A former local democracy reporter has teamed up with her old editor again after being hired as his new company’s first full-time recruit.

Amy Orton has joined 1284, a corporate communications agency run by former Leicester Mercury editor George Oliver.

George previously recruited Amy as an LDR at the Mercury in 2018.

More recently, she has been communications manager for University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

Amy, pictured, told The Business Desk: “George last recruited me at the Mercury back in 2018 and I’m pleased to be teaming up with him again after what’s been a period of swift growth for 1284.

“I share George’s aim of matching Chartered PR quality with newsroom speed in providing effective comms strategy. I’ll be using my own news experience to support our public sector and SME clients.”

George launched Loughborough-based 1284 in 2020 following his departure from the Mercury.

He said: “Amy is a first-class journalist and communicator who will bring her knowledge and understanding of local authorities to provide real value to 1284 clients.

“Her work during the pandemic was just one example of her talent for spotting and telling a story, as she was invited to summarise the Leicester Lockdown for various national media, including BBC Radio 4.

“Since then, Amy has strengthened her experience by working as a comms manager in one of the UK’s biggest hospital trusts.

“As account director at 1284, she will bring insight, speed and networks across the East Midlands.”