An editorial boss who left a regional publisher at the end last year is launching a new communications agency together with one of his former colleagues.

Richard Neville was head of newspapers at Dundee-based publisher DC Thomson until December 2021 and is a former editor of city daily The Courier.

Now he has teamed up with former colleague Fiona Robertson to launch a new communications agency based in Dundee.

Fiona, pictured with Richard below, also previously worked for DC Thomson where she was head of strategic communications and corporate affairs.

The new firm, Neville Robertson Communications, will be based in South Tay Street in Dundee’s cultural sector and will aim to provide advice, insight and strategy to organisations across the Tayside, Perthshire and Fife regions.

Said Richard: “It’s incredibly exciting to be working together and we both believe there is a real gap in the market for the kind of expertise and services we can provide. There is a wonderful energy and spirit in our part of the world that we can help channel for maximum impact.

“The next few years are full of real promise and we want to help as many businesses and organisations as possible capitalise on that.

“There is a lot happening in our part of the world and new business and new opportunities are springing up every month.”

Added Fiona: “Having been involved in major initiatives surrounding the redevelopment of Dundee, Perth and Fife, we’re both proud ambassadors for the area and so we believe that we’re ideally placed to give a first-class service with our new business.

“Our aim is to help organisations of all shapes and sizes with informed, practical advice and communications decision-making and delivery.

“After the last few years we’ve all had, it has to be about more than just getting back to normal.

“It’s an ideal time to use our experience and ensure businesses are well placed to make the most of things post-Covid and create growth again.”

Richard announced he was leaving his role with DC Thomson last December at the same time as the group appointed its first-ever chief executive, Rebecca Miskin.

He said at the time: “In January I will be going out on my own looking or opportunities in media consultancy, newsroom change and digital transformation. And anything else that comes my way.”