Luther Pendragon and Linstock Communications have joined forces to form an enhanced reputation management consultancy. The agreement, which was signed in late February, creates a 30-strong team offering crisis communications, thought leadership, public affairs, digital design and behaviour change services.

Managing Directors, Simon Whale and Simon Maule will jointly run the combined firm. Maule previously spent five years at Luther Pendragon from 1999 – 2004, before he left to set up Linstock Communications in 2005.

The business, which will operate under the Luther Pendragon brand name, will expand and enhance its existing work with corporates and well-known public bodies through its newly-enhanced offering. Its highly regarded and award-winning market offer includes the full range of corporate communication services as well as an established training practice providing media training, select committee training and a range of crisis workshops and preparedness scenario events.

Managing Director, Simon Maule says: “The Luther team is highly respected for its Board-level advice, but equally well-known for rolling its sleeves up and getting stuck into difficult communications challenges. Having started my career at Luther, I’m well versed in the team’s integrated and hands-on approach. I look forward to building on Luther’s strong heritage and helping to drive the next stage of the company’s development.”

Managing Director, Simon Whale, says: “Linstock is regarded as one of the more innovative agencies in the UK.

By applying the latest thinking from behavioural science, Linstock has helped clients to change transport behaviours, boost savings rates and inform investment behaviours. It’s thought leadership service ensures corporates can differentiate their brand in competitive marketplaces and inspire employees. By combining our teams, we’re well placed to provide clients with both expertise and scale during a challenging time.”

Luther Pendragon has offices in London, Brussels and New York, with a network of affiliates in Washington DC, Europe and beyond. It has seen an upsurge in requests for Coronavirus communications support over the last few weeks from both UK and international clients. There has been a corresponding increase in media enquiries looking for insight as to how different industry sectors may be affected by the global pandemic. Given movement restrictions and social distancing measures, the Luther Pendragon team will be running many of its media training, crisis simulation and strategy sessions virtually over the coming months.