By Arun Sudhaman

BRIGHTON: Edelman has added UK software development agency Encore to its digital offering, taking the overall size of its digital practice in the UK to over 50.

Encore is a Brighton-based agency that develops applications for social networking services such as Facebook and mobile platforms like iPhone/iPad, Android and Blackberry. Its integration into Edelman is another sign of the increasing influence that technology is bringing to bear in the PR world, a trend analysed by the Holmes Report in this story.

“This is an enormous boost to the existing team in London and our growth as Edelman’s European hub of digital innovation and delivery,” said Edelman Digital UK MD Marcus Dyer. “The additional capacity and skills of Encore open up exciting opportunities in areas such as mobile and our developing capability in social business strategies and platforms.”

Encore has built a number of apps and games for brands in the UK, including an iPhone app for Churchill Insurance, a Facebook app for Captain Morgan’s rum, and field marketing solution for Synergy.

The addition of its capabilities broadens Edelman’s existing digital offer, after it bought digital shop  Spook Media in 2007.

Earlier this month, Edelman was named The Holmes Report’s 2011 EMEA Digital Agency of the Year, after seeing its digital revenues exceed £5 million.