Mace

Is money a factor behind Prince Harry’s move back to the UK?

By Mace / 21st August 2026

Is there a connection between Prince Harry’s share of a £34 million legal bill and his sudden move back to the UK? The Mace follows the money.

PA director leaves Meta to pursue academic career

By Mace / 18th August 2026

Miguel Head is returning to London to begin a master’s programme

FGS Global acquires government affairs agency

By Mace / 14th August 2026

The deal brings Rich Feuer Anderson’s advocacy expertise and regulatory access together with FGS Global’s focus on strategic communications, transaction advisory and crisis management.

Crisis Scotland hires ex-Lib Dem housing spokesperson

By Mace / 14th August 2026

Paul McGarry has been appointed media and public affairs manager at Crisis Scotland, having just started in his new role.

The Strategist: Michael Prescott, Managing Director, Hanover – “Better to risk being the most overdressed person in the room than the scruffiest” 

By Mace / 11th August 2026

From political editor of The Sunday Times to bringing down two BBC chiefs, Michael Prescott reflects on his distinguished career as a journalist and now leading UK corporate strategist (and Beatles fan).

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Martin Turner, Director of Policy and External Affairs, BioIndustry Association, “Pensions reform is a major issue for us”

By Mace / 8th August 2026

Turner’s work sits within the BioIndustry Association, the trade body representing the UK’s biotechnology and life sciences sector.

Burnham is trying to fix Whitehall, but will the political machinery change?

By Mace / 7th August 2026

Andy Burnham is shaking up government with more changes than by any incoming prime minister in memory. But, asks Sir Bernard Jenkin MP, does he understand why the political machinery has failed for previous PMs? 

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Konrad Shek, Public Policy & Regulation Director, Advertising Association, “I prefer strategy to performance, substance to theatre”

By Mace / 7th August 2026

Konrad Shek discusses his proudest achievement of building the Advertising Association’s credibility and influence in media literacy policy.

FGS Global acquires Washington government affairs agency

By Mace / 7th August 2026

FGS Global has acquired Washington, DC-based government affairs firm Rich Feuer Anderson.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Robert Forrester, Chief Executive, Vertu Motors plc, “Leaders need to cast a vision and hold people accountable”

By Mace / 6th August 2026

Robert Forrester reflects on his achievement in helping to found a company 20 years ago that now generates £5bn in revenue and employs more than 7,500 people.

Leader in Public Affairs: David Sheen, Public Affairs Director, UKHospitality, “Take a risk, offer innovative solutions”

By Mace / 5th August 2026

David Sheen pushes back against common perceptions about public affairs, but argues instead that it is about hard work, marshalling arguments, and building coalitions.

Green Party leader recruits new comms advisor

By Mace / 4th August 2026

Zack Polanski has drafted in a new advisor from a former party co-leader.

Leader in Public Affairs: Signe Norberg, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, ISEP, “Human relationships remain critical, AI needs careful application”

By Mace / 4th August 2026

Signe Norberg reflects on her leadership philosophies, encouraging people to ‘lead with humanity’

Rising costs and uncertainty continue to weigh on UK chemical supply chain

By Mace / 4th August 2026

Industry leaders say the UK chemical supply chain has “enormous potential” but is suffering due to business costs, trade conditions and uncertainty.

Racing the sunset: a pilgrim odyssey across a dying Europe

By Mace / 4th August 2026

For 10 months, ex-army officer James Jeffrey trekked 3500 km across Europe by foot. The scale of migration he witnessed may not have been as dramatic as the storming of Ceuta. But this exclusive account of his solo odyssey is a wake-up call to how the Europe he knew growing up in Germany has vanished as a result of open borders and illegal crossings.

Leader in Public Affairs: Grace Pritchard, Downing Street Director of News and the Prime Minister’s Political Spokesperson

By Mace / 3rd August 2026

After heading the Makerfield by-election comms team, Grace Pritchard was singled out by Andy Burnham as being a key part of his northern campaign team. The self-styled ‘Yorkshire lass’ is now the Prime Minister’s Political Spokesperson and Director of News at Downing Street.

