New agency champions people-first PR

A senior PR professional has launched a new Leeds-based agency focused on delivering people-first communications and strategic advisory services.

Katie Eborall, former UK board director and head of North at Grayling, has unveiled Eborland Communications, offering integrated PR and communications services across reputation, crisis, stakeholder and brand engagement.

Based in Leeds, the agency will provide strategic advisory and campaign delivery, with a focus on creating a more human-centred approach to communications. 

Katie brings more than 20 years’ experience in the city, having previously held senior roles at Grayling as well as Leeds agencies Hatch Communications and Ptarmigan.

She said: “I want to build an agency that helps businesses to connect their mission to audiences through relatable, empathetic approaches, and to do work that makes a difference to everyday lives and the world around us.

“Building my career in Leeds and developing a team across the North means I understand the region and its challenges intrinsically, from transport and infrastructure to high streets and energy.

“At its baseline, better transport provides the connectivity for people to access to jobs, education and socialisation; infrastructure can transform places into communities; thriving high streets can deliver economic advantage; and renewable energy can help us to live more sustainably. 

“But that’s only part the story for people. 

“Between that there are many impacts to everyday lives that are often glossed over under the narrative of change and investment; lengthy consultations, disruption of building works, displacement of premises, unreliable services, prohibitive house prices, diversity, fear of change. 

“The list is lengthy!

“Eborland exists to help clients never lose sight of the mission they have set out to deliver against, but to connect to the entire audience journey, to tell their stories with impact, fairness and sincerity and build long-term relationships and equity from stakeholders, the business community and consumers.

“As well as its obvious Yorkshire roots, Ebor comes from the old English word for yew tree, known for being long lasting and indestructible, while Land is a space where we act as grounded counsel for clients. 

“Together, Eborland is an agency that believes consultancy can be a safe space for people to thrive, progress and be truly individual, while delivering work that has long term impact.

“This is the shared perspective we look for in our clients, so that we can leave a lasting imprint together.”

Eborland launches with an initial client base including Infracare, a social infrastructure and energy provider led by former Leeds Bradford Airport chief executive Hywel Rees.

The agency aims to build long-term partnerships with clients while supporting organisations to engage more effectively with their audiences and communities.

Alongside her agency work, Katie is an active advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion within the industry, holding leadership and mentoring roles across several regional and national initiatives.

She added: “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to start something from the ground up where psychological safety and individuality are at the core of the business. 

“I’m from a working-class background and I’m passionate about supporting women and breaking barriers to change.

“Starting up my own agency not only fulfils a personal ambition but also gives me a bigger platform to make a true imprint on the sector to become more equitable. 

“True to the brand, Eborland will champion and lead on DEI issues in the industry, and we are already working on some exciting initiatives for H2 and into 2027, which will benefit the whole sector.”

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