New team leads international PR agency push into Yorkshire

This week sees global public relations agency, Weber Shandwick, launch its Leeds office to the region’s business community.

To mark the launch, the agency held a drinks reception attended by Weber Shandwick CEO, Colin Byrne, who gave guests a brief overview of the capabilities and level of service that a major global agency can deliver to the region’s businesses, as well as the firm’s ambitions for its newest office.

Byrne comments: “Leeds is a successful, vibrant commercial centre and we feel that the time is right to launch the Weber Shandwick offering – one that understands the strategic requirements of the region’s businesses but also matches them for excellence and ambition. Businesses in this region have all been affected by the impact of the global credit crunch – but this means that now, more than ever, is the right time to harness the power of PR and utilise the skills we have to offer.

Weber Shandwick will be the only agency in the region that has the resources and capabilities to deliver the world-class level of service that clients' now demand.  As one of the world’s leading public relations groups we are able to instantly draw on the knowledge and experience of some of the most highly-regarded teams of professionals around – from corporate and consumer communications, to healthcare and public affairs.

In Leeds, we’ve recruited some of the best talent in the industry to give the agency the best possible start.  Despite the global economic downturn, the region’s economy is still strong and I firmly believe that the office has huge potential for growth, and could quickly beat its own ambitious growth targets.”

The Leeds office has already forged strong relationships within the region, including working closely with Marketing Leeds, the first destination marketing agency for the city.

Commented Deborah Green, Chief Executive of Marketing Leeds: “Weber Shandwick is a fantastic addition to the region as it is an international agency with a wealth of expertise across all sectors. Weber Shandwick shares our belief in the city and its position as a first-class destination for business with a huge potential for growth in the coming years, and they have already joined the Marketing Leeds Champions programme. We are working in partnership on several projects including the upcoming Leeds in Milan Week – which will see us joining forces to really put Leeds and its businesses on the map on a global scale.”

The Weber Shandwick Leeds team will be led by Poulters ex-head of PR, James French as Account Director, with Jo Leah, Managing Director of Manchester and Leeds. The agency will have a full-service offering that will include corporate and consumer communications, as well as crisis management and events.  Its client list already includes Pantin Hotels, MEPC, West End Partnership, O&H, Sam’s Chophouse and Anchor Trust.

www.wsleedslaunch.blogspot.com

Front: Colin Byrne and Jo Leah. Back Row, left-to-right: Katie Hayes, Debbie Pett, Emma Lane, James French, Lindsey Pighills and Jenny Long