DUBAI — UAE communications consultancy Q Communications has announced its first foray into international markets, launching new offices in Manchester and London.

The two new offices will be led by managing partner Kate Greville, who rejoins the firm having been managing director of the agency’s Abu Dhabi operation from 2015 to 2018. In the interim, she has been in-house, as director of PR and communications at hospitality management company, GG Hospitality, which is owned by former Manchester United footballers Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs.

Greville said: “I’m very excited to bring Q Communications to Manchester and London. Launching in today’s market is a challenge, but it’s a market we believe we can help to grow and one in which we can thrive. The skills, experience, knowledge and creativity of the team, especially in the hospitality and tourism sectors, is second to none and we can’t wait to welcome our first clients on board.”

The ten-year-old integrated, digital and content agency, which also has an office in Dubai and specialises in the hospitality and sport sectors, was founded by former hotel comms specialists Katie Harvey and Elsa Roodt. Its clients include Burj Al Arab, Rosewood Hotels, Shangri La, VOSS Water, Tourism Ireland, Hakkasan, Yas Marina and Hyatt Hotels.

Harvey said: “Our expansion into the UK and Ireland comes at a time of global change. Over the last few months there has been a huge shift in the way the world communicates, how we do business together and how we connect with each other. Relationships matter now more than ever and we saw this as an opportunity for growth and a chance to evolve.

Roodt added: “Manchester and London are both cities of huge innovation and vision, among the most forward-thinking in the world. For us there was no question that our international growth would begin in the UK and Ireland and to have Kate back in the Q Communications family, now in the driving seat as managing partner of UK & Ireland, is fantastic.”