NEWLY-FOUNDED PR outfit Pure Marketing Communications has got off to a flying start.

For the company has landed one of the UK's fastest growing tour operators as its first client.

Bury-based Pure has been appointed by CT2 to handle a trade and consumer campaign in support of its aggressive marketing strategy.

The tour operator, which is located in Sale, has expanded its capacity by more than 30 per cent this year and is set to fly around 228,000 UK holidaymakers to the sun.

And turnover at the holiday firm also rose by some 50 per cent, taking sales to more than £40 million. Pure won the business on the basis of Andy Loynes' extensive experience in the travel sector.

Andy, who until recently was CT2's group marketing manager, has a long track record as an external marketing adviser to leading holiday companies, including Wigan-based Shearings, Wallace Arnold, Sunset Holidays (now part of JMC), Apartments Abroad and Jersey specialist Airways Holidays.

On CT2's decision to appoint Pure, sales and marketing director Philip Firth said: "Over the years, Andy has earned a reputation as one of the travel industry's most respected PR operators and one who truly understands the business.

"Having worked for me both at CT2 and when I was sales and marketing director at Shearings, he has personally proven to me the effectiveness of his skills."

The account win has kick-started the new PR outfit, which is confident of announcing further business gains within the next few weeks.

"Pure may be the new kid on the PR block, but account gains like this demonstrate that we have the clout to pull in some serious business," said Andy.

"CT2 is one of the most dynamic players in the travel industry, achieving seriously impressive and profitable growth in what is currently a ruthlessly competitive market. Naturally, I am delighted to welcome them to Pure."

Andy's decision to set up his company follows a 12-year career in PR and marketing which began at Stretford agency JGPR and included a five-year spell as PR director at fast-expanding Prestwich marketing communications consultancy Appleby Bowers.