'This is a defining moment': Northern Ireland public relations firm expands into Wales amid growing UK devolved political shift

Northern Ireland public relations firm Chambré has announced the expansion of its services into Wales, marking a significant step in the firm’s continued growth across the UK.

The move reinforces the Belfast-headquartered firm’s commitment to providing clients with expert, on-the-ground insight and strategic counsel in key devolved regions, backed by decades of collective experience across the UK and Ireland.

With an established reputation for navigating complex policy, political and regulatory environments headed up by Will Chambré and Ben Collins, the agency’s expansion into Wales comes at a pivotal moment, with Devin Scobie, who has over 30 years’ experience in public affairs and strategic communications across the UK, joining the team.

Following the Senedd elections reshaping the political landscape, the growth of the Welsh Parliament from 60 to 96 members, creates both challenges and opportunities for organisations seeking to engage effectively with policymakers.

Ben Collins, director at Chambré, brings significant regional expertise to the agency’s Welsh offer, having previously served for five years as regional director for Wales at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Ben said: “This is a defining moment for Wales. The Senedd elections have ushered in one of the most significant political shifts since devolution began in 1999. For organisations operating in or engaging with Wales, understanding the evolving political dynamics is critical. Chambré’s strength lies in combining deep local knowledge with a UK-wide perspective, enabling clients to anticipate change and respond with confidence.”

Senior Counsel Devin Scobie, who has over 30 years’ experience in public affairs and strategic communications across the UK, emphasised the importance of early engagement and preparation.

Devin said: “We will see considerable policy development following the Senedd elections, alongside a much larger and more diverse parliamentary body. Early and informed engagement with Members of the Senedd is essential. Chambré’ brings extensive experience from across Scotland, Wales and Ireland, working with all major political parties over several decades. This breadth of insight allows us to guide clients through periods of transition with clarity and precision.”

Scobie’s career spans senior-level advisory roles, media and presentation training, and high-level influencing across multiple political environments. His longstanding involvement in Welsh public affairs since the early 2000s, combined with his earlier work in Scotland dating back to the 1980s, underscores Chambré’s depth of expertise and its ability to operate effectively across different political systems within the UK.

Founded in 2002, Chambré has built a strong track record advising clients on complex policy and regulatory challenges, delivering integrated communications strategies that align with political realities.

Will Chambré, founder of Chambré, added: “Our expansion into Wales further enhances our ability to support organisations with interests across multiple jurisdictions, offering seamless, informed counsel grounded in both regional understanding and national perspective.”

As the UK’s devolved landscape continues to evolve, Chambré’s growing presence ensures that clients benefit from a truly integrated approach, drawing on a wealth of experience to deliver strategic advantage in an increasingly dynamic political environment.