A former regional daily editor who later moved into journalism training has joined a communications agency – teaming up with another former editor in the process.

Richard Bowyer edited Stoke-on-Trent daily The Sentinel before becoming a senior lecturer in journalism at the University of Derby in 2014.

After leaving the university last month, he is now joining Loughborough-based corporate comms agency 1284, linking up with another former daily news chief, George Oliver.

George was editor of the Leicester Mercury from 2016 to 2020 before going on to set up 1284.

The 1284 team, from left: Richard Bowyer, George Oliver and Amy Orton. Picture: Beth Walsh Photography.

Richard joins 1284 in a part-time role as content editor and will support with print page design, editing, and B2B content for 1284’s small business and local authority clients.

Also on the team is Amy Orton, who spent 15 years as a journalist for various East Midlands news titles and a spell as an NHS comms manager.

Said Richard: “1284 is clearly a growing business and, when George offered me the chance to work with him and Amy, I knew it was a good opportunity.

“The company’s focus on innovation and East Midlands regional growth, alongside its purpose and philosophy on quality service delivery, fits with my own way of working.”

George added: “Richard brings further experience and business knowledge to the benefit of 1284 clients.

“His arrival maintains our policy of recruiting highly experienced professionals, bringing significant understanding of the media and comms industries, as well as deep Midlands networks.”

Starting his career at the Coalville and Ashby Times, Richard also worked on the Peterborough Telegraph, Wolverhampton Express & Star, Derby Telegraph, and Lincolnshire Echo where he was deputy editor.

In his role at the University of Derby he helped set up the only football journalism degree course in the country, and the university’s Magazine Journalism course.