Manchester’s Social Communications expands into Leeds

North West public affairs and PR agency Social Communications has expanded into Yorkshire.

The company’s new Leeds office, located at Number 1 Aire Street, will serve its growing client portfolio in Yorkshire and the East.

The expansion follows the opening of Social Communications’ second new branch in London earlier this year.

Established in 2013, the firm focuses on stakeholder engagement and planning consultation for clients across the retail, housing, infrastructure and energy sectors.

The Leeds team will be led by group director Pete Wrathmell, with support from group MD John Quinton-Barber.

Pete will also be backed by recently appointed non-executive chairman Gerald Jennings, who is president of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce and holds several other non-executive roles with institutions in Yorkshire, including Leeds City College and art gallery complex The Tetley.

John Quinton-Barber said: “Since day one, we’ve always worked with clients in Yorkshire and the opening of a Leeds office is an exciting, natural progression for our business.

“With the prospect of a Yorkshire devolution deal not too far away, now is the right time to set roots down in Leeds as we aim to establish ourselves as the region’s number one public affairs and communications agency.”

He continued: “Having Gerald’s support, knowledge and expertise complements and enhances our offer and it comes at a time when Leeds and the wider region is gaining real momentum with major investments and positive steps towards devolved power.”

Gerald Jennings commented: “I have been working with the team at Social Communications for over 12 months in helping to bring a £50m investment to Leeds and the importance that communications plays in stakeholder relations and delivering new developments has become increasingly evident.

Speaking further, Gerald said he believes Social Communications’ Yorkshire expansion has come at “an exciting time”, adding: “With all that is happening in the region the team at Social Communications can play an important role in supporting and encouraging new investment.”

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