Four wins for The Lifestyle Agency

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The Lifestyle Agency has won PR briefs from fashion brand Ruyi Lifestyle, ski resorts Chalet Rosiere and Megeve, and Val D’Isere’s luxury hotels Le Blizzard and Hotel Mourra.

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Ruyi Lifestyle

Ruyi Lifestyle has appointed The Lifestyle Agency to represent the fashion brand in the UK for the upcoming winter season. The agency will target fashion and lifestyle media, with a focus on health and fitness.

The account will be led by The Lifestyle Agency’s senior account manager, Louise Gillespie, and senior account executive, Camilla Pelly.

The team will report to Abi Imasekha, founder of Ruyi Lifestyle.

The agency has also been chosen by Chalet Rosiere to raise its profile ahead of the ski season. The agency will focus on travel and lifestyle media, with a particular focus on skiing, health and fitness.

Gillespie and Pelly will also head up this account, who will report to Phillip and Alex Volkers, co-founders of Chalet Rosiere.

Megeve ski resort has also briefed The Lifestyle Agency to represent the brand for the winter season. The agency will target lifestyle media, with a particular focus on international travel and skiing.

The account will be led by The Lifestyle Agency’s Charlie Pearson, who will be supported by Gillespie. The team will report to Caroline Pierlot, operational head of promotions for the Megeve Tourist Board.

The agency will also promote the Le Blizzard and Hotel La Mourra ahead of the winter season. The agency will target travel media, with a focus on luxury lifestyle and skiing.

Pearson and Gillespie will head up the account.

  • By Alexis Glaros 

firstlight grows healthcare team

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Grant Fisher 1

Grant Fisher

Grant Fisher has joined firstlight as associate director, and Kristen Barrett has joined as account director.

Fisher joins from Ruder Finn, where he was associate director, developing and delivering global communications programmes.

Barrett joins from Aurora Healthcare Communications and, prior to that, Atlantis Healthcare, where she focused on patient advocacy and media relations.

Pat Pearson, managing director of healthcare at firstlight, said: “As we grow it is important we continue to offer our clients the service that they have come to expect. We believe good communications has the power to change lives for the better, and we work with our clients to ensure they can unlock the potential of their products and services.”

Fisher added: “This is a very exciting time to be joining firstlight as we look to become a medium sized healthcare practice, while venturing out into new areas of work. We will do this by continuing to hold the same values that ultimately led to the creation of the firstlight healthcare team in 2011.”

  • By Alexis Glaros 

Spreckley joins Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce

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PR consultancy Spreckley has reaffirmed its commitment to Scotland by joining the Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce.

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Stirling

Spreckley recently opened a satellite office in Stirling, Scotland, and has joined the Chamber to further capitalise on regional growth.

The Chamber, which accounts for the central regions of Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling, provides its members with products and services, including networking events and warm-lead introductions, to help grow their businesses. It currently has 220 listed members from a wide range of industries.

Nick Bird, account director at Spreckley Scotland, said: “Scotland’s tech scene is really thriving with cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow leading the way. While they remain critical hubs for our growth plans, it’s equally important we are able to stay plugged into our own local region within Scotland.

“The Forth Valley is home to an ever-growing selection of exciting businesses doing some really innovative things. Being part of the Chamber not only provides that inroad for making those connections more freely, but also reinforces our own commitment to the region as we are able to provide the necessary comms support that enable those businesses to showcase their expertise. We see this as the start of what we hope is a very rewarding relationship.”

Michelle McKearnon, CEO of the Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce, added: “The Forth Valley really is a fantastic place to be doing business at present. We are seeing a huge amount of growth, which is being driven by a culture of world class innovation among industries such as technology, sport, financial services and construction. This is inspired by an increasing number of pioneering companies, a progressive University and access to talented workforce.

“Having Spreckley join the Chamber just reaffirms that message as we both share the same goals of bringing continual investment and growth to the region.”

Claremont promotes Big Bang Fair

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Claremont has been appointed by EngineeringUK to promote The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair, which will run from 15 to 18 March 2017, for the second year running.

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The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair

Claremont, which was re-appointed following a competitive pitch, has been briefed to provide a media relations and social media campaign to drive attendance at the Big Bang Fair, and promote wider messaging around careers and opportunities in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

The four-day event is the UK’s largest STEM event for young people, and is expected to attract around 70,000 people.

