The Week

Avis and Budget car rental brands have awarded their combined six-figure UK PR business to The Red Consultancy.

Strada, the high street restaurant chain, has hired Van Communications to promote its authentic Italian credentials.

Appletiser has turned to Phipps PR to reconnect the brand with consumers. Separately, the agency is to promote cheese for The Kerrygold Company.

Edelman is to absorb specialist property PR firm Blue Ice Communications and its four staff in March.

Limelight PR has launched a lifestyle and travel division, to be headed by ex-McCluskey International account director Manty Atherton.

Taste of London, the restaurant, food and drink festival in June, has briefed House PR to manage all trade and consumer PR.

Splendid UK PR director Kathryn Pringle is leaving the company after working there for six years. She intends to enter a 'new venture' later in the year after taking a sabbatical.

Three Harbours Arts Festival has chosen Edinburgh-based PR shop Hot Tin Roof to raise awareness of its seafood festival.