News archives May 2000 Hallmark's PR negotiation team is strengthened THE SPECIALIST PR Negotiation community lobbying team at top south coast consultancy Hallmark PR has been strengthened in response to continued client demand for its services. Newly promoted account director Steve Osborne-Brown will now lead the consultancy's four-strong PR Negotiation practice, supported by new senior account executive, Richard Bennett and account executive, Val Samways. Since joining Hallmark last July, Steve has focused on planning issues, crisis management and employee relations. He is shortly to attend a course at Harvard University in the USA on the latest community lobbying techniques. Richard Bennett has over six years experience of working in public relations and marketing communications, and joins from the Potentia International human asset management consultancy where he was a marketing executive. Richard gained an Honours Degree in Politics from the University of Huddersfield. He has completed the Chartered Institute of Marketing Advanced Certificate and is now studying for the Diploma. A keen Saints fan, Richard lives in Winchester. Val Samways, who has been with Hallmark since 1991, has been promoted to account executive and will be supporting Steve and Richard. Hallmark director Helen Symes, said: "Communicating contentious messages to communities and opinion leaders is a specialist task in which Hallmark PR has considerable expertise. We have developed the PR Negotiation technique to manage the communication process and bridge gaps in understanding. "Clients are increasingly calling upon our services when faced with difficult issues, and the combined skills and experience of Steve, Richard and Val are proving valuable." In a recent account gain, Hallmark's PR Negotiation team has been handling the launch and community communications of proposals for a technology park and retail warehouse at Havant in Hampshire for new client, Xyratex. For further information contact Steve Wilson