Ex-Betfair comms chief sets up new agency

The former head of communications of Betfair has established his own agency, it has emerged.

Jonathan Oates has announced that his firm Oates & Partners will be based in the technology hub of east London, PR Week reports.

Last week, Mr Oates was made redundant by gambling giant Betfair – which was founded in 1999 and has more than four million registered customers – as the company continues its extensive restructuring programme.

However, the professional has now unveiled his plans for the next stage of his career and indicated that Oates & Partners will be comprised of a small network of consultants that will specialise in internal communications and reputation management.

"My heritage from Betfair is very tech focused and as such the company will be targeting young, high growth tech start-ups and companies," he noted.

Mr Oates went on to explain this was the main reasoning behind locating the business in the so-called Tech City area of London, as many clients there are "not particularly well served" there, despite the fact it is a "hugely vibrant scene".