So often I have heard: "The agency promised me the earth, cost me a fortune and delivered nothing".

This doesn´t happen to clients of Fleet Street Flair.

I am a former national newspaper journalist, having worked on The Independent as Business Production Editor and on The Daily Telegraph as Deputy Editor of its international edition, The Weekly Telegraph. I freelanced for almost every national newspaper from The Sunday Times to the Daily Star, and for national magazines.

I set up this agency to provide cost-effective PR - without the bull. Sorry about the rude word, but I´m straight-talking.

I won´t tell you "I will make you the Bill Gates of your world". I will tell you straight if you won´t get publicity. I don't take on clients unless I believe I can get them publicity.

I'm better than an ordinary PR because I use my journalist´s `nose for news´ to identify the story most likely to get you publicity - and get the message you want across, to the audience you want.

I won´t say I will handle your account and then pass it to a junior. You always get me with my 10 years at the top of the media.

I will write your PR in the best possible way to get you coverage. That doesn´t mean I will exaggerate or tell lies. I don´t do that but I will use my journalistic flair and know-how to `turn on´ my former colleagues in the media.

I will advise you on which sections of the media are most likely to benefit your organisation and I will target them on your behalf. Just because I was a newspaper journalist, doesn´t mean I can´t 'turn on´ journalists in TV, radio, magazines and internet. Unlike other agencies I love to work with the local and regional press, and trade and professional media.

Unlike some PRs, I will follow up. I know how - and when - to talk to journalists.

Clients call me their `poacher turned gamekeeper´. Since I set up Fleet Street Flair only one poacher has eluded me.

I am a gamekeeper for all sizes and types of organizations, all over England, although mainly I work for clients in London, the Home Counties and East of England.

I've got coverage for a wide range of businesses from large companies in the manufacturing and services industries through SMEs to start-ups and one-man bands. Among industries I have worked for are: biotechnology, electronic, engineering, finance, IT, medical, pharma, recruitment, retail, security and waste.

I've promoted conferences and exhibitions. I can write technically on new products and reinvigorate old ones.

I've worked for local authorities and public projects, particularly in business-support, conservation and leisure.

My rates are very reasonable and discounted for some organizations and businesses. I do not insist on a retainer and can be flexible in other ways.

You can read endorsements here or I can send you samples of my work. Just ask.

You may be wondering why Fleet Street Flair offers other communications services? From publishing through training and internal comms to information kiosks - all have come about because clients have asked me to bring my communication skills to other areas. I provide all of these services with the same skill, insight, talent and enthusiasm that I bring to PR, although PR is my primary business.

So it´s Fleet Street Flair for cost-effective PR - without the agency bull. There´s that rude word again.

Please have a word with me. My landline is 01763 289453 and my mobile 07711 255675. Or email me

Tony Gearing December 2004.