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."
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Current Global MENAT fetches new pet care business win

Current Global MENAT has been appointed as the PR partner for Paws & Co., a new pet care, health and wellness business preparing to launch in the UAE.

The agency will lead the brand’s launch in the UAE, supporting the business’s ambition to create a connected pet healthcare ecosystem.

Peter Jacob, Managing Director, Current Global MENAT, said, “As a father of two dogs, I know first-hand that there isn’t a shortage of vets. With Paws & Co., this isn’t simply about another entrant into the market. Paws & Co. is founded on the idea of changing how people think about pet healthcare and building a brand and an experience designed around the needs of pets, pet parents and veterinary professionals.”

Matt Butterworth, Co-Founder Paws & Co. said, “For many pets and pet parents, the current process is fragmented, reactive and clinical yet the way people see their pets has changed, and frankly the veterinary experience hasn’t evolved at the same pace. From the beginning, we wanted to rip up the institutionalised playbook and build a pet healthcare experience that feels different. Pets are family, and their care should be personal, consistent and reassuring. In Pete and the Current Global team we have a partner that gets us and understands our intention and wider growth ambitions.”

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TEAM LEWIS introduces integrated AI platform

TEAM LEWIS has launched version one of its AI operating system, Orbital (OS1), as part of its global offering. The platform is designed to connect insight, creativity, messaging and public-facing delivery.

Orbital combines data from across public relations, customer relationship management, paid media and web activity. It is structured around three pillars:

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Orbital works with each organisation’s own data and context to identify the signals influencing reputation, demand and AI visibility.

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Orbital supports the people representing an organisation, spanning media interviews, keynote presentations and leadership moments.

Fairil Yeo, EVP of AI & Growth at TEAM LEWIS, said: “The advantage increasingly lies with organisations that can act quickly on what they already know. Orbital is designed to shorten the distance between insight and action - helping marketing and communications teams work more effectively across markets, channels and teams.”

Chief Operating Officer at TEAM LEWIS, Yvonne van Bokhoven, added: “Technology can connect information, but it cannot replace judgement. Orbital gives our specialists a clearer view of what matters, more quickly. The decisions - and the responsibility for making them well - remain human.”

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Zac McLean trades journalism for government comms

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