Member Article

Havas PR to support TransPennine Express’s new refurbishment

Havas PR UK has been appointed by TransPennine Express, the Manchester-based train operating company which runs intercity rail services throughout the North and into Scotland.

TransPennine Express is part of FirstGroup plc, which operates bus companies in the UK and in North America and two other UK train companies, Great Western Railways and Hull Trains.

Havas will be responsible for the public relations programme to support the full refurbishment of TransPennine Express’s existing train fleet, which started in November 2016. The account will be headed up by Jonathan Welsh, associate director, who is excited by the challenge.

“We are absolutely delighted to be on board as TransPennine Express’s PR agency. We will be working with them on a project by project basis, starting with the refurbishment of their current train fleet. This very significant new business win will make a brilliant addition to the Havas client portfolio.”

Commenting on the appointment, Sarah Ford, head of communications at TransPennine Express, said: “We were really impressed with Havas PR’s previous experience and expertise in the travel industry. The start of the new franchise marks the beginning of an exciting future for everyone at TransPennine Express, as we consolidate our position as a vibrant and modern intercity rail operator for the North and Scotland.”

TransPennine Express network is made up of three main routes, North TransPennine, South TransPennine and North West and Scotland. The destinations they serve range from Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, Edinburgh and Manchester. Over the next three and a half years, TransPennine Express will be investing more than £500m in their network, introducing more seats and introducing free WI-FI in their new fleets.

Links: Havas PR UK: http://theprblog.co.uk/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Helen Butler .