PUBLIC relations firm Beattie Communications has merged with Canadian firm Tartan to create new business Beattie Tartan.

The move comes a year after the firm, which is registered in Falkirk but has offices across the UK as well as in Dublin, outlined its intention to make Canada the first stop on a post-Brexit vote international expansion drive.

It said at the time that it would open in Toronto first followed by Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver.

Having tied up with Tartan, which is based in the capital of British Columbia, Victoria, the firm now intends to recruit across the country.

Beattie chief executive Laurna Woods said: “We are already planning a major recruitment drive for top digital, PR and social talent across Canada but especially in Toronto and Vancouver by building on Canada’s strong economy.”

The intention is to double Tartan’s headcount from six to 12 and generate fee income in the country of $2.5 million.

Beattie chairman Kevan Roberts will also fill the chairman’s role at Beattie Tartan.

Mr Roberts joined the firm in January this year after leaving former firm Saatchi & Saatchi, where he was chief executive, after making controversial remarks about women not being interested in climbing the corporate ladder.

Deirdre Campbell, who founded Tartan in 1991, has become managing director of the Canadian business, which Ms Woods said would be used as a “springboard” for global growth.

Beattie is by far the larger of the two firms, with 130 people working across its 12 offices.