Leading PR agency, Pagoda, has secured its first major planning and development client for its Newcastle office, opened earlier this year.

Pagoda has been appointed by Asda to handle planning communications in England and Wales in recognition of the agency’s skills in pre-planning consultation and commercial developments.

The work with Asda will be managed by Director, Andrew Lester, who heads the Newcastle office and this contract follows on from other recent client wins for the agency including the Scottish Land Commission and Health Technology Wales.

Asda Senior communications Manager, Alan Jones comments: Andrew Lester is an impressive operator within stakeholder and planning communications.  Asda is pleased to be working with Andrew and his new team in supporting our proactive and reactive planning work.  As the brand continues to strengthen its presence and offering, this is a good time to consolidate our relationship for the years ahead.”

Managing Director of Pagoda, Angela Casey comments: “Asda is an excellent brand to add to our portfolio and we are proud to be working with Alan and his team.  In bringing in Andrew Lester to head our new office in Newcastle, we were playing to our strength in planning and developments and he is already running an impressive outfit.  We have broadened our geographical reach and boosted our public affairs and planning team, which will be supporting this work.”

Pagoda is based in Edinburgh and offers consultancy in public affairs; media relations; digital and online PR; SEO; and wider communications.  Headed by a team including Angela Casey, Ian Coldwell, and Giselle Dye, the business is one of the leading consultancies in the north of England and Scotland.

PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS LEFT TO RIGHT:  Chris Lowe, Senior Director Public Affairs Asda; Angela Casey, Managing Director Pagoda; Andrew Lester, Director Pagoda; Ian Coldwell, Chairman Pagoda; Alan Jones Senior Communications Manager Asda