Mace
With both founders resigning and Rebecca Park as the new CEO, William Cash looks at how the leading global lobbying firm might turn a crisis into opportunity
Tim Allan becomes latest senior figure to leave government
The Welsh Government’s announcement of a 15 per cent business rates discount for pubs, restaurants, cafés and live music venues in Wales has prompted immediate reactions from the hospitality sector and business groups, who say the measure does not go far enough to protect struggling firms ahead of the 2026 to 27 financial year.
Scott Colvin, Group Director of Public Affairs at Aviva, on why business is taking public affairs seriously and why he turned down a top job at No 10
Lobbying of government by Peter Mandelson – as a serving Cabinet minister – on how to reduce the 50% tax on bankers bonuses seems to have been a major factor in his resignation from the Labour Party on Sunday evening.
A new team dedicated to supporting small British businesses to win more defence contracts has been established by the Defence Readiness and Industry Minister, Luke Pollard MP, on a visit in late January to the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.
A transparent approach to lobbying needs to be taken if companies are to protect their reputations, according to a report by the Business and Democracy Commission released today.
Thousands of farmers descended on the streets of Strasbourg and other European cities this week ahead of a key vote in the European Parliament on the controversial trade deal between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc of South American countries.
The UK Chamber of Shipping has hired former SEC Newgate accounts manager Harry Brown as public affairs manager to strengthen its engagement with government and policymakers.
A senior aide close to the prime minister has publicly criticised the government’s communications operation, highlighting internal tensions over press briefings, transparency and efforts to modernise how Downing Street engages with media and the public.
Brunswick has promoted former Labour MP Michael Dugher to head its UK public affairs practice after his exit from the Betting and Gaming Council
Robert Jenrick is removed from the shadow cabinet and loses the Conservative whip amid claims he was planning a defection
H/Advisors targets Poland and Saudi Arabia in 2026 expansion, alongside organic growth plans in the US and selected emerging markets.
Marks & Spencer corporate affairs chief Victoria McKenzie-Gould departs to join The Magnum Ice Cream Company in a senior FMCG leadership role.
Former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi leaves the Conservatives for Reform UK, highlighting mounting pressure and fragmentation on Britain’s centre right.
Bayer’s crop science ambitions gain momentum as the EU eases regulation of gene edited plants, opening pathways for agricultural innovation
China is projected to grow 4.8 per cent in 2026, with export performance supporting economic expansion despite ongoing domestic challenges.
The Crown Estate launches a £7.2 million communications framework tender, seeking multiple agencies to deliver corporate and public affairs services.
New EU rules aim to speed up and align chemical safety assessments, reducing duplication between agencies while maintaining health and environmental protections
Allison Worldwide hires healthcare veteran Wendy Lund as global CEO, alongside a senior Stagwell role to drive healthcare growth.
Former Telegraph communications chief Isabel Bruce moves into consultancy, joining Trafalgar Strategy as senior media and communications expertise shifts sectors.
FleishmanHillard’s global head of practices and sectors Mark Mortell exits after 23 years amid leadership change across Omnicom’s communications business
Great British Energy appoints Dan McGrail as permanent chief executive as the publicly owned company moves from launch to delivery
Omnicom’s chief executive signals continuity for public relations operations as the advertising group integrates agencies following its major acquisition.
Former Government Communication Service chief joins business leaders recognised in New Year Honours, highlighting communications, retail, energy and cultural sectors.
The FTSE 100 surpasses 10,000 for the first time, reflecting strong gains in commodities, defence and financial stocks.
The EU’s new green tariff regime begins, applying carbon costs to selected imports and reshaping how climate policy intersects with trade.
New US filings show Pakistan broadening lobbying, communications and investment advocacy in Washington through multiple firms and registered public affairs contracts.
Beijing flags expanded fiscal spending in 2026 to boost consumption, support growth and anchor economic planning for the next five year cycle
The US House passes a defence bill locking in troop levels and funding Ukraine, signalling continued congressional support for Europe’s security.
Washington imposes travel bans on Thierry Breton and others, deepening transatlantic tensions over online regulation, free speech and tech rules.
Moscow says a new US security strategy mirrors Russian views on stability and dialogue, prompting mixed reactions across Europe and allies.
The European Commission launches a public consultation to update EU Arctic policy amid climate pressures and rising geopolitical stakes.
Beijing imposes provisional anti subsidy duties on EU dairy products, deepening trade tensions and hitting exporters across the bloc
Berlin urges a full rethink of EU foreign subsidy controls, warning current rules impose heavy burdens and risk harming investment.
EU governments approve targeted revisions delaying the deforestation regulation, easing compliance demands while keeping core environmental safeguards in place
Virgin Atlantic opens a competitive pitch for its consumer PR account as the airline reassesses brand strategy and agency partnerships.
BP appoints new chief executive as Murray Auchincloss exits early, signalling reset amid investor pressure and shifting energy market priorities
Brussels plans to widen its carbon border levy, targeting downstream goods and loopholes to prevent carbon leakage and protect EU industry
Government publishes five new Fisheries Management Plans aimed at safeguarding key stocks and underpinning sustainable UK fishing practices.
