Exeter PR agency scoops top award

Devon-based PR and marketing firm Astley Media has scooped a top accolade at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations PRide Awards in Bristol.

The agency, based at Northernhay Place in Exeter, won Gold for Best External Publication for its work alongside client Stagecoach South West.

The publication combines a timetable, map, social media links and discount vouchers to tourist attractions along the route of the rebranded Hop 12, which runs from Newton Abbot, through Torbay, to Brixham.

Targeting tourists, a partnership was forged with the English Riviera Tourism Company, and Stagecoach which saw the booklet given to attractions, guesthouses, hotels and bed and breakfasts.

The initiative was supported by tourism training for drivers and partnerships with local attractions including Paignton Zoo.

Marc Astley, Astley Media chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have won this award which is recognition of the hard work put in by both by my team and the staff at Stagecoach.”

Helen Scholes, Marketing Manager at Stagecoach South West, added “This project shows what can be achieved when businesses from different sectors work together. We view this as just the start of strengthening our links with local tourism and look forward to further exciting developments in 2014 and beyond.”

Astley Media was up against a five-strong shortlist including Bristol-based Inside Media and Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The awards event, held at The Bristol Hotel, in Bristol, was dominated by winners from Bristol and Cornwall, with Astley Media, NHS Devon and Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, being the only Devon-based successes amongst the 21 categories.

The annual Chartered Institute of Public Relations PRide Awards recognise outstanding public relations in the UK regions and nations.

Picture shows Astley Media managing director Dan Pritchard and associate Ashley Petrons (left) with Ruth Wyatt, editor of PR Week.