News 2 | Chalmers News PR

Former newspaper editor scoops third national award for her PR agency in just over six years

Posted on June 8, 2025June 8, 2025 by admin

A former weekly newspaper editor has been honoured among the UK’s most inspirational entrepreneurs in a national awards scheme celebrating women in business.

Amanda Chalmers has won the ‘Excellence In Media’ Award at Ladies First Professional Development Network Business Awards last week.

Amanda spent almost three decades in the regional press, culminating with a stint in the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald editor’s chair between 2014 and 2018, before launching Chalmers News PR, based in Warwick.

Ladies First Professional Development Awards 2025, IXL Dallas Burston Polo Club — Amanda receives her award from awards sponsor Rossi Fiumefreddo of Shakespeare Media. Photos by **Everybody Smile Photography.**

This marks the third accolade for her agency, which won the same award in 2023 followed by the Woman Who Awards ‘Achieves In Media’ category gong in 2024.

Ladies First Professional Development Awards — Amanda pictured with some of the awards organisers, from left, Kirsty Leahy, Tracey McAtamney and Natasha Blacklock

Amanda worked on newsdesks in and around Warwickshire, including the former Nuneaton Tribune and Rugby Advertiser, and, as deputy editor at the Daventry Express and Buckingham and Winslow Advertiser series before joining the Herald.

Amanda told HTFP: “This is another very proud moment in the journey of Chalmers News PR, now into its seventh year. I dedicate it to all the amazing clients who have entrusted me with their businesses and charities and feel honoured to be recognised for doing something I absolutely love turning up for every day!”

Three hundred people assembled for the glittering black tie celebration at IXL Dallas Burston Polo Club, in south Warwickshire, and featured a host of live musical entertainment. The evening also included an auction and raffle, which raised around £5,000 towards ongoing fundraising for new breast cancer equipment for Birmingham hospitals.

Other categories included Business Woman of the Year; Start-Up of the Year; Trailblazer of the Year; Rising Star; Family Business; Inspirational Woman; Excellence In Technology & Innovation; Inclusive Leadership and Man and Excellence In Independent Food.

Ladies First Director Tracey McAtamney said: “Our Ladies First Awards celebrated the achievements of both women and men in our community, honouring those who have gone over and above in their business and in their personal lives. A massive congratulations to all of our winners and finalists. It was your night to shine!

Ladies First Professional Development Awards

“It was wonderful to see so many women supporting and celebrating each other’s successes.”

Visit Chalmers News PR at: https://chalmersnewspr.co.uk/

Alsters Kelley acquisition makes it one of largest solicitors firms in the region

Posted on June 2, 2025 by admin

Lisa Blizzard, Director, AK; Philip Waters, Aplins; Cathy Wahlberg, MD at AK; Neil Raiseborough, Director at AK; Miranda Tarrant, Aplins; Robert Henshaw; Aplins and Julie McGarrigle, Director at AK.

Warwickshire-based solicitors Alsters Kelley has today announced the acquisition of Banbury-based Aplins Solicitors, making it one of the largest solicitor’s firms in the region.

The acquisition further extends its presence into Oxfordshire and bringing its total number of offices to six.

It is an exciting development for the Legal 500 firm which already operates in Coventry, Nuneaton, Leamington Spa, Southam and Stratford-upon-Avon and it is their second acquisition in the last five years.

Fourteen members of staff at Aplins, plus the three current partners will remain at the firm, taking the total Alsters Kelley workforce to 100.

Aplins, which is situated in West Bar, Banbury was established in 1739 and has a long history. It currently offers services in Private Client and Conveyancing.

The deal will allow the firm, which will become known as Alsters Kelley incorporating Aplins, to extend its range of services throughout Banbury and the surrounding areas, whilst continuing to provide a high level of personal service for which it has always been renowned.

Cathy Wahlberg, Managing Director at Alsters Kelley, said: “The acquisition of Aplins marks the start of an exciting new chapter for both firms.

“Aplins boasts an impressive pedigree and has a highly talented and experienced workforce. It has an excellent reputation throughout the Banbury area and the acquisition seemed like the next natural step in Alsters Kelley’s own journey.

“It provides us with an excellent platform for growth and we look forward to welcoming every member of the workforce to our team and developing the business in the years to come for the benefit of both the staff and our clients.”

