ALMOST 40 years after it began, Hunter public relations firm Purser Corporate Communication is closing.
The announcement on Friday follows the death of its managing director Meg Purser, who lost her battle with breast cancer on January 14.
In a statement, Mrs Purser's husband, Scott Mills, thanked the firm's local and national clients and the local leaders with whom the firm worked.
The company was created in 1984 by Bob Purser, with his daughter Meg joining him in 1999.
"It falls to us, Gracyn Endacott, Georgia Hughes, Bob and me to thank each of the professionals who have been part of the company," Mr Mills said. "Bob and I would particularly like to acknowledge Gracyn, Georgia, Grace Walters, Brodey Corbett and Clare WiIkinson, who did so much more than could be expected during Meg's illness and in this past seven months."
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Bob Purser said the decision came after discussions with staff, adding that the company had assisted its clients in finding new support upon its exit.
"The team members who are still there when Meg died back in January wanted to continue on but they felt long- term they couldn't take on the business, and having retired some years ago I am not in a position to go back," said Mr Purser.
"I think also it is taking into account Scott's personal needs in terms of him getting through it too, it was important for it to fold up now so it brings some form of closure. It's not easy for any of us, but it was time that it had to happen."
Mr Mills said that his late wife had been honoured by so many people - she was named Woman of the Year in the Charlestown Electorate and the City of Newcastle recently named a scholarship at the University of Newcastle in her name - which meant a great deal to her loved ones.
"It means that, while this is a sad time, we close the business with much pride in our achievements," he said.
Mr Purser said despite the sadness, the closure of PCC was also a time to reflect on its achievements as Newcastle transitioned after the closure of the BHP steelworks into a "different world" and the company assisted clients to promote the Hunter as a region.
