Former Central presenter takes Prominent role

FORMER Central Television presenter Llewela Bailey has joined Birmingham-based Prominent Media and Communications to head up its media training service.

Ms Bailey has a wealth of experience in broadcasting, having worked in the industry for almost 30 years and acted as a main anchor for ITV Central in the West and East Midlands for two decades.

She joins Prominent, founded by Steve Holden in 2010, to launch the business’s new media training operation, which will see key company spokespeople offered expert behind-the-scenes and front-of-camera training to increase confidence in dealing with the media.

Steve Holden said: “We’ve gradually developed the business to incorporate PR, copy-writing and social media support. Media training is something we’ve been keen to offer to clients for some time, but it was crucial to find the right person to front the service – we wanted someone who exuded professionalism and confidence, but who was also instantly recognisible.

“Llewela fits the bill perfectly, and with her down-to-earth, approachable and reassuring attitude, she immediately puts clients at ease and helps get the best out of them.”

Fast Fwd quick off the mark with new appointment

BIRMINGHAM-based digital agency Fast Fwd Multimedia has recruited experienced marketer and business development expert Matthew Jensen to help drive growth and expand an already strong client-base.

The Fazeley Studios-based business has moved from strength to strength since its launch a year ago, and further to its recent success in completing a prestigious brief for Ann Summers, made the decision to invest in a business development manager to advance the company.

Fast Fwd director Kishen Hawkins, who established the business as a limited company last January after operating as a freelance consultant under the same name for eight years, has ambitions to grow the business despite the tough economy.

Mr Hawkins said: “Since 2010 Matthew has been involved in helping businesses take advantage of the possibilities that digital marketing presents and is a great believer in social marketing. Matthew is evangelical about using digital media to grow, protect and strengthen brands and as such, he was the perfect person to help move fast Fwd to the next level.”

Kerrang roars on with new Speedway sponsorship deal

THE high octane worlds of rock music and speedway have joined forces in Birmingham in a major new media partnership.

Radio station Kerrang! 105.2 has signed a one-year sponsorship deal to promote Selco Birmingham Brummies, which is riding high in the sport’s Elite League this season.

The five-figure deal is the first of its kind and followed an online survey of Brummies fans, which revealed Kerrang! was their favourite commercial station.

Chris Luty, Selco Birmingham Brummies owner, pictured left with Kerrang commercial director Ian Smith, said: “We are very excited about this new deal with Kerrang! It’s the perfect fit for us. We realised very early on when taking over the club that we needed to expand our already loyal fan base and target a new generation of Brummies speedway fans.

“With speedway absent from the city for so many years we’ve got to reach out to a lost generation and we see Kerrang! as an ideal broadcast media partner to help us achieve that.”

The deal will see Kerrang! 105.2 promote race nights on the day of each home match as well as offer on-air competitions and interviews with star riders from the Perry Barr-based club.