TransPennine Express hires Havas PR

Havas PR UK has been handed a PR brief by TransPennine Express, the Manchester-based train operating company which runs intercity rail services throughout the North of England and into Scotland.

TransPennine Express is part of FirstGroup, which operates bus companies in the UK and in North America, as well as two other UK train companies, Great Western Railways and Hull Trains.

TransPennine Express’ network is made up of three main routes: North TransPennine, South TransPennine and North West and Scotland. It serves destinations including Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, Edinburgh and Manchester.

The train operating company says it will invest more than £500m in the network, introducing more seats and introducing free Wi-Fi in new fleets.

Havas has been briefed to support the full refurbishment of TransPennine Express’s existing train fleet, which started in November 2016.

Sarah Ford, head of comms at TransPennine Express, said: “We were really impressed with Havas PR’s previous experience and expertise in the travel industry. The start of the new franchise marks the beginning of an exciting future for everyone at TransPennine Express, as we consolidate our position as a vibrant and modern intercity rail operator for the North and Scotland.”

Jonathan Welsh, associate director at Havas PR UK, will lead the account.

Welsh added: “We are absolutely delighted to be on board as TransPennine Express’s PR agency. We will be working with them on a project by project basis, starting with the refurbishment of their current train fleet.

“This very significant new business win will make a brilliant addition to the Havas client portfolio.”