Adrian Bentley, former Head of Innovation at And Partners Manchester has joined de Winter as Executive Creative Director.

With 18 years experience at some of the region's leading creative agencies, Bentley has worked with many of the UK's biggest brands including Bupa, B&Q and Manchester United - but he's equally driven by coming up with big ideas that do the business for regional and local brands too.

Building on the deWinter's outstanding reputation for PR - the company was recently ranked amongst the best in the UK- Bentley's brief is simple; to help drive the business's integrated offering forward by positioning deWinter as a centre of excellence in the delivery of outstanding creative solutions.

"This is a real coup for the business," said Managing Director Kate Cox.

"Adrian has a fantastic reputation for generating superb ideas and solutions and a wealth of experience in creating eye-catching, innovative and groundbreaking ideas which make clients stand out. That's the strength we hope to capitalise on in the coming months."

Bentley, 41, also recently joined the teaching staff at Salford University as Associate Lecturer on their innovation Creative Futures programme and also sits on Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce's Creative, Digital & Media Council.

"My currency is ideas, it doesn't matter whether it's an advertising campaign, a product or event,  and I'm excited at the prospect of working with de Winter to consistently come up with more good ones that deliver results for our clients."  said Bentley, who lives in Manchester with his wife Clare and their two children.

"When deWinter invited me to work with them, it was a no-brainer. This is a great business with great people and great potential - there's a real passion to try new ways of working and I'm over the moon with how things have started, with two client wins already!"

de Winter is also celebrating after receiving regional recognition after being shortlisted for two prestigious honours at this year's Cheshire Business Awards.

de Winter is one of three firms across Cheshire up for the 'Scottish Power Small Business of the Year' as well as Managing Director Kate Cox shortlisted for the 'Bentley Motors Young Business Person of the Year' which will be announced on Friday 16 September at Chester Racecourse.