Agency now at home on the farm

8848, part of the Wolverhampton-based Connect Group, has been created from the merger of Connect PR and Seal Communications.

To celebrate the move from its former home at the Chubb Buildings in the city centre to Aspley Farm, a 'farm warming' was held for clients and friends of the business.

Managing director Hazel Crawford told guests: "It has been a massive team effort to do this."

She said it was great to have such a beautiful home in the countryside for the 25-strong 8848 team. The name 8848 comes from the height of the world's highest mountain – Everest – in metres.

Connect Group chairman Rob Hampton said: "It has been an amazing achievement to take on this project and a re-brand at the same time. This is a great new home for us and the next chapter of 8848."

Guests were entertained by Wolverhampton's vocal harmony trio the Bluebird Belles and there were lawn games.

Polly's Parlour from Newport served up ice cream for guests who also enjoyed champagne and canapes.

The purchase of the farm buildings, off Old Stafford Road, for a significant undisclosed sum, was supported by NatWest with legal advice from Higgs & Sons.

The 17-year-old agency will have room to grow and increase its client portfolio in the future.

Current clients include West Bromwich Building Society, Persimmon Homes, Volkswagen, Telford Shopping Centre, MAN Truck & Bus, The Cube, No5 Chambers and Lee Longlands.

Hazel Crawford began her career as a journalist before spending five years in an in-house PR role at Cable & Wireless. In 1999 Hazel founded Connect PR with Rob Hampton and grew the business from one employee. Last year local rivals Seal Communications were acquired.