Jason Madeley's new venture, Hatch Communications, will specialise in public relations, event management and sponsorship.

Mr Madeley resigned from his position at Ptarmigan in February after 13 years at the award winning business to go travelling.

Now back in the city, he said: "I set up Hatch to get back to basics with a simple aim: to deliver new ideas and cutting edge campaigns from a hands on senior team.

"In tougher economic times, getting your PR right is vital if you want to be one step ahead of the competition.

"I firmly believe PR-led communications can deliver in an increasingly complex media market but passionately believe effective campaigns need to build on good media relations and drive engagement both directly and online."

Hatch's client base is already growing.

The agency was appointed to work with new Leeds leisure and gaming business Alea Casino, based at Clarence Dock, and property and ports group Peel Holdings for the launch of its £50bn Liverpool Ocean Gateway concept.

Mr Madeley is joined at Hatch by James Hickman in a five strong team, with over 30 years' combined PR experience.