Senior appointment for Exeter-based PR consultancy strengthens its public affairs offering

Public affairs specialist Grace Gladding has joined Exeter-based public relations consultancy, KOR Communications, strengthening its offering to its clients in the land and property sector.

Grace brings a wealth of political insight to KOR having worked in Westminster and most recently as a Public Affairs Manager at environmental infrastructure company, Pennon Group.

With a detailed understanding of the workings of government, experience in building meaningful relationships through stakeholder engagement and a sound understanding of environmental issues affecting the water industry, Grace will advise clients who are embarking on residential, commercial or large-scale renewable energy projects across the UK, helping them to identify and engage key influencers, decision makers and their communities.

Her insights into political lobbying will also support landowners and developers navigate the Government’s plans to reset the relationship with local and regional government through devolution.  

Speaking on her appointment, Grace said: “I’m delighted to be joining KOR during an exciting period of growth, and look forward to working with clients, to support them on legacy developments, environmental initiatives and vital infrastructure projects.

“Landowners and estates will be key to helping the Government fully decarbonise the electricity grid by 2035, as well as providing land for it to achieve plans to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of this Parliament. It’s therefore crucial that they engage the right people, at the right time, with strategic and well-informed communications.”

KOR specialises in delivering communications and engagement services for a growing list of landowners and estates nationwide, including The Jockey Club, The Ernest Cook Trust and The Englefield Estate in Berkshire.

KOR’s Managing Director Annette Richman said: “Grace’s appointment further strengthens our team, and we are thrilled to have her join us to support a critical growth period for KOR.

“Her exemplary knowledge of the UK’s political system twinned with her ability to engage with key influencers and decision makers, will certainly benefit progressive landowners and developers who need to communicate their vision for significant projects, which will affect the future of their business and the communities they inhabit.”