Beth Elgood, comms director for EngineeringUK, said: “The Big Bang Fair encourages young people to immerse themselves in science, technology, engineering and maths, and inspires them to take their interest further, through subject or career choices.

“We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Claremont. The team’s mission is to bring the Fair to life for the media and young people and champion the opportunities that STEM presents to make this year’s Fair the best yet.”

Victoria Page, director at Claremont, said: “Enabling audiences to understand how wondrous STEM can be is no easy task. Our media campaign will drive social conversations and excite young people through immersive experiences and thought-provoking creatives.

“The Big Bang Fair is one of the most significant events in the calendar for young people to embrace STEM, and we’re delighted to be a part of the team for the 2017 Fair.”

Abbey Road Studios hires Starscream Communications

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Abbey Road Studios, dubbed the “most famous recording studios in the world”, has appointed Starscream Communications as its PR agency, following a number of new developments planned for the iconic London-based music business.

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Abbey Road Studios

The agency’s appointment comes as Abbey Road Studios expands, creating two new rock and pop studios for emerging artists alongside a post-production mix stage for the film activity undertaken by Abbey Road Studios, which has included Harry Potter, James Bond and Star Wars work.

Starscream will also support other initiatives, including Abbey Road Red (which focuses on start-ups), the education services of Abbey Road Institute and a large schedule of artist and partnership event activity that starts this month (September).

The PR brief also includes promotional work for Abbey Road Studios’ online mastering and mixing services, as well as the Abbey Road Shop.

Mark Robertson, head of brand and marketing at Abbey Road Communications, said: “We’re undergoing the biggest period of expansion and development at Abbey Road Studios since it was created in 1931. As part of the development and new initiatives, we are also working with some of the biggest artists in the world and need to clearly communicate our future work, aims and artist announcements and we feel that Starscream Communications is a natural fit for us.”

Richard Melville, MD of Starscream, added: “We’re very proud to be working with Abbey Road Studios and look forward to lifting the lid on some of the great stories happening over the next 12 months. Abbey Road Studios is a music business, but also a technology business, and needs to tell both stories and explain to the media how they work together to create an accurate picture of what actually goes on inside the most famous recording studios in the world.”

AXON establishes Swiss operation

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Speciality healthcare firm AXON Communications is establishing a Swiss operation. Claire Olivia Williams, who has been appointed vice president, will lead in the region.

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Claire Olivia Williams

Williams is based in the city of Zug, close to both Basel and Zurich, and one of the country’s pharmaceutical centres. AXON’s Swiss operation will support global and European head offices of Swiss-based clients. The firm now has offices in the UK, the US, Canada, Denmark and Switzerland.

Claire Olivia Williams will lead the Swiss business. She joins from an independent pharmaceutical marketing and medical communications consultant role. Previously, she worked for companies including Novartis Pharma, Phocus Medical Communications and ACUMED.

Williams said: “The professionalism and diversity of experience on the AXON team is what really struck me. I am looking forward to working with the cross-functional AXON team to provide tailored solutions to our clients. Having lived and worked in Switzerland for many years, I appreciate how beneficial it is to have teams established on the ground to foster and develop relationships.”

Ralph Sutton, international managing partner at AXON, said: “To be successful, it is critical that we find the right people to lead the development of our businesses. Claire’s enthusiasm, experience and shared values are an ideal fit for the AXON network.

“Our goal is to strengthen our presence among Swiss-based companies, and we are confident Claire will help in creating and deepening meaningful connections with people who are important to the success of our business.”

Michael Ann Thomas joins APCO Worldwide

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Michael Ann Thomas has joined APCO Worldwide to head up its technology practice in North America.

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Michael Ann Thomas

A former Edelman executive, Thomas has joined APCO Worldwide as technology practice chairwoman for North America, responsible for all technology practice strategy and execution in the region, and for the growth of APCO’s global tech presence.

Nelson Fernandez, chairman, North America at APCO, said: “Today, traditional enterprises are technology-enabled companies that want to provide immersive experiences, across devices and environments, for consumers and businesses. This has led to a deluge of new services, solutions and applications.

“Michael has inimitable forethought and understands this great demand on businesses, to provide better precision, personalisation and efficiency.”

