Media Mix: Stuart Hall promotes pies; McCann Manchester’s number comes up; and more

TV and radio presenter Stuart Hall has provided the voiceover for new video website launched by Wigan-based piemaker Poole’s.

A short film on the site takes visitors through Poole’s 300,000 sq ft  factory in Wigan, with Hall describing the firm’s history and the piemaking process.

Poole’s chief executive Neil Court-Johnston said: “We knew we needed to find someone special to provide the voiceover for the film, but we never dreamt we’d get someone as well-known or as highly regarded as Stuart Hall.

“Many people remember him from BBC North West and It’s a Knockout, or they know him as the voice of football for Radio 5 Live. We were sure his irreverent style would suit us down to the ground.”

Stuart Hall added: “I’m a pie lover immersed in the pie culture of the people’s republic of Wigan so it was an absolute pleasure to help out Poole’s.”

Poole’s was established in 1847 as a local craft bakery and had been was bought by Wigan FC chairman Dave Whelan in the 1980s. Mr Whelan sold the business to Cour-Johnson earlier this year.

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MARKETING communications agency McCann Manchester has been appointed as creative agency to The Health Lottery.

The Health Lottery manages and promotes 51 local Society Lotteries that generate funds for local health causes. The lottery is run by Richard Desmond’s company, Northern & Shell, which also owns the Channel 5 TV station.  

McCann Manchester will develop TV and press campaings based around the strapline “Share the Love”.

McCann Manchester managing partner Dave Donaghue said: “This is a fantastic win for us and highlights our ability to develop outstanding creative work that drives sales and brand success.”

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RADIO production company Made In Manchester has gained a commission from children’s radio station Fun Kids to develop a new series of Suzie Pugh and a Monster Too.

The firm has been commissioned to produce five new ten-minute programmes, which will feature the voice of former Coronation Street and Emmerdale actress Vicky Binns in the lead role.

Written and created by Phil Collinge, the episodes are produced by Iain Mackness.  Vicky Binns plays Suzie Pugh and character actor Steve Murphy, who starred in Life on Mars and Shameless plays her alien friend Smert.

MIM creative director Ashley Byrne said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring a new series of Suzie Pugh episodes to Fun Kids. Suzie is enjoying being part of a station which already has such a great selection of characters.”