A PR company established last year by a former regional editor has landed a potentially lucrative contract with a major leisure group on its patch.

James Higgins founded 32West after being axed as editor of the North West Evening Mail following the takeover of its parent company the CN Group by Newsquest last spring.

He was subsequently joined as a partner in the business by Frank Stretton, a former commercial director of CN Group.

Now the former regional press duo have won the prestigious contract to deliver content and marketing services for the Holker Group, one of the leading leisure groups in the North West.

James Higgins pictured third left with representatives of 32West and new clients the Holker Group

32West will work across the group’s diverse portfolio of businesses, which includes Holker Hall and Gardens, Cartmel Racecourse, Burlington Stone and leisure sites, Longlands and Old Park Wood.

Chief executive of the Holker Group, Allen Gibb, said: “We are delighted to have secured the services of the team at 32West.  It was clear to us that as a business, and based on their industry experience, they will enjoy great success and we wanted to be a part of that journey.”

The Holker Group is owned by the Cavendish family and is based at the historic stately home of Holker Hall, in Cark, near Grange-over-Sands.

Frank said the 32West team were “thrilled” to have been appointed as the group’s media partners.

He said: “The Holker business has outstanding brands and we’re all looking forward to working and supporting them over the coming weeks and months.”

“32West as a business continues to go from strength to strength as we help our growing list of clients tell their story and make the most of the exciting content and marketing opportunities within each of their businesses.”