In her role as vice president, group director at Edelman, Thomas led the firm’s Health Technology offering. She’s also held roles at RH Strategic Communications, Barokas PR and Ogilvy PR.

Thomas said: “APCO’s rich history in issues management aligns well with the transformation we’re seeing across businesses in every vertical, as they defend and evolve their brands.

“I am excited to continue building from this DNA, helping our clients articulate their unique value proposition and compete on new standards. We have a strong bench of seasoned subject matter experts here at APCO, across North America and abroad, who will support this effort.”

Three Little Birds promotes Dari Indera Villas and Spa

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Three Little Birds PR and Business Development has been chosen by Dari Indera Villas and Spa to lead its consumer marketing, PR strategy and trade relations in the UK and Ireland, following a competitive pitch.

Three Little Birds

Dari Indera Villas and Spa’s inaugural villa, ‘the Muse’

Dari Indera Villas and Spa is a group of new luxury villas based in Bali. The inaugural villa, ‘the Muse’, is a four-bedroom luxury property, set in the heart of Seminyak.

Three Little Birds has been briefed to work with the accommodation provider to profile the villas, promote the collection in new markets and position the group in on the media map.

The agency will work with tourist boards, travel writers, broadcast outlets, bloggers and social influencers to build awareness of the Dari Indera Villas and Spa portfolio.

Paul Blackburn, founder of Dari Indera Villas and Spa, said: “We brought in Three Little Birds PR and Business Development not only for their in-depth knowledge of the travel and tourism industry, but their clear understanding of the UK market and how best to represent and manage ‘DIVaS’.

“They have already demonstrated their clear passion, and the innovative ways in which they will be supporting our growth and development as we continue to expand our villa portfolio.”

Sheila Manzano, MD of Three Little Birds, added: “We’re thrilled about our partnership with Dari Indera Villas and Spa. The opportunity to represent such an exclusive portfolio which is new to market is really exciting. Our dedicated team is looking forward to working hard to develop DIVaS, driving awareness and building sales, and are kick-starting the campaign with a series of individual press trips.”

Dropbox briefs 3 Monkeys | Zeno

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File hosting service Dropbox has hired 3 Monkeys | Zeno to handle its UK PR, following an in-depth agency review process.

Dropbox

Dropbox

The UK agency, created through the merger of 3 Monkeys and Zeno earlier this year, will help the EFSS (Enterprise File Sync and Share) and Collaboration technology company, which has 500 million sign-ups worldwide, to further build its reputation with business users.

Activity will centre on driving more meaningful engagement with CIOs, business decision makers and “workers who use technology to do their jobs every day”.

The account team will be led by 3 Monkeys | Zeno’s head of technology, Hannah Williams, who will report to Dropbox’s head of PR and comms for Europe, Nick Morris.

TVC Group promotes Virgin Disruptors 2016

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TVC Group has been brought on board to deliver an integrated comms campaign around Virgin Disruptors 2016, an event designed to bring together action leaders who have disrupted industries and provoke debate about key global issues.

TVC Group Virgin

Virgin Disruptors – The Future of Education event

Virgin Disruptors 2016, which takes place on 3 October in London, will feature a panel of keynote speakers, including Virgin Group founder Richard Branson; Red Bull’s head of performance, Dr Andy Walshe; Virgin Megastore’s MENA president, Nisreen Shocair; and one of the most celebrated entrepreneurs in the Arab world, and former gang leader, Karl Lokko, who is now described as an activist and influencer.

TVC, which won the brief following a competitive pitch, has been briefed to position Virgin Disruptors as a hub for “entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship and disruptive thinking”.

The team aims to increase digital reach through moments online, and drive ticket sales to the event, as well as traffic to Virgin.com.

Lisa Thomas, global head of brand and MD at Virgin Enterprises Limited, said: “Virgin is all about inspiration, innovation and creating tangible change across businesses and the world. Disruptors is the embodiment of the Virgin brand, giving people an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who are breaking boundaries and activating change in their own lives.

“This year’s event features incredible people who have created change and are ready to inspire the next wave of entrepreneurs.”

TVC Group MD James Myers added: “We’re always up for a bit of disrupting so this is the perfect brief for us. Virgin Disruptors rips up the rule book and shows how you can achieve success with provocative thinking and action, something we know only too well!”