London, UK, 9 March 2006.  Hill & Knowlton has been appointed by AYH plc construction and property consultants to raise its profile around the redevelopment of Highbury Stadium and their move to a new stadium at Ashburton Grove.

AYH is the lead consultant and has worked closely with Arsenal to ensure the £350 million project comes in on budget and on time.  It hopes to use the experience to bid for London 2012 Olympic stadia projects.

Hill & Knowlton’s sports marketing and sponsorship MD Andy Sutherden said:

“These are historic times for Arsenal and the part AYH has played in the club’s move deserves to be showcased to a broader audience. We’re excited about working with them over the coming months.”

AYH director Ian Smith added: “We have always gone about our business quietly and effectively.  It is time to share the pride of our achievements. We too are excited to be working with Hill & Knowlton.  Funnily enough we have just converted their old building in Red Lion Square into the new HQ for the Royal College of Anaesthetists. 
Before work started, the talking point was Hill & Knowlton’s ‘think tank’ –  a pit full of yellow balls. Sadly it had to go, but we all thought these people must be fun to work with.”

Editors’ note:

Established in 1927, Hill & Knowlton, Inc. (http://www.hillandknowlton.com/) is a leading International public relations and public affairs firm headquartered in New York, with 70 offices in 38 countries as well as an extensive associate network. The agency is part of WPP Group, plc (NASDAQ: WPPGY) (http://www.wpp.com/), one of the world’s largest communications services groups. WPP Group provides services to local, multinational and global clients, including more than 300 of the Fortune Global 500.

For more information contact:
Sara Lipscombe
Director, Business Development & Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7973 5920
sara.lipscombe@hillandknowlton.com