McDonald’s UK replaces Teneo with Freuds and Flint Global, splitting corporate communications and public affairs as political pressures intensify nationwide.
Thailand’s baht hits multi year peak, squeezing exporters and forcing policy makers to juggle currency stability, trade competitiveness and fragile economic recovery
EU governments back tougher steel import limits, opening talks with Parliament on new rules to counter global overcapacity pressures facing
Brussels pushes back against Washington as Ursula von der Leyen warns the Trump administration to stay out of Europe’s democratic choices.
Italy aligns with Belgium to oppose Brussels’ plan to deploy frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, complicating efforts ahead of key EU summit.
Twenty US states challenge Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee, arguing it exceeds presidential authority and threatens labour markets.
China’s leadership acknowledges a sharp investment slowdown, pledging targeted support while avoiding large scale stimulus amid broader economic strain.
Deep splits among EU capitals force Brussels to delay its Buy European procurement push amid fears of protectionism and higher costs.
Brussels approves annual EU UK fisheries agreement for 2026, setting shared quotas and access rules under the post Brexit framework.
European legislators agree major reforms to medicines law, reshaping market exclusivity, boosting access, and tightening rules on shortages and antibiotics
Britain’s economy shrank by 0.1 per cent in October, extending a run of weak growth and sharpening pressure on MPs
Russia threatens legal and economic retaliation as the EU advances plans to leverage frozen Kremlin reserves for sustained Ukrainian financing
Meta agrees to overhaul its EU ad model, offering clearer data-sharing choices for users after regulators ruled its previous system breached competition rules.
EU states back new asylum and return measures, including safe-country rules and a solidarity pool, ahead
EU research spending reaches record levels but remains well below the three per cent goal, prompting renewed debate over investment gaps and competitiveness.
Zarah Sultana calls for electoral alliances with other progressive parties as Your Party considers cooperation to prevent Nigel Farage gaining national power.
Farage is reported to police over claims his Clacton campaign under-declared expenses, prompting calls for investigation as Reform UK denies wrongdoing.
Putin’s visit to India strengthens cooperation on energy, defence and trade as Modi balances Western pressure with long-standing strategic ties to Moscow.
Government pledges to stop children living in B&B
MACE marked its 5th anniversary with a high-profile Commons reception of politicians, diplomats, media figures and lobbyists, launching its influencers report
The OBR says Reeves did not mislead the public on pre-Budget challenges, easing pressure amid criticism over forecasts, leaks and government messaging.
Ministers plan to replace many jury trials with judge-only hearings for offences under three-year sentences, prompting strong criticism from lawyers and opposition parties.
Three former Conservative MPs, including ex-deputy chair Jonathan Gullis, defect to Reform UK as the party capitalises on Tory unrest and declining support.
Starmer defends his Budget, denies misleading the public and faces criticism over tax rises, OBR forecasts and political fallout across Westminster.
Talks between London and Brussels collapsed after the EU demanded a high entry fee for SAFE, leaving the UK limited to third-country participation.
The resignation of Andriy Yermak after anti-corruption raids disrupts Ukraine’s leadership and triggers uncertainty across Europe during a critical phase of the war.
Beijing calls on London to publicly endorse One-China, signalling a push for strategic alignment as China confronts Tokyo over Taiwan.
After weeks of tax rumour and expectation-setting, the 26 November Budget landed as a welfare-first package that lifts the benefits cap but tightens the screw on household incomes, property and education.
Two long-serving members of the House of Lords have been suspended after an official inquiry found they provided parliamentary services in return for commercial gain.
The European Parliament on 13 November 2025 approved amendments that sharply reduce the scope of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the associated reporting regime
The FTSE 100 hit a record 9,787 points as investors cheered progress in Washington towards ending the US government shutdown. Strong gains in Diageo, miners and financial stocks lifted the index to its highest ever close, mirroring a global rally across European and Asian markets.
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, is preparing to relaunch an exclusive advisory board for high-value donors. The board previously provided donors access to senior ministers and was disbanded. The party says it is a new format. The move comes amid fundraising challenges and pressure from rival parties.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has flagged major tax increases in her forthcoming budget, prompting the British Chambers of Commerce to warn that business confidence is at multi-year lows ahead of a crucial week for both politics and the economy.
The Treasury is preparing plans for a “settling-up charge” that would impose a 20 per cent capital gains tax on UK assets held by wealthy individuals leaving the country. The measure, expected to raise around £2 billion, would align the UK with other G7 nations’ exit-tax regimes.
The UK government will grant around 500 energy-intensive manufacturers a 90 per cent discount on electricity network charges from April 2026, saving up to £420 million a year.
The UK has signed an £8 billion deal to sell 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey, assembled by BAE Systems in Lancashire.
The U.S. Army has asked leading private-equity firms to propose funding models for a roughly $150 billion infrastructure overhaul. By seeking land-swaps and equity-style arrangements instead of standard contracting, the Army aims to bridge a $135 billion funding shortfall via private capital and innovative asset-investment structures.
