Birchams diversifies into a PR

If you are heading for a trainingcontractwith Bircham Dyson Bell (BDB), then it is likely you will be learning more than just how to provide legal advice.

BDB is no longer just a law firm it is also now a PR agency.

Not content with developing a reputation for planning and parliamentary legal advice, the firm has taken the surprise decision to offer clients communications and PR advice.

In a coup for the new service, BDB has secured a five-year appointment as the exclusive PR adviser to public transportauthorityand executive Merseytravel.

Thefirmusedits experience of pitching for legal instructions, combined with its position as legal adviser
toMerseytravel,topip several top communications companies in a five-way pitch for the role.

BDB will now provide Merseytravel with advice on all aspects of public affairs and communications relating tothedeliveryofthe Merseyside Local Transport Plan.

The appointment follows the firms ad hoc provision of PR support to Merseytravel over the last two years in connection with the passage of the Mersey Tunnels Act 2004 and the ongoing Merseytram project.