Leader in Public Affairs: Zak Viney, Campaigns and Public Affairs Coordinator, Living Streets, “Politics starts locally on the doorstep”

By Mace / 3rd August 2026

Living Streets’ Zak Viney speaks to The Mace about moving from engineering into advocacy, making the case for walkable streets across political divides and securing practical progress on pavement parking.

Leader in Public Affairs: Zara Harrington, Head of Public Affairs, Diageo – “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity”

By Mace / 3rd August 2026

From navigating regulation and trade policy to aligning advocacy with commercial strategy, Diageo’s Zara Harington’s career in public affairs has been about understanding how political decisions translate into real-world business outcomes.

The Advocate: Lucy Gilchrist, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, PepsiCo UKI – “Advocacy enables better policymaking”

By Mace / 2nd August 2026

PepsiCo UKI’s Lucy Gilchrist does some of her best policy thinking on the running machine. She tells The Mace why public affairs must turn intelligence into action, how campaigning shaped her approach to political pressure, and why AI should augment rather than replace hard-won experience.

Dame Antonia’s key civil service reforms are ready to be supported by Whitehall, says Jonathan Freeman

By Mace / 1st August 2026

The Civil Service is ready to support Dame Antonia Romeo’s flagship changes to government machinery – notably relating to AI and devolution – under new prime minister Andy Burnham, writes Jonathan Freeman, CEO of the Charity for Civil Servants.

Experts warn more government support needed to help UK aviation meet net zero by 2050

By Mace / 30th July 2026

UK aviation can decarbonise while meeting growth ambitions, but urgent government action is needed to prevent costs increasing for passengers and the sector losing its competitive edge.

Industry leaders signal a ‘momentous day for social care’

By Mace / 30th July 2026

The leading association for not-for-profit care has called the Prime Minister’s announcement ‘a seminal moment’

Natalie Buxton departs Weber Scotland to lead agency with ex-colleague

By Mace / 29th July 2026

After two decades at Weber Shandwick, Natalie Buxton has left to lead Fenton Fitzwilliam.

Lexington appoints new senior advisor

By Mace / 29th July 2026

Lexington Communications is a leading independent strategic communications consultancy based in the UK that specializes in public affairs, government relations, and reputation management.

Fenton Fitzwilliam strengthens UK leadership with two senior appointments

By Mace / 29th July 2026

Fenton Fitzwilliam is an Irish-headquartered public affairs and strategic communications consultancy.

New No 10 comms unit revealed, led by former Sadiq Khan’s media director Sarah Brown

By Mace / 28th July 2026

Led by Sarah Brown, former head of comms for Sadiq Khan, Andy Burnham’s new Downing Street media operation will be “agile, media-savvy, and unflinchingly clear on its narrative” according to insiders.

Leader in Public UK Affairs: Beatrice Barleon, Head of Policy & Public Affairs, EngineeringUK, ‘Achieving change is team work, always’

By Mace / 28th July 2026

With a career spanning sustainability, property and now EngineeringUK, Beatrice discusses her drive to work in policy areas that align with her principles.

If Burnham wants growth, he must start by backing AI and Tech founders and risk-takers, says Liam Houghton

By Mace / 23rd July 2026

New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has an opportunity to make Britain the best place to start and scale a business, argues CEO Liam Houghton.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Joe Chapman, Head of Public Affairs, Manchester Airports Group – “I love being an advocate”

By Mace / 23rd July 2026

Joe Chapman, head of public affairs at the Manchester Airport Group, reveals his support for reform in the public affairs industry and why he loves being a leading in-house advocate in the aviation sector.

No. 10 chief press officer leaves to join PR agency

By Mace / 22nd July 2026

Dan Mulloy, a government communications specialist, has moved into his first ever agency role.

