As France has just taken over the presidency of the European Union, the expertise of the akkanto agency is being exported from Brussels to Paris with the creation of akkanto France. This is the first time that akkanto has opened an office in another country, even though akkanto has been relying on a solid international network for years to best serve its clients active outside Belgium.
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akkanto is expanding its horizons. The independent communications consultancy, which has been a strong player in the Belgian market for years, announces the opening of an office in France. This office, located in Paris, will enable akkanto to better meet the needs of its clients with an international presence.
Headed by Florent Chapel, supported by Martine Cros and Guillaume Albert, the akkanto France team brings a wealth of experience to the French market. The three of them rely on trusting relationships built up over many years with players in numerous sectors, particularly in the health, food and environment sectors. Among its first clients are the American biotech Seagen, as well as Autisme Info Service, Eurordis and the Syndicat des spécialistes en orthodontie (SFSO).
akkanto France, which works with large and medium-sized companies, institutions, NGOs, professional unions and associations, supports its clients by offering 3 key areas of expertise in reputation management: public affairs, press relations, as well as crisis prevention & management. It offers its French clients akkanto’s know-how, which combines strategic advice and operational implementation.
“The geographical and cultural proximity allows us to develop excellent synergies”
With the creation of the French office, akkanto’s team has grown to nearly 35 employees, covering a wide range of communication expertise, including reputation management, strategic advice on internal and external corporate communication, change management, restructuring, financial communication, public affairs, marketing, crisis communication, media relations and training.
In addition, akkanto will continue to rely on an extensive network of international agencies, as has been the case for many years. akkanto’s consultants use their experience and knowledge to create and manage tailor-made communication programmes to meet the needs of Belgian, French and international clients.
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“At a time when our clients are increasingly demanding cross-border support, it seemed natural to open our first office outside Belgium in our neighbour country France, where the geographical and cultural proximity allows us to develop excellent synergies”, explains Julien Radart, managing partner of akkanto.
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“The French-speaking markets of the EU are becoming increasingly integrated,” adds Florent Chapel, Managing Director of akkanto France. “Furthermore, access to the European institutions, which is crucial today, is greatly facilitated for our clients. With the French presidency of the European Union, the time was right for us to embark on this collaboration.”
