PUBLIC relations agency Newsline PR has expanded its team after winning a series of new clients.
The Leamington-based agency, launched in 1979, has appointed journalist Tom Payne, senior sub-editor of the Leicester Mercury, who, last year, was shortlisted in the Midlands Media Awards headline writer of the year category.
A journalist for almost 15 years, working across news, sport and features, Tom has also been highly commended three times in the Midlands Media Awards Sports Journalist of the Year category when he was sports editor of the Hinckley Times – where he later became deputy editor.
His appointment at Newsline resulted from a number of new client wins and the promotion of Kristy Harmer to senior account manager, just two years after joining the agency. Kristy, who has a degree in public relations, had previously worked in busy agencies in Newcastle and Birmingham.
Newsline managing director Peter Robinson said Kristy had been handling media relations, digital marketing, social media and event management for clients across a wide range of sectors, including logistics, property, education and consumer.
He told The Observer: “Kristy is an invaluable account handler who is extremely worthy of this promotion. In rewarding Kristy we also welcome Tom to the team, who will be working alongside other former senior journalists at Newsline who have crossed over from journalism to public relations and have excelled.
“Tom’s experience of journalism and digital media will be a valuable addition to Newsline’s energetic team and we look forward to him working on our public relations and social media campaigns.
“We have had a very good first six months this year and needed to expand the team after a number of new client wins in logistics, education and catering; together with renewed contracts with current clients, many of whom have been with us for ten to 20 years.”
