By Sofia Serrano
The germination of MEPRA
By Jack Pearce, founder, Matrix Public Relations
MEPRA Founder & Chair 2003-2005 & 2007-2008
When I tried to set up my own PR firm in Dubai in 1998, I initially did what most PR firms did, which was to set up under the aegis of an advertising agency’s trade licence – in my case a well-known multinational. However, about a year later my former employers, seeing me as an increasing threat to their business, complained to the Department of Economic Development, who duly summoned me for a reprimand. I had done consulting work for them in the past, so rather than admonishing me, they talked me through setting up my own consultancy. This req