Full-service public affairs, PR and engagement agency, JBP Communications, has announced seasoned PR professional Louise French as its new Northern Regional Director.
The move comes hot on the heels of JBP’s new office opening in Harrogate and marks a key step in the firm’s UK-wide growth strategy.
Louise will lead the expansion of JBP’s presence across the North, with a focus on delivering strategic communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement and social value programmes – particularly within the real estate sector.
Bringing more than three decades of experience to her new role, Louise founded and grew her own highly successful consultancy, French PR, at the age of 30. She will continue to run French PR, serving existing clients, whilst also fulfilling her role with JBP.
Over more than 20 year’s French PR has become a go-to agency in the North for property marketing and placemaking, working with major developers, councils, asset owners and investors.
The award-winning practice has also built a strong reputation supporting clients across the real estate sector, including architects, engineers, agents and contractors.
Louise’s portfolio of successful launches and communications campaigns include landmark projects such as Thorpe Park Leeds, Middlewood Locks Manchester, West Bar Sheffield, Bridgewater Place Leeds, Dean Clough Halifax, Leeds Corn Exchange and Leeds Victoria Quarter.
During her career, Louise has also overseen the European rebrand and marketing strategy for Toyota Industrial Equipment, served as Head of PR for CGNU (now Aviva Life) and supported the re-launch of Leeds Teaching Hospitals alongside former-Health Secretary Frank Dobson.
She has also led complex, award-winning public consultation strategies for major infrastructure and regeneration projects, including the Doncaster Energy from Waste facility and the Doncaster Racecourse redevelopment.
At JBP, Louise will play a pivotal role in supporting businesses and organisations in the North, as well as delivering for the agency’s existing national and international client base. She will also help bridge the gap between village hall and Whitehall for clients in the region as part of the firm’s soon to be announced JBP Local service.
Commenting on her appointment, Louise French said: “I’m thrilled to be joining JBP at such an exciting stage in its growth journey. The agency has an outstanding reputation and a rich portfolio of work – and I look forward to working alongside a hugely talented team to support clients in the North and beyond.
“Real estate and regeneration are at the heart of my work, and this role gives me the opportunity to expand that impact while connecting Northern voices to the national stage.”
Chris Lawrance, Managing Director at JBP Communications, added: “Louise is a proven leader with exceptional credentials in property, placemaking and stakeholder engagement. Her track record of delivering successful strategies for some of the North’s most significant developments speaks for itself.
“She strengthens an already stellar leadership team at JBP and her appointment reinforces our commitment to expanding our presence in the North while continuing to deliver world-class communications support for our clients and helping them secure the decisions that matter most to them.”
With offices in Bristol, Harrogate, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London (Westminster), Manchester and Warwick, JBP communications provides clients across the country with integrated PR, public affairs, stakeholder engagement and design/digital services. Its work spans key sectors including the built environment, logistics and sustainability.