The Food and Drink Federation, whose members are currently in the
spotlight thanks to a regular news diet of GM food and the British beef
controversy, has boosted its PR team with the creation of three new
posts. Kay Relph, a former assistant to MPs David Blunkett and Gillian
Shepherd, has been poached to work alongside communications director
Martin Paterson on campaigns and lobbying. Meanwhile, Paterson has
boosted the press and parliamentary department, headed by Jackie
Dowthwaite, with a further press officer, bringing the total up to
three. A full-time editor for the trade body’s in-house magazine has
also joined the communications department.