Edinburgh public affairs and corporate communications specialists Linco have announced a merger with Connect Group, a UK and Ireland agency ranked in PRWeek Top 10 for public affairs. Founded by Catriona Matheson in 2023, Linco has grown rapidly, supporting clients including Uplift, Home Exchange and Future Economy Scotland.
Matheson is known as a long serving adviser to the SNP with roles including Head of Communications, Chief of Staff to the SNP Westminster Leader and most recently, Special Adviser to the First Minister of Scotland. The senior advisory team at Linco also includes Innes Taylor, a former Scottish Conservative adviser and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister in 10 Downing Street, and James Millar, former political reporter for the Sunday Post. Andy Sawford, Managing Partner of Connect Group and a former Labour MP, will offer senior counsel to clients, as part of a strong cross-party team. Laura Blake, Partner and co-owner of the Connect Group, will Chair the Board of Linco.
Linco Founding Partner Catriona Matheson said:
“Linco and Connect formed a strategic partnership six months ago and we are excited to now formally become part of the Connect Group. This gives Linco a platform for growth and hugely enhances Linco and Connect’s offer to clients.
“The 2026 Scottish Parliament election is firmly on the horizon and at Linco we are successfully assisting organisations to better understand Scotland’s political and media landscape, build relationships and enhance their work and reputation.”
Laura Blake, Chair of Linco and Partner and co-owner of Connect Group, said:
“I am looking forward to working with the Linco team as Chair, to knit it closely into the Connect Group and our network across the UK and Ireland.
“Connect is committed to offering the highest quality consultancy to deliver real impact and value for our clients and in Catriona and Linco we have found the perfect partner to enhance our offer in Scotland and beyond. Catriona and the team have worked at the highest levels of politics and government in both Edinburgh and London and we are delighted to welcome them to the Connect Group.”
Background
- Connect Group is a leading independently owned communications agency, ranked by fee income as a Top 10 public affairs agency, with £4.6m in fees in 2024.
- The Group includes Stratagem, Ireland’s leading specialist public affairs agency, which became fully part of the Connect Group in 2019.
- Connect Group clients include Toyota, Kelloggs, Specsavers, ChargeUK, The British Science Association, Prologis, Panattoni and the Local Government Association.
