Mason Williams Communications is strengthening its Northern operation by joining forces with boutique Cheshire PR agency Shooting Star.

The partnership sees ex-Mason Williams senior director Jackie Duffy return as board director with special responsibility for the Manchester office. She will take a hands-on role with the agency’s key Northern clients as well as driving new business acquisition and team skill development. Shooting Star clients will be incorporated into the Mason Williams portfolio.

Mason Williams MD Rita Rowe said: “Manchester is our heartland. It’s where we founded the agency nearly 30 years ago and we are as committed as ever to our team, our clients and to our future development and offering in the area. Mason Williams is evolving at a rapid pace. We have an enviable client roster and a broader service offering that delivers high quality digital content (the digital agency We Are Native, founded this year) and engaging experiential activity in addition to our core PR services. Jackie has returned to deliver this next, and perhaps most exciting, chapter of our story.”

Talking about her role Jackie Duffy said: “I spent the formative years of my career at Mason Williams, working on amazing projects for great clients. The opportunity to return to play a leading role in the future growth of the Manchester office was irresistible.”