A public relations company is aiming to recruit out-of-work journalists hit by redundancies in local newspapers.

Orange Juice Communications wants to help local press journalists set up ‘franchises’ to run their own PR operations under the firm’s overall umbrella.

The firm was set up by former regional press journalist Oliver Jelley together with Daniel Owens, who worked with him at the Northampton Chronicle and Echo.

Now they want to offer other former local newspaper journalists to chance to carve out new careers.

Orange Juice believes it can help provide an option for reporters looking to break into the world of PR without having the additional worry of setting up their own business from scratch.

Under their model, franchisees operate on their own under the Orange Juice umbrella, keeping most of the income but benefitting from an established brand, website, social media presence and background services such as accounting and administration.

Said Oliver:  “We firmly believe that journalists have all the skills necessary to make the successful transition into PR. For us, it’s all about storytelling and news values, and nobody does that better than journalists.

“The local newspaper industry is changing rapidly and there’s been a steady stream of people leaving their posts. Many of them are keen to set up on their own but don’t know where to start. Hopefully we can help give them the platform they need and they can get straight to work, winning clients and earning money.”

One former regional press journalist who has already come on board is Kerry Wood, a former Newcastle Chronicle, Journal and Sunday Sun reporter.

Said Kerry: “When I left the paper I fancied doing something on my own but soon realised how tough it was.  Having a ready-made platform to work from has really helped.

“I knew the Orange Juice team from my time working in Northamptonshire and so far it’s been great. I can just get on with my work and all the difficult stuff associated with running your own business, such as invoicing, gets taken care of.”

For more information about joining the Orange Juice team visit www.ojpr.co.uk or call Oliver on 07803 003811.