Law firm Speechly Bircham has advised on the launch of a new private equity backed PR consultancy, Stockwell Group.
Speechlys worked with Iceni Capital, an investor in UK business service companies, and key communications industry players.
The new firm brings together Philip Gawith, ex chief executive of Maitland, Tim Burt, partner at Brunswick, and Nick Boakes, ex head of comms at Friends Provident.
Julian Hanson-Smith of Iceni Capital will chair Stockwell.
Stockwell will focus on strategic corporate communications and reputation management in the communications environment.
Hanson-Smith says: “Reputation risk has clearly moved up the boardroom agenda in recent years. Stockwell will aim to set new standards in the advisory marketplace, applying risk management tools to promote and protect corporate reputations."
Gawith, Burt and Boakes will be equal owners with Iceni Capital holding a significant minority stake.
Lead partner William Granger says: “A key to the thinking is that ownership structures, profit sharing and career paths across the communications sector are felt to be increasingly out of step with the needs of the talent and their clients. Iceni Capital have identified a gap in the market and offer an enlightened path through it.”
