Pictured above: Claire Morris

Midlands' communications consultancy betterpr is strengthening its social media services with the appointment of Claire Morris as account manager. 

The 26-year-old brings six years' experience in PR agency and journalism to betterpr, which has recently been shortlisted as Midlands 'Outstanding Small Consultancy', in this year's CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations) PRide Awards. 

Claire, who lives in Redditch, joins from a Warwickshire based PR agency. Previously, she was a reporter with Observer Standard Group (now Bullivant Media) covering Solihull, Shirley and the West Midlands having graduated in journalism. 

She will be responsible for developing betterpr's social media offering as part of its portfolio of specialist communication services. 

Head of betterpr Juliet Betterton said: "Our client portfolio has expanded this year with a number of B2B account gains including national supply chain specialist Nightfreight, CK chartered accountants and practice management software specialist See20/20. 

"Our success is based on the fact we offer flexible service options and charging structures, from integrated PR and marketing campaigns to stand alone niche products, including web-based marketing and promotional literature, direct mail, digital video and social media. 

"Claire has led social media campaigns for a wide range of B2B and consumer clients, and we are looking to further develop this media channel with clients." 

Claire added: "Social media provides a range of new direct platforms for consumers and B2B clients to reach and engage with their customer base. 

"By being tactically savvy and identifying a strong clear strategy, we can advise and lead social media campaigns, which gain instant measurable results. 

"It is a fantastic time to be joining the betterpr team at such a high point in their well-established reputation as the leading PR experts for the south Midlands." 

Now in its fourteenth year, betterpr was named Midlands' outstanding small consultancy 2008 by the CIPR and has been a three-times finalist nationally in the CIPR's Excellence Awards.

Winners of this year's PRide Awards will be announced at the CIPR's annual dinner on Friday 3rd December 2010 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. 

Based in Stoke Prior at the Greenbox, Bromsgrove, betterpr offers a full range of integrated communications services, including media relations, web-based marketing, direct marketing, brand management and crisis PR.