Joanna Randall, who used to be head of PR at McCann Erickson’s Bristol office, has set up a new PR and social media consultancy PurpleFish PR.

PurpleFish PR describes itself as offering specialist social media expertise and senior PR consultancy services by integrating digital media channels with more traditional communication methods. 

Founding PurpleFish PR clients include UK leading service charge consultancy Property Solutions, full service marketing agency Commstar and client Dycem.

Randall (pictured) said: “The traditional PR consultancy model cannot survive without some degree of digital expertise and online communications knowledge.  PurpleFish PR has been set up to bridge the gap that often exists between PR and digital experts.

“Clients want communications solutions that are flexible and innovative; it’s important to think laterally about the audience you are trying to reach and how they are consuming media - simply using traditional media in isolation without any social solutions is not enough anymore. 

“We are working for clients directly and also partnering with PR agencies to offer social media knowledge and tools for their own clients and to help upskill their account management teams with specific social media training.”