WORCESTERSHIRE-based public relations company Severn Communications has achieved further success after its work for off-licence giant Threshers secured a second prestigious national award within two months.

In April, Threshers' artwork - devised by Severn's creative director Kieran Fitzpatrick - was named Best Advertisement in the 2007 Franchise Marketing Awards. Now the off-licence chain has been named Brand Builder of the Year in the British Franchise Association's (BFA) Franchisor of the Year Awards.

The latest award was for outstanding performance in raising Threshers' brand profile and awareness.

Held at the Savoy Hotel, London, the BFA event is the major annual awards ceremony for the franchise industry.

Both accolades were based on the success of Severn Communication's marketing work over the past year, during which time the agency has devised and launched Threshers' franchise initiative through adverts and creative work, PR and e-media.

Graham Remes, Severn's managing director, said: "To win an account as large as Threshers was an excellent achievement by the Severn team but to help them win two accolades in our first year is the icing on the cake.

"It was a real feather in our cap when Threshers won the Best Advertise-ment award in April, thanks to Severn's creativity and design, and to win this second award so soon after is fantastic. It is the result of a great deal of hard work and caps an excellent 12 months for the business.

"It also reflects very well on the whole of Worcestershire, as it shows the county can compete with London businesses and achieve national results."

April's success saw Threshers win Best Advertisement as well as being short-listed for Best PR campaign - for work created and produced by Severn Communications - and Recruitment Team of the Year at the 2007 Franchise Marketing Awards in London. The image for the winning advertisement has proved so successful it has been rolled out across all Threshers stores.

Severn Communications, which is based in Droit-wich, won the prestigious Thresher account in April 2006 and soon afterwards launched a PR and advertising campaign to promote 600 of the company's 2,000 off-licences to potential franchisees.

Severn's other clients include the award-winning insurance broker Footman James and Worcestershire County Council.

The campaign has so far brought in more than 2,000 applications.

Based in Droitwich, Severn Communications offers a full marketing service, including media planning and buying, advertising creative services, design, media relations and new media.

Severn's major account wins during the past 12 months include Threshers and mortgage packager Praxis. Other clients include award-winning insurance broker Footman James, government-agency Becta and Worcestershire County Council.