A former Fleet Street reporter who swapped journalism for public relations more than a decade ago, has launched his own agency, Able PR.
The venture sees Les Able part company with Isle of Man marketing and design firm Home Strategic, where he has been director of PR and media relations for the past five years.
He describes the split as '100 per cent amicable' and says he will maintain close links with his former employer.
The 'poacher turned gamekeeper' includes on his CV a stint as parliamentary reporter on The Times, eight years at the Daily Telegraph and a spell as City editor at the Welsh daily title the Western Mail.
Mr Able's career in PR began in London 12 years ago, and Westminster City Council, accountants PKF and international law firm DLA Piper are among past clients. At Home Strategic he has managed the Manx Gas account.
He commented: "Because of my background as a journalist and the many facets of PR I have been involved in I like to think I know what journalists are looking for and can advise clients on the best news angles to adopt so as to achieve maximum exposure in the media."
A search for a positive name for Able's PR consultancy ended when friends and colleagues persuaded him to use his own!