In a week that’s been dominated by hard news, we’ve been proud to share a little good, with news that The Strong Agency has been appointed by Merlin Entertainments.

The retainer contract sees Strong work with the leading business to promote it’s two incredible Manchester attractions – SEA LIFE Manchester and Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester.

Work is already underway with plans for Sea Life Manchester’s exciting new feature, Snorkel with Sharks, in development.  The agency will also promote the attractions’ annual programme of events.

Speaking on the appointment, Jenn McDonough, General Manager Manchester Cluster, Merlin Entertainments, said: “We’ve worked with a number of partners over the years, but none have grasped the business quite in the way that Jules, and now The Strong Agency, does.  She has a proven track record for delivering creative and strategic campaigns that meet our business objectives, and we’re delighted to work together.  We know we’re in good hands.”

The appointment is a significant win for the agency and plays to our key strengths.   Thanks to PR Week, Prolific North & Response Source for covering the news.

Strong client, El Gato Negro, celebrated this week as the leading tapas restaurant picked up two accolades at the prestigious Oliver Awards.

Open little more than four months, it’s a notable achievement for the Leeds restaurant, with El Gato Negro awarded Best World Restaurant and Best Overall Restaurant.   It was also highly commended in the Best Newcomer category.

Speaking on the night, Chef Patron & Creative Director, Simon Shaw, said: “It’s great news, we’re really chuffed.  To be awarded not just one but two accolades after such a short period of trading is incredible.

“It’s a privilege and humbling to be recognised by your guests and industry peers, and a brilliant achievement for the team.”

The Oliver Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of the best in the business in Leeds’ flourishing food and drink scene, and saw 16 accolades presented on the night.

We’re incredibly proud to work with the team and to have the opportunity to document and promote El Gato Negro’s continued growth and success.

(Images credits: Allan McKenzie/YPN)

This week, after an incredible run of client launch events, we paused to announce one more – our own.   On Monday March 2nd we raised a glass to the official launch of The Strong Agency, and what an occasion it has been.

We’ve been blown away by the response enjoyed and are grateful to everyone that has taken the time to get in touch and wish us well.  If you missed the announcement you can read about it on PR Week,  Prolific North or Response Source,.  You can, of course, also follow us here for all our latest news.

The UK’s favourite Italian chef and star of hit ITV shows Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip, and Italian Escape, has opened his latest restaurant on bustling Temple Row, Birmingham

Occupying a prime position in the heart of the business district, right next to The Ivy and San Carlo, the 165-cover restaurant, is impressive and features a striking 25m marble eat at cocktail bar, beautiful open plan restaurant and 15m open kitchen.

We were pleased to work with the team to promote the launch, landing a four page exclusive in OK! Magazine alongside widespread feature coverage.  Highlights include a six-page spread in leading lifestyle title Style Birmingham, features on BBC Midlands and Birmingham TV, a brilliant write up on I Choose Birmingham and extensive business and lifestyle articles.

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