PR News

Agent99 announces inaugural winner of Food and Beverage Accelerator Program

Independent PR agency, Agent99, has announced 40Res, a newly launched neighbourhood wine bar in Surry Hills, as the first recipient of its Food and Beverage Accelerator Program.

The initiative, which opened earlier this year, was developed to support the hospitality sector during challenging economic times. It offers three months of pro-bono strategic PR, marketing, and communications consultancy designed to elevate brand presence in a competitive landscape.

Agent99 will apply its strategic approach to shape and amplify 40Res' narrative, foster media and influencer relationships, and roll out an integrated campaign to position the brand as an exciting new Sydney dining destination.

Director and Founder of Agent99, Sharon Zeev Poole, said the team was looking for more than just a good concept: "From our first meeting with the 40Res team, we felt there was a natural chemistry and a sense that we were driven by similar values. They are passionate about what they do and strive for nothing less than excellence. We�re so excited to help them share their story and gift with Sydneysiders."

Senior Account Director and co-creator of the program, Nicole Robertson, added: "We were incredibly impressed by all three of our finalists, but 40Res offered a compelling blend of clarity, creativity, and soul. We�re excited to work closely with them and bring our full suite of strategic and media expertise to help them reach the next level."
Next story

Telum Vox Pop: PR Tech in 2025

You might also enjoy

H/Advisors
Moves

H/Advisors Klareco promotes Associate Director in Singapore

Sherilyn Yang has stepped up to the role of Associate Director, Financial Communications at H/Advisors Klareco.

Based in Singapore, she leads the firm’s financial communications team, providing strategic counsel to clients across sectors on investor relations, financial communications and transaction communications.

Sherilyn advises on initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions and other strategic corporate situations. She joined the firm as a Senior Consultant in 2024.

Lachlan
Industry update

Lachlan Johnston and Tom Callachor team up to launch new consultancy

Lachlan Johnston and Tom Callachor have come together to launch Sedgwick Advisers, a new Australian-based reputation management, strategic communications, and public affairs advisory firm.

Sedgwick Advisers offers a range of services spanning strategic communications and reputation management, crisis and issues management, litigation and investigation support, regulatory and government affairs, and executive positioning and stakeholder engagement.

The pair bring more than 55 years’ combined experience, having previously advised ASX-listed companies, private organisations, industry bodies, and high-profile individuals.

A journalist turned communications professional, Lachlan has more than 30 years’ experience, with roles in Australia and the UK. He has held senior positions at companies including Woolworths Group, Morrow Sodali, Qantas, and AMP.

Tom brings more than 25 years’ experience in public affairs, regulation, and communications, spanning sectors including gambling, entertainment, sport, and healthcare. He has also spent part of his career as an ASX executive and in government as Chief of Staff to several ministers. 

Tara
Moves

Tara Pereira takes up new appointment as Head of Communications

Tara Pereira has joined Australian deep tech investment fund, Main Sequence, as Head of Communications. She has moved in-house following nearly eight years at Sling & Stone, most recently as Associate Director, Deep Tech & Science.

Tara also holds agency experience at FleishmanHillard, Eleven and Thrive PR.