Freshfield is to create two new specialist sector teams covering energy and healthcare.

This follows the appointment of Paul Tustin as account director who brings a depth of experience with clients including the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, the National Nuclear Laboratory, the NHS Information Centre, Trafford NHS Primary Care Trust and Mersey Care NHS Trust.

The two teams offer the full range of PR and marketing communications support in particular media relations, public affairs, media training and crisis and issues management.

Tustin is a former director of his own public relations business, Acumen PR, and was also a senior account director with national networked consultancy Harrison Cowley in Manchester. Paul also has experience in the manufacturing and leisure sectors.

Speaking on the move, Simon Turner, managing director, said: “Paul brings a vast amount of experience to Freshfield and we are delighted to have him on board. He will help us develop new sector specialisms and strengthen our senior management team.”

“These are exciting times and yes, we are realistic in this climate, but our capacity to do business in our specialist fields is growing all the time and we relish the challenge ahead.”