LONDON--Ikea UK is continuing its search for broader PR support after tapping Hope & Glory to handle press office duties.

The hire of Hope & Glory follows a competitive review, revealed earlier this year by the Holmes Report. The firm will support Ikea's press office and help develop the Swedish retailer's product placement programme. Hope & Glory will also work on 'corporate-to-consumer' communications and sustainability activities.

The account was previously handled by Cake, which retains social media duties. 

The Hope & Glory team will be led by managing partners Jo Carr and James Gordon-MacIntosh, who will report to Ikea UK & Ireland country communication manager Lois Blenkinsop.

Blenkinsop noted that a second pitch, to identify a PR firm that can work alongside Ikea's advertising agencies Mother and Lida, remains ongoing. Hope & Glory, said Blenkinsop, is not involved in this process.

"Hope & Glory PR will work closely with the Ikea UK PR team and stores to manage and strengthen the consumer press office in England, Wales and Scotland,’ said Blenkinsop.

Ikea currently operates 18 stores in the UK, and grew national revenues by 6.3 percent in its most recent fiscal year, to £1.23bn.