Selfridges success for Clive Reeves

SELFRIDGES has appointed Birmingham-based Clive Reeves Public Relations to support its Bullring store following a competitive four-agency pitch.

CRPR will help the store to reinforce its presence in the region by working closely with businesses, arts organisations and universities to put on a programme of high-profile engagement activity.

Serena Tutt, regional marketing manager for Selfridges, said: “We were impressed with the level of research CRPR put into its pitch, demonstrating they understand our target audiences and how to help us reach them. The enthusiasm of the team was infectious and they showed a real passion for our brand and Birmingham as a city.”

The account will be led by CRPR’s principal consultant David Kuczora, supported by Lois Wilson. Joining the CRPR team as a consultant to the account is Tom Cullen, an experienced lifestyle journalist who has previously worked for ShortList Media and FHM.

Kuczora said: “Selfridges is synonymous with Birmingham’s transformation into a world-class destination to live, work and do business in. The city is steeped in culture and has thriving arts, culinary and fashion scenes. We will work closely with Selfridges to make sure they are at the vanguard of innovation, wherever that lies here in Birmingham.

“The ethos of Selfridges has always been to offer an extraordinary experience that nowhere else can match. The store has plans to invest heavily during 2014 to reinforce its unique proposition and remain Birmingham’s ultimate premier shopping destination.”

Birmingham Airport opts for Peel to handle its advertising

BIRMINGHAM Airport has appointed Manchester’s Peel Advertising to sell its advertising, promotions and sponsorship opportunities.

Peel Advertising was assigned a six-month media contract by Clear Channel in June 2013 and has since been selected as Birmingham’s preferred partner with a new contract to start from January 2014. The contract will run for seven years.

As part of the agreement new state-of-the-art products will be installed to optimise digital displays providing vibrant and flexible advertising platforms for brands looking to access Birmingham’s growing leisure and business passenger audiences.

Latest passenger figures show more than 9m passengers used the airport last year.

Jon Levenson, managing director of Peel Advertising, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Birmingham Airport as their preferred media partner. Birmingham will complement our portfolio of airports where we sell media and commercialisation opportunities and will give us access to further national campaigns and major brands.”

Martyn Lloyd, Commercial Director for Birmingham Airport, added: “As an expanding global airport we needed a partner that would help us realise our media potential whilst provided a turnkey service. Peel Advertising offered the right blend of commercial and customer service skills and we look forward to a successful media partnership.”

Social media promotions at Pepperneck

WORCESTERSHIRE integrated marketing agency, Pepperneck, has made a series of promotions within its Social Media team.

Lydia Barber, right, has been appointed PR and Social Media Manager and Hannah Haffield, left, becomes PR and Social Media Specialist. The appointments follow a period of sustained growth for the business.

Ms Barber first joined Pepperneck in July 2012 to facilitate growth in the company’s PR and social media activities, an area of the business which was becoming increasingly busy.

PR and Social Media activity saw an increase of 68% in turnover from 2012 to 2013, resulting in the appointment of Ms Haffield, in October last year. She has been promoted to PR and Social Media Manager in recognition of the department’s success to date.

Steve Adams, managing director at Pepperneck said: “PR has been a key part of our full marketing service offering since Pepperneck was established in 2000.  The long term success of our traditional media relations campaigns across a wide range of market sectors, together with the advent of social media and the increasing importance of quality content generation have been key drivers behind this growth.

“Lydia now manages a department that provides a wide range of local, national and international programmes spanning a number of traditional and digital channels.  Our clients range from local retailers; to professional services such as dentist and optometrists; through to large national companies.”