity levels return to pre-2009 heights," says R&B Group Customer Service Manager, Kate Lambert.

R&B Group believe there is a lag in recovery in the North East, however, and admits margins have been squeezed.

Development Director, Antony Crerar says a positive attitude and skilled workforce has helped weather the economic recession. "We have recently recruited an Assistant Project Manager to the events team, an NVQ Apprentice to the workshop and a Creative Designer, whose expertise will help in the delivery of 3D and augmented reality projects for our clients. And we still have vacancies to fill for both experienced and budding technical event professionals."

R&B Group believes that it is essential to provide clients demonstrable value in their events by discussing their motivation and objectives before talking about a solution.

National event organiser CIH South East, the Royal College of Nursing, and the British Transplant Society are just some of the clients benefitting from the services of R&B Group at events in the South over the coming six months, says Crerar.

"We are also planning to hold our own event in the spring where we set out to absolutely and scientifically prove the value of holding an event," he adds. "Watch this space."