Howzat! What an Appeal...

Appeal PR, the Harrogate public relations agency has been appointed by leading footwear and leisurewear manufacturer Asics UK Limited to open the batting for a media relations launch into the cricket market.

Having conquered the athletics and soccer markets by specialising in the latest biomechanical shoe technology, Asics is ready to meet the challenges of cricket and few PR agencies could claim to be more knowledgeable about the sport.

Ashley Metcalfe, former Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire cricketer, is now an Appeal director. He said: "This is a prestigious win for us and sits well within our sports marketing department while complementing our business-to-business work.

"Asics has always been linked with success and our aim is to maximise this and build their profile within the cricketing market."

Darren Gough, Yorkshire and England opening bowler is already an Asics-sponsored player.

Barry Griffin, Asics UK managing director said: "Our success has always been achieved by listening to the needs of sportsmen and women to produce award-winning designs. Cricket will be no different and I am sure with Appeal's help we will make a few of the traditional manufacturers sit up and take note."

Appeal's announcement follows other key account wins in its first year including Dunlop Slazenger, Visa International, Lloyds TSB Commercial, York-based expatshopping.com and engineering company Cooper Cameron of Leeds.