Cirkle has hired two former trade journalists in senior roles focused on content in the growing trade division.

Steven Lambert, Cirkle’s new editorial manager, has nine years experience at b2b titles including Retail Newsagent and Asian Trader.

In his new role, Lambert will identify new editorial opportunities and take on copywriting responsibilities for clients including Britvic, Dulux Trade (AkzoNobel) and Heineken.

Another new recruit, Nicholas Robinson, has joined from luxury superyacht lifestyle magazine Boat International, where he was business editor. Before that, Robinson was managing editor of pub trade magazine The Morning Advertiser.

Robinson joins Cirkle as content strategist. The agency said that in the role, he will “spearhead a shift in how the agency views content by delivering a best-in-class approach”. He will focus on Cirkle’s bar and drinks clients, including Heineken UK, plus other brands in the agency’s portfolio.

The appointments are to support growth in the agency’s content and editorial department, and respond to the growing demand for b2b editorial services.

Amy Searle, head of trade at Cirkle, said: “The appointment of both Nic and Steven marks a very exciting chapter in Cirkle’s history, as we establish a dedicated content team that will operate closely alongside our client, creative, design and media buying teams. Cirkle’s trade division is forecasted to grow by over 50 per cent in 2022 alone, so they’re joining at a very exciting time. Both bring with them a wealth of expertise and journalistic flair that is already setting our campaigns alight