Two former journalists have become shareholders in a media relations consultancy after winning promotions.

Ed Baker and James Tourgout, formerly senior account directors, have been made associate directors at Bournemouth-based Deep South Media.

Ed, who is in his ninth year with the business and is in charge of its digital strategy, previously worked for a national news agency as a reporter covering the central south coast of England.

James, who is in his eighth year with Deep South, oversees online training and was previously deputy head of news and business editor at the Dorset Echo.

From left: James Tourgout and Ed Baker

Deep South, which has been in business for 23 years, is led by managing director Ron Wain, who joined as an account director in 2006 from the Southern Daily Echo, where he was business editor.

He said: “We are always looking to the future, irrespective of how the UK economy is faring, because the demands of commerce and consumers are constantly evolving – and rightly so.

“Ed and James have worked tirelessly to help shape new revenue streams through digital and training, as well as professional content generation for a diverse range of clients.

“They thoroughly deserve their promotions to associate directors and both show entrepreneurial flair and business acumen.”