Change at the top for Grayling

PR agency Grayling has reorganised the leadership of its Midlands operation. It has appointed two of its long-serving practitioners, Craig Ling and Hayley Longdin, to lead the team with immediate effect.

Ling was formerly Associate Director in Grayling’s Public Affairs team in London, while Ms Longdin was previously Associate Director within the Midlands team.

Together they bring almost 20 years of  media, PR and PA experience to the leadership role, having collectively worked across high-profile clients including Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer and HORIBA MIRA, as well as in-house in former roles.

Ling is a Public Affairs specialist having worked for former Coalition Government Ministers, as well advising the Liberal Democrats on economic and business policy. He joined Grayling three years ago from disability charity Scope where, as Head of Campaigns, he oversaw its Parliamentary activity and public-facing PR campaigns, including the organisation’s response to welfare reform.

Former journalist Ms Longdin has worked for Grayling for seven years. Her expertise lies in Consumer and Automotive PR, with specialisms within the Food & Drink and Retail sectors.

Collectively, they will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Midlands team as well as leading some of Grayling’s flagship clients in the region. They will continue to work with Grayling’s Managing Director of UK Regions, Nations & Ireland, Sally Rhodes, to enhance the Midlands offer to existing and new clients. Both sit on the Grayling UK Management Board.

Ms Rhodes said: “I am very pleased to announce that both Craig and Hayley will be leading the Midlands team together. With their combined experience covering a wide range of sectors, I believe the Midlands team will thrive under their direction.

“The recent economic growth to the Midlands means there is incredible potential for big things to happen in this region and Grayling is well positioned to support clients who are at the crux of growth in the area.”

Vitamin partners with ITG to support growth

RETAIL marketing agency Vitamin has bolstered its service offering by partnering with marketing services and technology company, Inspired Thinking Group.

Birmingham-based ITG has taken a financial stake in the agency in a deal that gives Vitamin access to the group’s wide range of services, while boosting ITG’s expertise in retail strategy.

Vitamin was founded in January 2014 by Natalie Somerville and Claire Roshanzamir, who have worked in senior positions at some of the UK’s best-known retailers and brands, including Tesco, Camelot, M&S and Asda. ITG’s existing retail client base includes Halfords, M&S, Boots, Morrisons, KFC and Sainsbury’s.

Announcing the partnership, ITG’s CEO Simon Ward said: “Vitamin is a great fit for us. Our technology already forms the marketing operational backbone of some of the world’s best-known retailers and brands. Claire and Natalie know retail from the inside out – they have unrivalled knowledge and expertise in retail strategy. Their experience will be invaluable to our client base.”

Vitamin currently provides marketing strategy for several large UK retailers. The team has helped redefine the B&Q in-store customer journey, with other recent projects including brand identity and activation for British Gas, café proposition development for Tesco and category activation plans for Unilever.

New home and image for Birmingham agency Clevercherry

BIRMINGHAM creative agency Clevercherry has unveiled a new brand identity to mark its relocation to new premises in Gas Street.
 
The full-service agency has relocated from Frederick Street in the Jewellery Quarter, taking up quarters at 22 Gas Street.
 
Nigel Wilson, managing director of Clevercherry, said: “Following a strong period of growth, new business wins, and an increasing demand for our integrated offering, the time was right to move to larger premises and further enhance the Clevercherry brand.
 
“With such a strong foothold within the Midlands and the rapid growth of Birmingham as one of Europe’s most investable cities, a move out of the Second City was never in question. We’re proud to be a thriving Birmingham agency.
 
“The building is the perfect location for us – located in the same building as ITV Central and within walking distance of the Mailbox, Brindleyplace, and the fast-growing business district. Overlooking Brum’s famous canal network, the new address provided a blank canvas for Clevercherry to put its stamp on.”
 
With that in mind, the agency decided to combine the move with a complete rebrand of the 30-strong firm – introducing a creative new twist on the business and the personalities that make it the successful, award-winning agency that it has become.
 
Wilson added: “Being right in the heart of the city, and with such great rail links, we’re in an even better position to service our clients, while being a stone’s throw from the region’s key broadcasters, making networking even easier for our account team.”
 
Pictured from left: Dave Shaw, digital director, Adam Bicknell, head of creative, Nigel Wilson, managing director, James Brazier, client services director and Shaun Taylor, head of technology.