Weber Shandwick has been appointed by British Gas as its new retained agency for consumer and B2B PR, following a competitive pitch process.

British Gas is part of Centrica PLC, the energy and services company, and is the largest energy and services business in the UK. It is also leading the industry in two key areas of technology innovation: the nationwide Government-mandated smart meter roll-out, and the ‘Internet of Things’, through Hive, its Connected Home brand. Developing campaigns for these areas of the business will be key parts of Weber Shandwick’s brief.

George Eykyn, director of communications at British Gas, says, “We’re pleased to confirm that we’ve appointed Weber Shandwick as our retained PR agency, following a highly competitive tender process. We look forward to working with the agency through an exciting period ahead for British Gas and our parent group, Centrica.”

Managing director at Weber Shandwick London, Rachel Friend, says, “It’s rare that a UK brief this exciting, touching so many people and in an industry as nuanced and significant as the energy sector comes along. To say we are honoured and thrilled to have been chosen would be an understatement. British Gas has a unique, incredible history and is a truly iconic British brand. We can’t wait to get started and help the brand on the exciting next stage of its journey.”

The account will be led by Stuart Lambert, strategy and creative director in the consumer team at Weber Shandwick London, and Hollie Adamson who will be the client experience lead with overall operational responsibility for all campaigns.