Long-established Bristol public relations agency Empica has expanded by taking on an experienced PR manager and a new PR assistant.
The appointments are part of the company’s growth plans following its recent move to new, larger offices in Wraxall, North Somerset.
Empica was founded in 1989 by former Bristol Post journalist Martin Powell and today has clients ranging from law firm Clarke Willmott and property agents Colliers and Bruton Knowles to Wookey Hole tourist attraction.
New PR manager Darren Bane joins with almost 30 years’ experience in journalism, public relations, corporate communications and marketing while new PR assistant Hannah Mead arrives after completing a degree in Media and Communications at Birmingham City University.
Darren’s role will include spearheading Empica’s media training work and crisis management for clients facing tough media and public scrutiny. A former Bristol Post journalist, he has also been deputy head of corporate communications at Avon & Somerset Police and marketing and communications manager at Weston College.
Martin Powell said: “Darren has a wealth of skills and knowledge that is now available to our clients and adds to our knowledgeable team. His background handling tough media situations with both the police and fire service, and communications for large organisations, will be invaluable.
“Darren is now full-time with us having first joined a few months ago as temporary cover for holidays and while some major projects were being completed.”
Hannah previously working as an intern at marketing and events agencies in Bristol. Her role at Empica includes supporting the account managers and working on social media for clients.
Martin Powell added: “We have ambitious plans in 2018 to expand the business and these first hires keep up the capacity for our clients and ensure we can maintain the quality of work that people expect from us.”
Pictured: New arrivals at Empica, Hannah Mead and Darren Bane
