SINGAPORE--UK consultancy Salt is launching its first overseas office in Singapore. 

The firm, recently named the Holmes Report's 2012 EMEA Corporate Consultancy of the Year, is relocating London director Marianne Blamire to lead the new operation.

Blamire has been with Salt since 2007, focusing in particular on the firm's critical Unilever business, which includes a substantial global component.

“As well as helping our existing clients communicate better in Asia, we want to help Asian brands grow globally,” said Blamire. “The trend for brands to move from East to West is clear, and we believe our experience in helping brands create platforms and systems for global communication, can help Asian brands in that journey.”

The firm will use its Singapore base to pursue business with MNCs, given the high proportion of such companies that locate their regional headquarters in the city.

“The biggest growth opportunities for most of our clients are in Asia, so it makes sense for us to be there,” said Salt CEO Andy Last. “Singapore is the perfect base for us to extend our work with brands looking to grow in the region.”

Salt was founded by Richard Cox and Andy Last in 2000 and runs consumer and corporate programmes for clients including ManpowerGroup, Tesco, Unilever and Wickes.