Bell Pottinger expands into Leeds with Ptarmigan deal

17.03.2009

Award-winning Ptarmigan is one of Yorkshire's most highly regarded public relations consultancies but the company entered administration following the ill-health of its founder and managing director Gordon Forbes.

The consultancy, which will continue to trade as Ptarmigan, will bolster Bell Pottinger North's offering in the North of England and will work closely with existing teams in Manchester and Liverpool.

Ptarmigan's public relations consultants will be based in 'The Calls' at the heart of Leeds' creative community while administrative functions will be handled from Bell Pottinger North's head office in Macclesfield. Client relationships will be unaffected.

Chris Warham, managing director of Bell Pottinger North said: "We have been interested in building our presence in the North by getting involved in the Leeds based marketplace.

"Ptarmigan has a great reputation for delivering creative and results-driven campaigns and the team's strengths in consumer campaigns and sports and sponsorship are complementary to our current industry expertise.

"By combining Ptarmigan's skill sets with the strength and industry expertise of the Bell Pottinger Group, we have a remarkably strong and broad client offer to deliver in Leeds, Yorkshire and, indeed, the North East.

Gordon Forbes, founder of Ptarmigan said: "With the realisation that my health issues meant that I had to leave the business, came a focus on identifying a strong brand that could build on Ptarmigan's heritage.

"Bell Pottinger's credentials are first class and our talks emphasised that we share a business philosophy based on consultancy accountability and client satisfaction."

Mr Forbes will continue to work with Bell Pottinger on a part time consultancy basis.

(ends)

Press Contact:

Chris Warham

Bell Pottinger North t: +44 (0) 1625 506 401 m: +44 (0) 7767 317 401 e : cwarham@bellpottingernorth.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

Bell Pottinger North is part of the Bell Pottinger Group - voted number one in PR Week's league tables for the last six years - and has offices in Macclesfield and Liverpool.

Its specialisms include aerospace and aviation, construction, healthcare, NHS Trusts, professional services, property and technology and telecoms.

Current clients include the Duchy of Lancaster, HP, VLM Airlines, Waitrose, and a range of NHS Trusts and Primary Care Trusts.

For more information visit www.bellpottingernorth.co.uk.