Business writer Erikka Askeland has joined the Freer Consultancy as the Edinburgh-based strategic corporate communications agency expands into the north of Scotland.
Ms Askeland has spent almost two decades as one of Scotland's foremost financial reporters, with Insider, The Scotsman, and the Press and Journal, where she spent two stints as Business Editor.
Nick Freer, Founding Director, Freer Consultancy said: “Erikka’s reputation precedes her, and I’m excited about what she can bring to our clients. It also gives us boots on the ground in Aberdeen and the North-east to support our existing and future clients’ growth ambitions."
Erikka Askeland and Nick Freer
Erikka, who is based in Aberdeen, said: “I’ve worked with Nick for years and have always admired his dedication to delivering the best outcomes for his clients. Becoming an Associate with Freer Consultancy offers me the benefit of a supportive, trusted team and a great complimentary skills fit. It also provides a solid base from which to pursue some exciting projects on my cards in 2024.”
The firm has confirmed Switzerland-headquartered tech and engineering group Zühlke, and property firm Rettie & Co. among client wins during the year.
Freer has also handled media relations for a number of M&A transactions during the year, including LGT’s £140million acquisition of abrdn’s discretionary fund business in the UK, The Paint Shed’s acquisition by Brewers, and Chemify’s £33million Series A investment round.
Other assignments for Freer Consultancy this year included media support and conference hosting for global tech advisory bank GP Bullhound’s Northern Tech Awards in April, and media relations and event management provided to entrepreneur Ana Stewart around the Pathways: A New Approach to Women in Entrepreneurship review, co-authored by Mark Logan, chief entrepreneurial adviser to The Scottish Government.
The agency’s client base includes tech incubator CodeBase, UK private bank Hampden & Co, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), logistics specialist CCL Logistics & Technology, BetDEX, the world’s first sports betting exchange on the blockchain, impact investment firm Eos, Scotland’s first internet of things (IoT) accelerator, STAC, remote sensor specialist startup Novosound, and international tech ecosystem specialist Foras.