to UK B2B trade press standards
Contact Information
These details appear at the top of the press release so journalists can follow up directly. Use a monitored inbox and a named contact — never a generic address.
Most trade press releases use "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE." Use EMBARGOED only if you need journalists to hold the story until a specific date or event.
Story Details
The headline is the single most important element of your press release. UK trade editors are busy — a clear, factual, news-led headline determines whether your release gets read at all.
Factual, present tense, no exclamation marks. Lead with the company name. Aim for 8–14 words. Active verb is essential (secures, launches, appoints, wins, expands…).
Appears in italic under the headline. Should add context, not repeat it. Keep to 1–2 sentences, 20–35 words.
Press Release Content
Follow the inverted pyramid: the most important facts first, then supporting detail, then background. Write in the third person. Avoid promotional language — this is news, not advertising.
Aim for 60–100 words. Write in third person. This paragraph alone should tell journalists everything they need to know to decide whether to cover the story.
Always include at least one quote in trade press releases. The quote should add something the body copy can't — a human voice, an opinion, a strategic intent.
Keep the boilerplate consistent across all your press releases. It should never be promotional — think Wikipedia entry, not marketing copy.
Review & Export
Check everything is complete and conforms to UK trade press standards, then export your press release.
- Target sector-specific trade titles, not general news outlets
- Send to the named section editor, not a generic inbox
- Include a short, personalised covering note — don't send the release cold
- Follow up by phone 2–3 days after sending if you haven't heard back
- Consider ResponseSource or PR Newswire for wider trade distribution
- Publish to your own website news/press section for SEO benefit

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