Social expands to Liverpool and the West region

Integrated communications agency, Social has appointed senior communications advisor, Laura Bell as a director to lead its new Liverpool-based operation, which covers the Merseyside region, Lancashire and Cumbria.

The move comes as the region gears up for a post-Covid, levelling-up era. With Liverpool’s thriving export channels and the diverse economies, opportunities and cultural gems of the wider City Region, Lancashire and Cumbria, the north west coast has an even more vital part to play in the regional economy.

Bell’s extensive regional network and knowledge will further strengthen the agency’s ability in supporting businesses and organisations locally to maximise these opportunities.

Laura brings with her vast experience in public and third sector communications, having previously worked in senior roles at South Lakeland District Council and Volunteering Matters, where she delivered its rebrand from Community Service Volunteers (CSV).

Most recently, the former award-winning journalist has worked in further education and with The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as an independent consultant.

In her new role, she will support clients on PR and engagement strategies in what will be the agency’s fifth regional office alongside Manchester, Leeds, Bristol and London.

Laura Bell, director Social Liverpool said: “I’m delighted to be joining a fast-growing agency at such an important time in its development. Having lived and worked across Cumbria, Lancashire and the Liverpool City Region I know how much the north west coast has to offer. It has huge potential despite the challenges ahead and deserves to be better recognised nationally and internationally.

“Being able to bring a full range of purpose-driven communications services to clients across the region has never been more important and Social has the talented team to do this.”

John Quinton Barber, founder and group CEO of Social, added: “As an agency with deep roots in the Northern Powerhouse, opening a Liverpool-based office has always been in our sights as we continue to support clients on the much-needed levelling-up agenda.

“From our work with NP11 covering place, inward investment, skills and business growth to major transport campaigns around HS2 and NPR,  bolstering our team with the skills that Laura brings and her knowledge of the public and private sector landscape in the Liverpool City Region and beyond means we are even better placed to help drive these pan-northern campaigns, particularly in the post-Covid 19 landscape.”

Founded in 2013, Social prides itself on meaningful work that improves lives and makes a positive social impact. The agency’s work revolves around six key pillars including its built environment proposition Social Place alongside Social Care, its social value arm Social Good, Social Lab strategic consultancy, Professional Services specialism and its creative services portfolio.