York marketing communications and design consultancy The Partners Group has expanded its services with the formation of Partners Leisure, an associate company specialising in the tourist and leisure industry.

The two companies have steamed into action and won the contract to promote the Summer Tours for the legendary Flying Scotsman, the most famous steam locomotive in the world, which has recently been saved for the nation by the National Railway Museum.

Partners Leisure is headed by managing director David Leon. With 15 years in senior management David has acquired a wealth of experience and knowledge. This experience is now available to leisure and tourism businesses and organisations, whose ability to attract visitors is fundamental to their success. David has previously worked with York Tourism Bureau, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Crich Tramway Village and Eureka! The Museum for Children.

"Tourism and Leisure is one of the largest industries in the UK worth over £75 billion annually," said David Leon. "Yorkshire is a great base for our business with a strong and growing tourism sector which presents considerable opportunities for a marketing and communications consultancy with expertise in the field."

Hugh Venables, managing director of The Partners Group, says: "Partners Leisure provides the opportunity for us to diversify and service clients in a specialist sector. It is an ideal complement to our growing portfolio of business-to-business and consumer clients."

Partners Leisure won the Flying Scotsman account with a multi layered campaign entitled 'Ride the Legend' which draws on the locomotive's celebrity status. As well as media relations, direct mail, e-marketing, station posters and promotional activity, the Partners Group's business-to business credentials were also put to good use. The Flying Scotsman Sundowner evening specials from York to Scarborough are being promoted as a unique corporate entertainment opportunity, with businesses being offered the chance to book a whole carriage for their exclusive use.

Flying Scotsman excursion trains from York to Scarborough run until 31 August 2004. For information about corporate events on Flying Scotsman visit the National Railway Museum website at www.nrm.org.uk.

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