Ingrid Vervik Salte launches Sans Communications in London
Originally published in Norwegian in KOM24 by Ellen Høiby.
Norwegian PR advisor takes the leap in London – starts her own agency
Ingrid Vervik Salte launches her own agency in London. After working at both Hill+Knowlton and Hekt, she is now establishing Sans Communications, an agency focusing on travel, hospitality, and lifestyle.
“Starting my own business has always been part of the long-term plan. It gives me the creative freedom and flexibility I value highly,” Salte tells KOM24.
She explains that moving to London became the catalyst for taking the entrepreneurial leap.
“If I hadn’t moved to London, I probably wouldn’t have dared to take this step so early in my career. But once the move was happening and I had resigned from my job in Oslo, I started to play with the idea of building something of my own.”
A London dream
Salte has had London on her mind for a long time. She earned her master’s degree in Strategic Communications there in 2018 and has dreamed of returning ever since.
“I’ve always dreamed of a creative career in London. There’s something about this city that makes you feel like everything is possible and no dream is too big,” she says.
Over several years in the agency world, Salte has worked with clients in industries ranging from technology, healthcare, and real estate to travel and fashion.
“When I resigned from my job and handed over my client portfolio in Norway, it gave me time to reflect on what kinds of clients I really want to work with going forward. If I follow my heart and not my head, it’s travel and lifestyle that truly drive me — so that’s where I’m focusing my energy.”
The boutique model
Sans is described as a boutique agency — a deliberate choice, according to Salte.
“For me, a boutique agency is a small, specialised agency that delivers tailored solutions in close collaboration with clients. It’s more personal and flexible, and I believe it creates more room for unique and creative solutions.”
She highlights her experience from both Hill+Knowlton and Hekt as the foundation for her work ethic.
“At Hill+Knowlton, I actually ran the Stavanger office alone for a year, so this territory isn’t completely new to me. From Hekt, I take with me the philosophy of being uncomplicated, quick on your feet, and close to the client.”
First client secured
The first few months have been dedicated to networking and building the Sans brand, but she already has her first client in London.
“Recently, I signed a collaboration with a travel magazine, for which I’ll be producing content. The first project is being announced these days,” she says.
For Salte, it has been fun taking her own advice on branding and marketing, and she’s been keen to share the results.
Although London is one of the world’s most competitive PR markets, Salte has no ambition of building a large agency.
“Sans is a vision by me, and my ambition is to work with as many exciting clients as possible. I don’t have a defined goal of hiring employees, because that could compromise the freedom I’m seeking,” she explains.
Instead, she envisions partnerships with both Norwegian and British colleagues.
“For example, I’m still an associate partner at Hekt and have built strong relationships with PR and marketing agencies of all sizes here in London.”
A tough market
The London market is saturated, she admits, but Salte believes Sans can stand out.
“Many would say London is an oversaturated market for PR and marketing, especially in the segment I’m targeting.”
At the same time, she believes demand for high-quality content has never been greater.
“I think the combination of creative content production and strategic business understanding is what makes Sans stand out from other creators,” Salte concludes.