Absolute News

Absolute begins new lap with leisure trust

Exeter based public relations agency, Absolute PR and Marketing, is celebrating after being re-appointed by Leisure East Devon (LED), the charitable trust that operates sports and leisure facilities on behalf of East Devon District Council. The new contract, which will see Absolute continue to handle the trust’s media relations campaign and run its press office, was confirmed on the back of the success of Absolute’s first 12 months on board − the first time LED had employed a PR agency.

Absolute began working with LED in Spring 2008, getting to work straight away on promoting an international tennis tournament being held at one of LED’s centres, Exmouth Tennis and Leisure Centre. The account team at Absolute has helped to drive numerous other promotional campaigns throughout the year including the refurbishment of the gym at Honiton Swimming and Leisure Centre and the opening of a brand new gym at Exmouth Tennis and Leisure Centre.

As PR specialists, Absolute’s focus throughout 2009 and into 2010 will be to build on LED’s profile in the regional media, ensuring its fitness and leisure facilities are accessible to as many people as possible across east Devon, with a particular focus on LED’s six gyms.

“We’re delighted to have been re-appointed by LED,” said PR Director Rachael Whitson “It’s an excellent brand and there’s a lot of variety to the work involved in running its press office. Getting fit and staying healthy is high on the nation’s agenda and the account team here is able to use its many regional press contacts to promote LED and its facilities throughout the region.”

“Absolute has worked with us on a proactive media relations programme which has supported campaigns ranging from new gym openings to health and fitness drives and children’s holiday programmes,” commented Mike Hooper, Head of Business Development and Marketing at LED. “We have also benefited from Absolute’s professional guidance and advice when LED has been put under the media spotlight. Overall, the PR support from Absolute has improved awareness of our activities and facilities by bringing LED’s news from the back pages to the front pages.”

“We’re looking forward to another year on board with LED but equally, we’re encouraged to be seeing a definite upsurge in new client enquiries in 2009,” added Rachael Whitson. “There are clearly plenty of companies in the region looking to take a pro-active approach and market themselves out of this downturn. By strengthening their communications with customers and ensuring their products and services maintain a high profile, businesses can retain and grow their market share, even in the toughest of times.”

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