Last updated at 09:46, Tuesday, 22 January 2013

Two journalists with more than half a century’s media experience between them have formed a public-relations agency in Carlisle.

Vic Gibson, left and Nick Brownlee

Fleet Street veteran Nick Brownlee and Vic Gibson, a former news editor and sports editor of The Cumberland News, are launching Citadel PR from offices at Warwick Bridge.

Mr Brownlee, who is also a successful novelist, said: “We are Carlisle’s first and only PR agency to be run by experienced journalists with a proven track record, as opposed to lone operators setting up on their own.

“Citadel will be a modern media and PR agency with a straight-talking approach. There has already been a lot of interest in what we are doing, simply from Twitter and word of mouth so far.”

Citadel PR operates from Warwick Mill with Mr Brownlee, 45, of Irthington, and Mr Gibson, 52, from Keswick, as directors.

Tony Chilton Interiors in Carlisle is Citadel’s first client and several others will be announced soon.

Mr Gibson has been a self-employed public relations and media consultant for the last five years.

His clients include Carlisle Racecourse, Reays/City Hopper and Lattimer Homes.

Previously, he has worked with Tesco, Story Homes, Carlisle Youth Zone and Carlisle United.

He said: “There are plenty of success stories right across the county but it's not always the Cumbrian way to tell the world how good you are.

“For some, it’s enough just to know they are doing a good job.We think it’s time to change that approach and get the message out to a wider audience to drive up revenue.”

Citadel will specialise in generating news for digital, print or broadcast outlets and writing copy for websites, newsletters and brochures.

It also offers media training and crisis management, brand awareness, social-media promotion, video and photo shoots.

For more information phone 01228 564415 or email info@citadelpr.co.uk.

First published at 09:45, Tuesday, 22 January 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk