LONDON — W Communications has launched a specialist agency, W3, for clients exploring the metaverse and Web3.0. The agency will have virtual ‘offices’ available to host, network and create new experiences. The first W3 location will be Sandbox, with additional worlds coming online in due course. The agency has already recruited 3D developers and engineers, motion designers, a blockchain consultant, a gaming designer/ animator and a metaverse community manager. W’s existing work in this space includes a digital fashion collection and 'reforestation' tournament in Fortnite for the Institution of Engineering and Technology to drive STEM engagement with Gen Z audiences and a series of NFT player cards with whisky client Monkey Shoulder.

LONDON — Taylor Herring has devised a recruitment ad campaign for client EasyJet, which is re-opening is pilot training programme for the first time since the start of the pandemic, with the aim of recruiting more than 1,000 new pilots over the next five years. The campaign (pictured), featuring real-life EasyJet pilots, aims to highlight that everyone has the potential to turn their skills and passions towards becoming a pilot, with a focus on recruiting more women and diverse candidates. Taylor Herring’s ads will feature on social media and will be launched throughout Europe.

LONDON — Cryptocurrency finance and banking app Ziglu has appointed Coolr as its social media agency of record. Created by Mark Hipperson, co-founder and CTO of Starling Bank, Ziglu allows customers to exchange their money into digital currencies including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano, Chainlink, Dogecoin, Ether, Litecoin, Polkadot, Solano and Tezos and to use a debit card that sits alongside the investments.

LONDON — The PRCA is renewing calls for employers to hire a PR apprentice and help talented individuals get the start they need as part of this week’s UK-wide National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) campaign. The PRCA, in partnership with its new training, development and apprenticeship programme partner Cision, will be sharing stories from past and present PR apprentices, employers and coaches on how the programme has positively impacted careers. The PRCA is offering 20% off the recruitment fee during NAW for agency and in-house teams that decide to hire an apprentice. The PR Apprenticeship programme offers aspiring practitioners from all backgrounds the opportunity to work full-time in PR while undertaking on-the-job training and assessments. Apprentices work for 18-month periods, with 93% progressing to permanent employment in the industry.

MANCHESTER — Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Smoking Gun to run a social media advertising campaign to support a major recruitment drive. Following significant investment as part of its mental health and learning disability transformation programme, the Trust is planning to recruit up to 200 new posts, including supporting children and young people, improving access to psychological therapies, mental health, adult community crisis, and adult inpatient wards.

LONDON — Regeneration communications and place positioning specialist agency Coverdale Barclay has been appointed to deliver PR for the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), a new conference, exhibition and awards ceremony this May aimed at connecting people, places and businesses to accelerate the Government’s levelling up agenda and unlock sustainable investment across the country. More than 5,000 people are expected to attend the event.

LONDON — Manchester-based NGO Human Appeal has appointed The Media Foundry to provide ongoing press relations support in the UK and overseas. The agency is working closely with Human Appeal’s global PR, advocacy and research team to expand the reach of the organisation’s audience whilst maintaining its position as a leader in humanitarian relief efforts around the world.

LONDON — People working in the marketing industry are being invited to join a new club to help them prepare for the new world of work in the pandemic economy. The initiative is the brainchild of Future Work, a new recruitment company specialising in the marketing and digital sectors and the result of a merger between Premier Consultants and specialist freelance recruiter Pimento People. The FUW club will offer free webinars exploring different aspects of marketing and running virtual open days where employers can showcase their businesses.