Media Buzz: Cogent Elliott; Reeves Green; Newmans

Big move lands Gearey at Cogent Elliott

WARWICKSHIRE-based Cogent Elliott has appointed Tim Gearey as its new PR Director, following his decision to leave Big Communications.

Gearey, who joined Big in January 2012 to set up a new PR division, has taken up a new board level role with Cogent, in a move which will see him team up again with Mike Phillipson, who joined the company as CEO in August last year.  

Gearey will head up a client portfolio which includes Calor, Amtico, Hozelock and LaSer UK.

Phillipson said: “Our PR offering has been growing steadily over the last few years and we’re pleased with the progress made so far.  Bringing someone with Tim’s experience will help us to accelerate the growth rate.

“PR is a key growth target area for us in the next five years and beyond and we’re delighted that Tim will be joining Louise Bucknall and our already highly successful PR team.”

Prior to joining Big, Gearey was managing director of Golley Slater PR and deputy MD of the PR division at McCann Birmingham, where he was heavily involved in building the digital PR and social media offerings.  During his 15-year plus PR career, he has worked with brands including Siemens, WKD, Mercedes-Benz, npower, Screwfix, Skoda, Dunlop Tyres and Pirelli.

Reeves Green targets growth after new funding

LICHFIELD-based marcomms agency Reeves Green is targeting growth after securing a new finance agreement from Staffordshire County Council.

The agency, which has more than 30 years experience, has been backed by the Staffordshire Business Loan Fund.

Colin Reeves, creative director, said: “We saw a growth opportunity for the business and knew that we had to grab it with both hands. We needed finance for a really positive business development and that’s where the Staffordshire Business Loan Fund came into its own.”

The Staffordshire Business Loan Fund is run in partnership with not-for-profit lender BCRS. Loans of between £10,000 and £50,000 are available to viable Staffordshire businesses already turned away by the banks.

The fund, recognised as the best economic regeneration project in 2012 at the Southern Staffordshire Regeneration Awards, has supported over 80 businesses since it started in 2009, created 200 jobs and safeguarded more than 400.

Cllr Ben Adams, Staffordshire’s deputy leader and cabinet member for employment and skills, said: “Reeves Green is a long-established company with a comprehensive client base – supporting other businesses by promoting their services. We’re pleased to have been able to enable the business to progress and enjoy a successful future.”

Established in 1983, Reeves Green is a full service, integrated communications agency. Clients include Lovell, Police Credit Union, Birmingham Museum Trust, Medilink West Midlands and Altecnic.

Newmans celebrates 30th anniversary

Paul Newman, founder, NewmansFULL service design agency Newmans has celebrated its 30th anniversary. The company, based in Sutton Coldfield and formed by Paul Newman, serves businesses in Birmingham, the wider West Midlands and London.

Clients have included Cadburys, MG Rover, Marston Aerospace, Richardsons Capital LLP, BBC, Harris Lamb, ATS Euromaster, BT and St. Modwen.

“At the very heart of what we do is integrity, passion and the desire to do the best possible job we can, where attention to detail is paramount. That’s why many of our clients have been working with us year after year,” said Newman.

In recognition of the anniversary, the firm has relaunched its website.

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