LONDON--Denmark's Dong Energy has hired Hill + Knowlton Strategies to support ambitious UK growth plans.

The company has drafted the firm in following a competitive review that was revealed by the Holmes Report earlier this year. The six-figure brief, which covers PR and public affairs, was previously handled by Kreab Gavin Anderson.

According to the RFP, Dong Energy is seeking to raise its UK profile in line with business growth and ambitious investment plans. Dong Energy leads the UK offshore wind market and also counts a significant presence in oil and gas exploration and production.

In 2011, it acquired Shell Gas Direct, giving it an 11 percent share of the UK commercial gas market. Dong has so far invested more than £4bn in the UK, and expects to spend an equivalent sum to boost its business in the market.

“Dong Energy has invested £4.2 billion in the UK," said H+K Strategies senior associate director Tara Singh, who will lead the account. "Through events, briefings and thought leadership publications, we aim to ensure that this commitment is recognised.”

In addition to general public and regulatory affairs support, Dong is aiming to strengthen its relationships with key politicians, as part of an overall drive to improve its policy influence. In addition, Dong is hoping to improve its energy sales offer to businesses.

One of Northern Europe's biggest energy groups, Dong is particularly well known for its offshore wind farms. The company aims to halve its carbon emissions by 2012 and to reduce that figure to 15 percent by 2040.