Ex-L’Oréal and Heineken public affairs leader joins IPA

By Mace / 21st July 2026

Richard Casofsky has experience at L’Oréal, Heineken, Sainsbury’s and McDonald’s now joins the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Stef Kenyon, Director of External Affairs, UK Chamber of Shipping, “I came to public affairs via a more unconventional route”

By Mace / 21st July 2026

Stef Kenyon discusses the pressures, personalities, and politics that shape the maritime industry.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Anthony Vigor, Group Director, Persimmon Homes, “I was lucky to secure a role at National Express”

By Mace / 21st July 2026

Anthony Vigor is Group Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs at Persimmon Homes.

Why London has become Kyiv-on-Thames for Ukraine’s new global entrepreneurs 

By Mace / 16th July 2026

Since March 2022, the UK has granted more than 286,000 visas to Ukrainians making London the destination of choice for young global talent. Anya Bryzhko explains why the UK is such a cultural magnet.

Topham Guerin names Andrew Hirst as first CEO

By Mace / 16th July 2026

Specialist digital agency hired a senior figure from political communications, campaigning and strategy in Australia as its first chief executive.

Havas Red chief Rachael Sansom departs

By Mace / 15th July 2026

Rachael Sansom, CEO for Europe and the UK, has announced her departure after seven years at Havas Red.

FTI Consulting hires ex-Three UK communications chief

By Mace / 9th July 2026

Former director of corporate communications at Three UK, Juliet Callaghan, has rejoined FTI Consulting’s UK Strategic Communications segment.

Ex-Cow Managing Director joins The Academy

By Mace / 9th July 2026

Former Cow managing director Matt Wilcock has been brought in by Consumer PR agency, The Academy.

Ex-Downing Street comms chief joins agency

By Mace / 9th July 2026

James Lyons, the former director of strategic communications at No. 10, has joined Penta Group.

New lobbying recommendations: “Comprehensive and positive”

By Mace / 9th July 2026

Industry leaders say that ‘trust hangs by a thread’ and the time has come take action.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Edwin Morgan, Director of Policy & Communications, UK Warehousing Association – “I’ve always tried to assume that people are trying to do the right thing”

By Mace / 9th July 2026

At the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA), Edwin Morgan champions a diverse network of businesses, from family-run depots to major logistics operators, making sure logistics industry challenges are heard in Westminster.

Leader in Public Affairs: Charlotte Whitley, Head of Corporate Affairs, British Land – “Nothing beats really getting under the skin of the issue”

By Mace / 8th July 2026

After cutting her teeth in agencies such as FTI and FGS Global, Whitley moved in-house to British Land in 2015, a role that has defined her career as a leading advocate in the UK property world.

Welsh Water appoints head of public affairs

By Mace / 7th July 2026

Welsh Water said the creation of the head of public affairs role “signifies the importance of, and our commitment to, ensuring appropriate and timely engagement with elected representatives.”

Ex-Global Counsel director joins Apella Advisors

By Mace / 7th July 2026

Strategic communications agency Apella Advisors has hired the former Global Counsel as a partner.

Portland names new public affairs Managing Partner

By Mace / 7th July 2026

Portland has appointed Tom Rayner as the new Managing Partner of its public affairs and policy team.

Ex-Conservative Party director joins Atticus Partners

By Mace / 7th July 2026

Political communications agency Atticus Partners hired a former Conservative Party political director Adam Wildman.

Home Office comms deputy rejoins the Cabinet Office

By Mace / 7th July 2026

Alice Parker has nearly a decade of experience in government communications.

Leader in Public Affairs: Andreas Bohrer, Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer, Lonza Group

By Mace / 4th July 2026

A lawyer who traded M&A briefs for boardroom strategy, Andreas Bohrer has spent a decade quietly expanding his remit at one of pharma’s most critical manufacturers. When the pandemic demanded a global response at speed, the fencing fan and doctor in law was at hand to lead by example.

CPAC GB 2026: “Save Britain, save the West” 

By Mace / 30th June 2026

Introducing the inaugural Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on British soil, a landmark expansion of the world’s premier conservative networking brand.  

Leader in Public Affairs: Tom Steiner, VP Government Relations, Smiths – “Support, empowerment and ownership for shared growth and success”

By Mace / 15th June 2026

Across his career, a consistent theme emerges: the importance of experience, perspective and trust.

