A public relations firm staffed by former journalists says it is “filling a gap” caused by press officer shortages as the company celebrates a quarter of a century in business.

Deep South Media has marked its 25th anniversary, having been incorporated at Companies House on 20 February 1998.

The Poole-based company – which also offers photographic and video services, social media, creative design and training – employs seven staff and works for 60 companies and organisations.

It was founded by now-retired Gareth Weekes, a former editor of the Bournemouth Echo.

Managing director Ron Wain, a former business editor at the Southern Daily Echo, joined Deep South in 2006 from the Southampton-based daily.

Ron, pictured, said: “We have a superb, dedicated and agile team of wise heads, providing a range of high-end digital content generation and training services to companies and organisations.

“The business is filling a gap due to the UK skills and labour shortage – many firms are struggling to fill responsible positions such as press officers, content executives and PR account managers.

“Moreover, many don’t want the budget burden of an in-house salaried role when outsourcing can be more cost-effective and practical, with almost zero administration.

“These market dynamics are part of a wider on-demand picture in the jobs market, with discerning companies concentrating on what they do best and outsourcing non-core functions. Why employ a full-time taxi driver when you hail a ride on an Uber?”