Weber Shandwick has announced the creation of The Weber Shandwick Collective, a network of specialist creative, marketing, communications and consulting firms built for the convergence of society, media, policy and technology.

Formally launching early next year with a new visual identity, Weber Shandwick will remain the "hero" brand, with other agencies in The Weber Shandwick Collective spanning public affairs, organisational and digital transformation and creative services.

The company is also launching Weber Shandwick futures, which it describes as "a new pathway for identifying potential investments, partnerships or M&A opportunities that help shape future-forward offers to clients as the pace of change hastens". Headed by Chairman Chris Perry, Weber Shandwick Futures will form partnerships with leading institutions, including universities and researchers.