Both firms pride themselves on their friendly, approachable service combined with expert legal advice with Alsters Kelley operating on the mantra of being kind, helpful and excellent in the delivery of its service at all times.

Indeed, it was this ethos which attracted partners Philip Waters, Miranda Tarrant and Robert Henshaw and gave them the confidence that it was the right fit for both the firm and its clients.

Philip Waters, Senior Partner at Aplins commented: “After years of operating as a small practice, the time had come for us to seek new opportunities. The legal landscape has changed significantly during that time, becoming a great deal more complex with the requirement for increased technology.

“It was however important that we shared the same professional ethics. In a practice such as ours consistency and continuity are essential.

“Equally important however was Alsters Kelley’s ability to introduce new technologies and increased expertise which will serve as a major boost to the firm and mark a new era for the business.

“The future looks very exciting and we are all very much looking forward to working with the Alsters Kelley team.”

Alsters Kelley’s range of services include Family (divorce, finances, children matters), family care (adoption, care proceedings, abductions), private client (wills, powers of attorney, tax and trusts), conveyancing, personal injury, medical negligence, dispute resolution and criminal cases including motoring offences.

Local foodie star partners with foodbank to help tackle poverty

Posted on May 16, 2025May 15, 2025 by admin

A Leamington foodie and presenter is helping to shine a spotlight on the efforts of a local charity to help tackle the rising food crisis in the area.

Bianca Rodrigues-Perry took a step behind the scenes for a project partnering with Coventry-based Feed The Hungry UK, for a special two-part episode of her YouTube show, entitled Shop Smart, released this week.

Feed The Hungry is a charity that supports people who are struggling to access food. This includes both international feeding programmes and projects based here in the UK. Two of Feed The Hungry’s local projects are Lillington Community Pantry, located in Leamington Spa, and Coventry foodbank, which is one of the largest foodbanks in the UK.

Bia's Kitchen Show, Feed The Hungry UK, Coventry Foodbank, Lillington Community Pantry. — Bianca creates recipes from a £5 budget from the community pantry. Photos by Rich Smith.

Bianca raised awareness by visiting both the Pantry and the Foodbank and using her platform to explore ways of shopping smart on a limited budget and making best use of basic ingredients.

She was joined by her production crew, along with friends and family before Christmas, to pack food parcels, destined for the 15 foodbank centres across the city.

The first part of the episode also captures her visit to the food pantry where she selected £5 worth of ingredients from which to cook four recipes in the Foodbank kitchen – Galinhada (rice cooked on chicken sauce); Chilli Con Carne from the tin (that she enhanced by adding garlic, onions, chopped tomatoes, spices, beans and fresh coriander); Chicken and Potato Soup; and Saute Cabbage and Red Pesto.

Bianca and her team brought a special buzz during her filming at the Halo Centre warehouse, in Binley, where, for the second part of the episode, she was filmed in the kitchen with Foodbank founder Canon Gavin Kibble MBE. The show also looks at the wider work of the international charity through interviews with volunteers and visitors.

Bianca said: “This episode of Bia’s Kitchen Show, titled Shop Smart, is incredibly close to my heart. I had the honour of partnering with Coventry Foodbank – a local initiative doing incredible work in the community – which is part of the global charity Feed the Hungry. “Through them, I was introduced to the Lillington Pantry, a space where people facing financial hardship can shop with dignity, paying just £5 to choose the food that suits their needs.

Bia's Kitchen Show, Feed The Hungry UK, Coventry Foodbank, Lillington Community Pantry

“To support the project, I created the concept of Shop Smart, which is the heart of this episode. I wanted to share practical tips on how to make a small budget go further – by planning meals in advance, combining fresh and tinned ingredients, and cutting down on waste.

“I even created three recipes on the spot during my visit! Later, I joined Gavin – the amazing founder of Coventry Foodbank – in the Community Kitchen, where surplus food is turned into wholesome meals for those who need them most.

She added: “Coming from a country where food insecurity is part of daily life, this experience really touched me. I’m proud to use my platform to shine a light on vital projects like this – and I truly believe it’s only the beginning. When we come together, we can make a real difference – one smart shop and one warm meal at a time.”

Coventry Foodbank distributes food through 15 partner churches and works closely with a wide range of care professionals who identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher.

Faye Abbott and Bianca Rodrigues Perry at Lillington Pantry.

Clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be redeemed for three days’ emergency food. Volunteers also meet them over a warm drink and can signpost them to other organisations to help resolve the longer-term problems that might cause someone to need to use a foodbank.

Gavin Kibble MBE said of the filming: “The vibrancy and dynamism of Bia in a kitchen environment is wonderful. It was lovely to work with her for a day producing a meal from £5 of ingredients from the Community Pantry. She produced a veritable feast of Brazilian-infused food ramped up to a different level of taste and excitement.

“We really appreciate the time she spent with us. I think we were all deeply impacted by her energy and enthusiasm and her creativity and we look forward to hopefully working with her again in the future.”

The Bia’s Kitchen brand was born in January last year, in which time it has won awards as well as the affections of a loyal and growing UK audience.

The food Bianca purchased for £5 from the pantry.

Bianca added: “We hope our support and the special episode of the show dedicated to the work of Coventry Foodbank and Feed The Hungry, can help make a difference.”

The two episodes are now available to be viewed here: Part 1 – Lillington Pantry

Part 2 – Coventry Foodbank

One in five of the UK population live below the poverty line.
There are just under 1,400 Trussell Trust food banks in the UK, in addition to at least 1,172 independent food banks.
To find out more about Coventry Foodbank and the many ways you can help, visit HERE.
Copies of Bianca’s recently released cookbook, Bia’s Kitchen Show – A Culinary Journey of Gratitude, dedicated to local independent food and drink businesses in south Warwickshire, are available from HERE and through Amazon HERE.

Brazilian foodie-turned-author hosts Stratford charity book signing event

Posted on May 12, 2025May 12, 2025 by admin

Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, The Woodsman, Stratford, book signing

Food lovers took time to visit an exclusive book signing event in Stratford last week for author, chef, presenter and entrepreneur Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, from Leamington.

The event was hosted by The Woodsman Restaurant, whose executive chef Greg Newman, was one of those featured in the book, ‘Bia’s Kitchen Show: The Cookbook – A Culinary Journey of Gratitude.’

It is the first book in a collection launched by Brazilian-born Bianca, who also fronts the successful Bia’s Kitchen Show on YouTube, and celebrates independent businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Rooted in Bia’s own journey of overcoming personal challenges through her passion for cooking, this beautifully crafted collection invites readers to embark on a flavourful adventure. Featuring recipes from her popular online TV series – as well as some of her own creations – the book introduces some of the best independent food businesses in Warwickshire, showcasing talented chefs, nutritionists, and food artisans who bring their love of culinary art to life.

Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, The Woodsman, Stratford, book signing — Photos by Dave Perry Photography.

And every purchase makes a difference, with all profits supporting the mental health charity, Coventry, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire Mind, a cause close to the author’s heart following years of her own personal struggles.

Bianca said of the event: “What a night! I honestly still have goosebumps. Being at The Woodsman, surrounded by amazing people, flavours, and stories – it was pure magic.

“Chef Greg, who’s featured in the book representing the restaurant, brought so much heart to the evening, and I’m just so grateful to him and the whole team for hosting us. It felt like one big family celebration – laughter, hugs, incredible food, and so much love. This book is all about community, resilience, and joy – and the book signing was exactly that. And the best part? Every copy sold helps support mental health through Mind. We’re cooking with purpose, baby!”

Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, The Woodsman, Stratford, book signing

From comforting family meals to exotic dishes, the recipes in this book are both accessible and inventive, allowing home cooks of all levels to recreate the magic of these local chefs in their own kitchens.

Alongside these mouth-watering dishes, Brazilian-born Bia shares her heartfelt story of how cooking became her path to happiness, making this book a deeply personal and uplifting read.

The book also includes a personal dedication to her brother-in-law Oli Perry who took his own life in 2021 and has been published in his memory.

It’s Bia’s combined passions of cooking and entrepreneurialism that became a lifeline – even going on to win Couple’s Come Dine With Me on Channel Four. Buoyed by her early business success running a thriving food delivery service during lockdown, it was in January last year that the Bia’s Kitchen Show brand was born.

Since then Bianca and her show, which is streamed regularly on YouTube, have won the affections of a loyal and growing UK audience.

Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, The Woodsman, Stratford, book signing

Jade Clarke, from Coventry, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire Mind, said: “Bia and her cookery book have brought a truly unique spark to our fundraising efforts. Her delicious recipes, paired with her incredible energy and warmth, have made a lasting impact.

