Clerical Medical to refocus PR on consumer/ trade

Clerical Medical Investment Group has appointed a PR team as part

of a renewed focus on consumer and trade markets.

The Bristol-based team of three is led by PR manager Gordon McAra, who

aims to broaden the firm's media relations from trade work to large

provincial and national media relations.

McAra, a former PRO at Cornhill Insurance, joins Clerical from Finalise

Financial Services, where he was marcoms manager. He will report to

Clerical Medical divisional marketing manager Sue Tunstall.

Two PROs also join McAra's team: the internally-promoted PR assistant

Helene Barnes, and Lorraine Leaney, who moves from Wiltshire

Constabulary where she was press and PR officer.

The new team replaces that of PR manager Tony Bloomer, and PRO Tony

Muir, both of whom have left the company. Despite the changes, Clerical

Medical still retains the London-based Quill Communications for trade

and financial PR.

The Clerical group manages funds of around £69bn. The firm

specialises in the provision of investments, pensions, life assurance

and international investment products.