Mediamix: Citypress; Maker Projects; Journey 9; Vibe & more
MANCHESTER PR firm has appointed two former business journalists to strengthen its team.
James Ferguson joins the agency as a content specialist from the Manchester Evening News, where he was a business reporter.
Chris Hopper, previously of the Lancashire Telegraph, joins as a consultant and two years in PR consultancy with MC2.
Martin Currie, managing director of Citypress, said: “Creating quality editorial content sits at the heart of what we do, which is why we continue to invest in journalistic talent for the benefit of our clients. Chris and James bring a strong combination of editorial skill, media understanding and genuine business insight.”
As well as its Manchester base Citypress has offices in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol and London.
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CREATIVE content agency Maker Projects has produced seven films for the autumn and winter 2013/14 campaign for plus-size women’s fashion house Simply Be.
Filmed over six days at Photolink studios in Ardwick and on location at Didsbury House Hotel with two odels the Simply Be AW13 campaign takes the brand in a new direction, while retaining its energy and vibrancy.
Nick Marcant, founder and creative director of Manchester-based Maker Projects, said: “We wanted to try a new direction for Simply Be by developing a simple, polished strong look and carrying this through all the films. Each film has its own simple concept, resulting in a stunning campaign. The Simply Be team have been great to work with and have supported our new approach to their strong brand identity.”
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AD agency McCann Manchester, the firm behind campaigns for the likes of Aldi and CrossCountry Trains, has opened a pub in the grounds of its Prestbury base at Bonis Hall.
The Haunt, named after a ghost that is said to be present at the hall, is housed in the gatehouse at the foot of the agency’s driveway and is exclusively for use by agency staff and will not be open to the public. 
It features a games room and also has a landscaped beer garden, but there are also meeting rooms for work projects. The decision to open a pub came after the agency won a cash prize for being voted the global agency of the year of the McCann Group.
McCann Manchester chief executive Sue Little said: “Having received the accolade of being the best agency in the McCann global network, it felt appropriate to ask our staff to decide how to spend the prize money. After all, it all of our staff who’ve made the agency what it is and played their part in winning the award.”
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MANCHESTER events business Journey 9 has won the job to organise the James Milner Foundation Winter Ball.
The James Milner Foundation, set up by the Manchester City player, raises funds and awareness to benefit and promote national charities including the NSPCC, Help For Heroes and Leukaemia Research as well as supporting many regional initiatives.
Laura Wolfe, managing director of Journey9 said “We are absolutely delighted to be working with the James Milner Foundation. Our experience in the sporting industry, in particular football, coupled with our sound understanding of how to deliver a commercially viable event, our business contacts within the region and our passion for Manchester City put Journey9 in a extremely strong pitch position.”
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MACCLESFIELD PR agency Vibe has completed a campaign for Wilmslow independent insurance and risk management broker Riskworks.
The firm approached Vibe with a brief to revitalise its website.
Graham Robinson, digital director at Vibe, said: “We really enjoyed bringing Riskworks’ brand to life. By getting to grips with its business processes, we were able take what seems to be a relatively complex methodology and translate it into a series of steps that are easy to understand and visually appealing.”
Nick Gray, managing director at Riskworks, said: “Since completing the website refresh we are hoping to see new leads generated through online channels. We shall be looking to Vibe to use its expertise in interpreting its clients’ brand and business procedures, translating it into something that is visually exciting and sparks engagement. We are pleased with the efforts so far and look forward to our continued partnership with Vibe.”