“What has been especially heartfelt is Bia’s personal connection to mental health. Her honesty and openness in sharing her story deeply resonate with so many.

“As a charity, we are incredibly grateful to Bia for shining a spotlight on mental health through her love of food. We support over 44,000 people a year, so every penny counts!

The proceeds raised from her cookery book will help support the invaluable services we provide to the people who need us most.”

To view the Bia’s Kitchen Show Greg Newman episode visit HERE.

Bia’s Kitchen Show: The Cookbook – A Culinary Journey of Gratitude is published by Birmingham-based The Book Chief and is now available for order from Bia’s Kitchen Show HERE and through Amazon HERE.

Party celebrates launch of new business collaboration

Posted on May 5, 2025May 6, 2025 by admin

Guests gathered in Warwick last week to celebrate the launch of a new local business partnership in the world of PR and marketing.

Amanda Chalmers of Chalmers News PR, in Warwick, has joined professional forces with Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, from Leamington, to launch Bia’s Marketing Production & PR.

Brazilian-born Bianca – also known as the face of YouTube’s Bia’s Kitchen Show – is reprising her career after enjoying huge success as the co-owner of a marketing agency in her native Rio de Janeiro before moving to the UK with her new husband 15 years ago.

Bia's Marketing, Production & PR, Amanda Chalmers, Bianca Rodrigues-Perry — Ruth Kelley, Elinor Perry, Amanda Chalmers, Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, Lianne Kirkman, Kirsty Leahy and Natasha Blacklock. Photos by Dave Perry Photography.

After enjoying success for her own brand through Amanda’s established PR agency, Bianca quickly recognised the potential for collaboration and the women, who hail from countries 5,500 miles apart, are now bringing their combined 50 years of experience to benefit their clients in south Warwickshire – and beyond.

Bia Rodrigues-Perry has over 20 years of experience in marketing and production, working with a portfolio of international brands including McDonalds, Gillette and M&Ms. She possesses the magic touch when it comes to elevating businesses or products to new heights, through a variety of tried and tested techniques, from essential marketing advice and support through to curating showcase events and productions which not only highlight – but celebrate – the brands.

Amanda Chalmers is a trained journalist with over three decades of experience who now boasts a portfolio of successful PR campaigns through her multi-award-winning agency. Her news desk experience and bulging contacts book combine with her boundless enthusiasm, integrity and tenacity to bring the best results for her clients every time. Working with PRs in her capacity as a former newspaper editor in south Warwickshire, Amanda understands exactly what it takes to make a story stand out to both the journalist and potential audience.

Both women are also finalists in the Ladies First Professional Development Business Awards, Bianca for Influencer of the Year and Amanda for Professional Services Excellence and Excellence in Marketing & Media. Winners will be announced at the glittering ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club on June 5^th.

Bianca said of the event: ““What a night! The launch of Bia’s Marketing Production and PR was everything I’d hoped for and more — full of heart, great energy and brilliant people. I’m so grateful to everyone who showed up with such love and support — friends, sponsors, fellow creatives and businesses who truly believe in the power of collaboration. A huge thank you to every single one of you. I’m beyond excited about what’s to come, especially through this collaboration with the wonderful Amanda – Chalmers News PR. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where we go next.”

Amanda added: “This is a vision Bianca had been working towards for a long time since settling in the UK and I am proud to be playing a key role within it. I was so touched by the number of friends and associates who made time to turn out and support us on the night and gave us so many words of encouragement for our collaboration. Exciting times ahead.”

The event was part-sponsored by one of Amanda’s long-term clients, That Gin Company, in Warwick as well as Ladies First Professional Development Network, based in Balsall Common and Alsters Kelley Solicitors which has offices across the county.

Other sponsors included Nailcote Hall Hotel Golf and Country Club in Berkswell; Glam & Glow Beauty Lab in Hockley Heath; Art Brazil Beauty in Leamington; The Fleur de Lys Pub in Lowsonford; Dave Perry Photography, in Leamington; Leopard Spots in Leamington and Warwick Spice.

Bia’s Marketing Production & PR offers the full range of marketing and PR services including marketing strategies, branding, website design, social media ads, events planning, content creation and social media management. It also offers access to appearance and sponsorship opportunities on sister company Bia’s Kitchen Show, which now boasts more than 60k followers and 6.5k YouTube subscribers.

Visit: www.biasmarketing.co.uk