News in brief

PR Week UK, Thursday, 10 November 2005, 12:00am,

WHITEHALL The Labour Party’s former head of press and broadcasting Matthew Doyle has quit Whitehall without a job to go to as a result of David Blunkett’s resignation as Work and Pensions Secretary last week. Doyle had been Blunkett’s special adviser on comms since Blunkett’s return to the Cabinet in May.

AGENCY Hill & Knowlton is to use Daily Mail columnist Des Kelly to advise its staff on media relations. Kelly, who has formerly worked at the Daily Mirror, has previously undertaken similar work for Ketchum.

CONSUMER Shell Ferrari F1 has rehired Prism following a competitive pitch (PRWeek, 3 June) for a three-year contract. Prism will undertake global media relations to publicise Shell's sponsorship.

AGENCY Former Pride magazine fashion and beauty editor Ruki Garuba has joined Phil Hall Associates to advise clients such as Maxi-Muscle and Heather Bird Health, while also helping the
start-up with new business.

CONSUMER Frank & Earnest Communications has been brought in by online fashion retailer Discoo. The hire follows an agency review (PRWeek, 12 August) and sees the agency handling a media relations campaign, kicking off with a brand relaunch event at London bar Nordic later this month.

CONSUMER Google is using Citypress PR to promote the opening of its first regional British office, in Manchester. Google UK head Kate Burns will speak at a 15 November ceremony. The company this Wednesday denied media reports that Michael Howard's former chief of staff Rachel Whetstone had accepted its top UK comms job.

CORPORATE Modular flooring firm Interface Europe has hired Golley Slater to advise on corporate comms. The agency will work with mainland Europe-based agencies on a European programme.

CONSUMER Online subscription DVD rental company Screenselect.co.uk has taken on Sputnik Communications to handle all consumer PR and media relations. Incumbent Rare Communications worked with Screenselect.co.uk for a year.