LONDON--Control Risks Group, the global risk consultancy, is reviewing its retained PR agency account.

The company has worked with Cubitt Consulting since 2009, but it is understood that the firm is standing down from the business because of an emerging client conflict elsewhere in its portfolio. Cubitt representatives declined to comment.

Accordingly, Control Risks has briefed a handful of London-based firms for an account that is valued in the low six-figures.

The company specialises in helping organisations manage political, integrity and security risks in complex and hostile environments. The firm’s services encompass such areas as corruption prevention, political analysis, threat assessment and crisis response - all of which are aimed at supporting their clients’ international operations.

In recent years Control Risks has seen its revenues boosted by increased work for oil companies in Iraq. Demand for its services has also risen in tandem with the escalation of hostage-taking activity in the Horn of Africa.

Control Risks also operates a joint venture with Interntional SOS, providing business and travel security. In March of this year, the unit stepped up assistance to clients entangled in political and civil unrest in Mali.

The company is also well-known for its research and analysis, which include an annual  global 'RiskMap', and regular reporting of risk conditions in specific countries and industry sectors.

One source involved in the review told the Holmes Report that the company is seeking to raise its profile and, in particular, highlight its corporate security capabilities. Representatives from Control Risks declined to comment.

The company currently operates from 34 offices worldwide, covering 130 countries. It employs more than 2,000 people.