Memo to the new Defence Secretary before the NATO summit: “It’s not all about the money”

By Mace / 12th June 2026

Creating a Defence Industrial base with no new money is going to be a challenge for any Defence Secretary. But, argues defence expert William Wallace, there are several free things that Dan Jarvis can starting thinking about before the NATO summit in Turkey, on 7-8th July.

When it comes to English police reform, do not repeat the mistakes made north of the border

By Mace / 5th June 2026

The dismal results of reducing the police force in Scotland should act as a cautionary deterrent for English police reform, writes Sharon Dowey, a former member of the Scottish Parliament’s criminal justice committee.

Gradually and suddenly: how VAT is slowly killing off traditional private education

By Mace / 5th June 2026

Latest Dept of Education figures reveal over 40,000 independent school pupils dropping out since Labour’s VAT raid. But, The Mace argues, surging fees, an arms race for facilities and a marketing drive for “overseas” pupils, has long made the traditional private school model unsustainable.

Do outsiders in government really work?

By Mace / 4th June 2026

As politicians call for more external appointments in Whitehall, Professor Nada Kakabadse argues that the real challenge lies not in recruitment, but governance.

Wigan Man will decide the next Prime Minister

By Mace / 1st June 2026

Andy Burnham may struggle to win the Makerfield by-election if ‘Wigan Man’ emerges as the new median voter whom parties must attract to win the next election, says Simon Caldwell.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Alastair McCapra, Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Public Relations “If you can automate something entirely it isn’t a professional service, it’s just a glorified supermarket checkout”

By Mace / 31st May 2026

CIPR chief executive Alastair McCapra explains why lobbying needs stronger regulation, higher professional standards and the human judgement that technology cannot replace.

Leader in Public Affairs: Ross Mumford, Head of Government Affairs, EMEA, Macquarie Group

By Mace / 27th May 2026

“2025 felt like a milestone moment”

Time’s up on late payments: How large companies are harming UK’s smaller businesses

By Mace / 24th May 2026

Graeme Donnelly, CEO and founder of 1st Formations, explains why the King’s Speech’s proposed crackdown on late payments will help the SME economy.

Holiday tax will ruin the English Summer

By Mace / 23rd May 2026

Despite the new 5% VAT tax break for holiday attractions, tourism trade body leaders are speaking out about how government policies may not help the sector.

The Strategist: Dominic Raab, former deputy prime minister joins Kreab London as senior adviser

By Mace / 22nd May 2026

The former deputy prime minister and foreign secretary will be advising Kreab global clients on defence and intelligence-related issues, as well as international geopolitics and Westminster issues.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Jessica Lennard, Chief Strategy Officer, Competition and Markets Authority – “I’m an obsessive starter finisher”

By Mace / 20th May 2026

After leaving Linklaters, Jessica joined the Conservative Party’s Shadow Energy and Climate Change team in 2008 just as energy security and climate policy were rising rapidly up the agenda. Her career reflects how the energy market has re-structured over the last decade.

Time to pay-up: why the government is right to crack-down on late payments by large companies

By Mace / 20th May 2026

New legislation in the King’s Speech to clamp down on large companies paying small suppliers late is long overdue, says Sarah Stone

The Renters’ Right Act will bury the UK housing market, says leading UK developer Kamal Pankhania

By Mace / 19th May 2026

With the UK housing market already under economic pressure, this is not the right time to introduce new rental reforms that will damage investor confidence, says Kamal Pankhania, CEO of Westcombe Homes

Ex-Citypress public affairs lead joins law firm

By Mace / 19th May 2026

Tom Anelay, who most recently led the public affairs practice at Citypress, has moved to an in-house role at one of the UK’s fastest-growing law firms.

H/Advisors Cicero hired to drive financial inclusion in parliament

By Mace / 19th May 2026

H/Advisors Cicero has been briefed to increase support for financial inclusion, provide monitoring and intelligence.

