A senior business editor has said farewell to a regional publisher after landing a new job in public relations.

Tom Houghton, pictured, has announced his departure from Reach plc, where he holds the role of North West business editor.

Tom’s role has seen him work across titles including the Liverpool Echo, Manchester Evening News and Reach’s specialist Business Live platform.

He has left his post to take up a news and content role with Warrington-based PR agency No Brainer.

Announcing the move on Twitter, Tom wrote: “I’ve now left the fantastic teams at Reach, the Liverpool Echo and Business Live.

“It’s been a brilliant six years with Reach including the last few as North West business editor which has involved everything from shmoozing city bigwigs to getting chased out of a car park by a man with a stick.”

Tom joined the Echo in 2018 from Wales Online, initially serving as a local democracy reporter before switching to cover business the following year.

He added: “It was honestly such a thrill – a hugely varied role you can shape yourself, and with a lot of freedom to pursue stories in the UK’s most exciting region for business – I’d highly recommend it.”

Digital PR and content specialist Victoria Attwood has also joined No Brainer, along with apprentice Ella Howatson.

No Brainer co-founder and managing director Gary Jenkins said: “Victoria’s extensive knowledge of digital PR, SEO, and content marketing paired with Tom’s keen eye for a story make for the perfect additions to our growing team.

“We’re so proud to have Victoria and Tom join us, and to be attracting this calibre of professionals who want to work alongside us and grow with us. I’m confident they’ll both bring something special to the agency.

“Being in a position to invest in young talent like Ella is really rewarding too, and she is relishing the opportunity to forge a new career with us, rolling up her sleeves and doing an amazing job so far.

“We’re really proud to be championing apprenticeships as more and more young people consider on-the-job learning as an alternative to university.”