Shipping latest: Dual-fuel fleets continue rapid expansion

By Mace / 13th May 2026

Latest data released by the shipping industry reveals duel-fuel vessels are taking over the market.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Nick Laitner, Senior MD, Teneo: “Money doesn’t buy influence”

By Mace / 12th May 2026

Nick Laitner, MD of Teneo, describes his public affairs journey from graduate intern to senior UK political influencer. Agency success, he says, comes from hiring and mentoring the best people

The Death of Public Trust in Westminster

By Mace / 8th May 2026

The survival of our nation depends upon rebuilding trust in government between ministers and officials, says Sir Bernard Jenkin MP

Easy Wins, Empty Gains: New white paper calls for lobbying review to go further

By Mace / 7th May 2026

Following a series of lobbying scandals, the CIPR’s White Paper is a tough new step to improve transparency in Westminster’s lobbying laws.

Scrapping carbon pricing would be a costly hit to British exporters and consumers

By Mace / 7th May 2026

A new report reveals that axing carbon pricing would be a self destructive step for the UK economy.

Crowdfunder sees surge in grassroots political fundraising ahead of May 7th

By Mace / 6th May 2026

Crowdfunding is up 236% compared to equivalent pre-election period in 2022 with support being driven by lower-income communities.

Did a “boys club” culture of Downing Street lead to the appointment of Peter Mandelson ?

By Mace / 29th April 2026

Keir Starmer’s “boys club” culture was called out during the grilling of Morgan McSweeney.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Jon Antoniazzi, Associate Director for Policy & Public Affairs, Marie Curie

By Mace / 29th April 2026

After his father died of a NHS failure and his mother from a late cancer diagnosis, Jon Antoniazzi has been on a determined career path to change health policy

UK’s economic stability starts at sea, says the CEO of the Chamber of Shipping

By Mace / 28th April 2026

Shipping moves 95 per cent of the UK’s trade. Most of the time, this happens smoothly until there is a global crisis, writes Rhett Hatcher, CEO of the Chamber of Shipping

A lobby system not fit for purpose

By Mace / 22nd April 2026

CIPR’s latest poll of 250 public affairs professionals makes clear that there is majority backing for radical reform of lobbying rules to make the profession more transparent.

Starmer sacks top diplomat over Mandelson problems

By Mace / 17th April 2026

Sir Olly Robins’ exit from the Foreign Office has raised questions over how much the Prime Minister knew about Mandelson’s appointment, and whether he knowingly mislead parliament

The Mace Questionnaire: Alex Sobel MP

By Mace / 15th April 2026

The Labour MP on the cost of living crisis, the challenges in Ukraine and West Papua, and the best places in Leeds for a night out

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Jacquie Bance de Vasquez, Director of Policy and Engagement, Magic Breakfast

By Mace / 15th April 2026

Beginning in the film industry and moving over to working in social enterprise, Jacquie Bance de Vasquez talks The Mace through her work

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Konrad Shek, Public Policy & Regulation Director, Advertising Association

By Mace / 8th April 2026

From IT engineer to Foreign Office diplomat to advertising regulator, Konrad Shek has built a career by going where curiosity leads – and his instinct for translating complexity into influence has made him one of public affairs’ more quietly formidable operators.

The Mace Questionnaire: Bob Blackman MP: “It is time to rebuild our party”

By Mace / 31st March 2026

The ‘pragmatic’ new chair of the 1922 Committee could shape the direction of the Conservative Party

Sarah Vine: Scenes from a Brexit Marriage

By Mace / 30th March 2026

In her bestselling book, Sarah Vine reinvented the political wife memoir. Soon out in paperback, Melanie McDonagh sat down with the ex-wife of Michael Gove to discuss the dramatis personae of a Westminster era.

Pagefield and WPI’s merger throws into question the boutique PA firm model

By Mace / 26th March 2026

As the two firms face a merger, the question over the longevity of the boutique firm is put under the spotlight.

Special Relationships: Westminster power couples of 2026

By Mace / 25th March 2026

Which special relationships are really running the country? Emily Hill surveys the top political romances in Westminster.

The Strategist: Shomik Panda, Inline Policy

By Mace / 25th March 2026

As CEO of Inline Policy, Shomik Panda combines political insight with commercial understanding. Selected as a Mace Top 100 lobbyist, expertise includes where digital technology intersects with travel, transport, fintech and short-term accommodation.

The Mace Questionnaire: Andrew Griffith MP, Shadow Secretary for Business and Trade

By Mace / 25th March 2026

After running Sky, Andrew Griffiths become a high flying MP who rose through the Johnson and Sunak governments. In his Mace profile, the Shadow Secretary for Business and Trade reveals his love of dark skies and walking his dogs in Sussex.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Alastair McCapra, Chief Executive of CIPR

By Mace / 25th March 2026

As Chief Executive of CIPR, Alastair McCapra is both a public affairs industry leader and also one of its more persistent critics. In his Mace profile, subjects range from lobby reform to Bismarck and his French bulldog.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Rory Tanner, Head of UK Government Affairs, Revolut

By Mace / 25th March 2026

As Revolut’s Head of UK Government affairs, Rory Tanner’s mission is to help CEO Francesca Carlesi grow the $75 billion financial app to 25 million customers. He tells us how he plans to do it.

Toby Young’s House of Lords Diary

By Mace / 24th March 2026

With invitations coming in to speak at the 2026 autumn party conference season, freedom of speech campaigner Toby Young reflects on his political status ‘upgrade’ from hack to in-demand peer on the fringe circuit.

Leader in Public Affairs: Ben Spier, Association of Professional Self-Caterers

By Mace / 21st March 2026

With English Tourism week running until 23rd March, Ben Spier speaks out about the new tourist levy and the impact of increasing taxation and regulation on tourism.

How to win awards and influence policy

By Mace / 12th March 2026

Greg Rosen, senior counsel at SEC Newgate, led the team which won the best consultancy campaign award at the 2026 PRCA awards. In a deep-dive, Rosen tells The Mace the secrets of his team’s success behind the Fairer Energy Future campaign.

Digital Confidential: Politics and technology column by Damian Collins

By Mace / 12th March 2026

As AI turbocharges social media, tech giants must be held accountable says the former chair of the DCMS select committee who now leads law firm Geradin Partners’ public policy department in London.

The PRCA Awards – winners at the ‘Oscars of Public Affairs’

By Mace / 10th March 2026

WA Communications, Pendragon and Cavendish were amongst some of the names that came out on top

Reform UK adviser joins PLMR

By Mace / 6th March 2026

Kirsty Walmsley’s move to PLMR signals that Reform are being treated as a real political force, rather than an outside threat.

Trade bodies warn of “market distortion” in wake of Reform’s Sovereign Wealth plan

By Mace / 25th February 2026

As Reform’s ‘Shadow Cabinet’ begins to develop, Richard Tice sets out the party’s policy on a British sovereign wealth fund plan.

Collapse of Global Counsel must lead to lobbying reform say leading industry figures

By Mace / 22nd February 2026

As the dust settles on the sudden collapse of Global Counsel, the lobbying industry faces a defining moment says The Mace.

Death by Diary

By Mace / 19th February 2026

Fred de Fossard on how trade lobbyists prioritise access to ministers over political outcome

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested following allegations of misconduct in public office

By Mace / 19th February 2026

The former Prince was arrested by Thames Valley Police on the morning of the 19th February, following allegations of misconduct in public office.

Corporate Affairs Awards 2026 shortlist revealed — spotlight on public affairs newcomers

By Mace / 17th February 2026

The shortlist for the 2026 Corporate Affairs Awards has been unveiled.

The Mace Questionnaire: Preet Gill MP

By Mace / 16th February 2026

Westminster Index 2026: Edgbaston Labour MP Preet Gill reveals she’s no fan of the Assisted Dying Bill but loves Jack Kerouac’s On the Road. Her musical tastes range from Indian to jazz to hip hop.

Aviation trade bodies warn of four-hour queues unless changes are made

By Mace / 12th February 2026

Trade bodies warn that biometric entry requirements will lead to massive delays for travellers