Spain has emerged as the leading contender for BYD’s third European vehicle plant. The country’s competitive manufacturing costs, renewable-energy grid, and EV incentives are major advantages. A final decision, still pending approval from Chinese regulators, is expected before year’s end.
The U.S. has announced 100 percent tariffs on Chinese imports in response to Beijing’s rare earth export controls. China called the measures illegal, while both sides prepare for a possible Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea. Businesses warn of rising costs and inflation as global markets react to the escalating trade conflict.
Reappointed French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled his second cabinet and must deliver the 2026 budget within days. With opposition parties preparing a no-confidence motion and markets showing unease, his government faces a test of survival that could decide the fate of Macron’s presidency and France’s fiscal stability.
Oil prices rose after stock drawdowns at U.S. hubs and a cautious OPEC+ output increase. The gains add inflationary pressure and squeeze fiscal policy in nations reliant on energy imports. The broader crude build in U.S. stocks clouds the outlook but short-term stress is mounting.
France’s prime minister and cabinet resigned mere hours after appointment, the shortest premiership in the Fifth Republic. Markets sold off, bond yields surged, and the euro weakened. The collapse compounds legislative gridlock and fiscal stress. President Macron now faces difficult choices: name a new PM or trigger elections.
At today’s Green Party conference, new leader Zack Polanski laid out a combative agenda centered on wealth redistribution, climate action, and civil liberties reform. He attacked both Labour and Reform UK, demanded withdrawal of protest bans, and sought to redefine the Greens as a bold left‑wing alternative ahead of the next election.
Mega‑mergers are surging in 2025, with Q3 deal values exceeding $1 trillion. Big names include Union Pacific’s $85 billion rail deal, Synopsys acquiring Ansys, and the creation of Paramount Skydance. Few but massive transactions dominate the landscape, aided by low financing costs and a willingness to reshuffle industry power.
The government is backing Jaguar Land Rover with a £1.5 billion loan guarantee via UK Export Finance to stabilise its supply chain following a cyberattack that halted production. The five‑year guarantee aims to unlock commercial borrowing and support suppliers under severe financial stress.
The UK is poised to overhaul lobbying regulations by widening definitions, boosting disclosures, and introducing stronger enforcement. A newly proposed Ethics and Integrity Commission would sit alongside increased reporting of communications and interactions. The changes aim to rein in influence operations that currently escape oversight.
West End retailers, hotels and leisure operators warn that proposed business rates changes in the upcoming Budget could drive many into insolvency. The planned surcharge on high‑value properties may spell ruin for larger premises, with job losses and empty shops spreading beyond central London’s flagship districts.
The UK government is reportedly prepared to allow higher NHS medicine prices to defuse U.S. threats of 100 percent tariffs on branded drugs. The shift comes as pharmaceutical firms balk at rebate regimes and paused investment. Ministers are in talks with Washington and mulling reforms to cost‑effectiveness metrics.
Labour‑aligned Resolution Foundation proposes shifting a 2p cut in employee National Insurance to income tax, targeting pensioners, landlords and self‑employed to raise £6bn. The plan aims to avoid raising income tax rates on employees but draws opposition over fairness, inter‑generational impact and inflation.
The UK has recognised Palestine as an independent state using the 1967 borders, alongside Australia and Canada. The recognition grants legal statehood, comes amid criticism of Israeli actions, and includes conditions such as exclusion of Hamas from future governance. Israel condemned the move. Critics argue the impact will be largely symbolic.
Donald Trump’s UK state visit yielded £150 billion in US investment promises across tech, energy and manufacturing sectors. The Tech Prosperity Deal centred on AI and nuclear cooperation. The visit was largely scripted, with the government highlighting economic benefits amid protests and broader geopolitical concerns.
The European Commission is preparing to accelerate the exit from Russian oil, gas, and fossil fuel imports ahead of its prior 2028 deadline. Pressure from the United States has intensified. Resistance from Hungary and Slovakia remains. Legal changes and bans on new contracts are key components of the revised plan.
Peter Mandelson was sacked as UK Ambassador to the US after new emails revealed deeper ties to Jeffrey Epstein, including support for legal challenges to his conviction and a private birthday note calling Epstein “best pal.” Global Counsel is selling Mandelson’s 21 per cent stake. The move intensifies scrutiny of government vetting.
Sam Tarry has taken on an advisory role at Universal Music to manage political relations. The appointment preceded Angela Rayner’s resignation as deputy prime minister. His work occurs amid the company’s campaign against AI copyright breaches and follows scrutiny over his previous lobbying and political connections.
France’s Prime Minister has been ousted after losing a confidence vote over a failed austerity budget. The collapse leaves President Macron facing the task of appointing yet another prime minister amid a gridlocked parliament, growing economic pressures, and increasing political instability at home and abroad.
Labour’s Employment Rights Bill is under pressure after Angela Rayner’s exit. Unions accuse Starmer of weakening core pledges like fire and rehire and day-one rights.
Reform UK’s Conference in Birmingham projected ambition and momentum with Nigel Farage vowing to overhaul migration, policing and climate policy amid theatrical fanfare.
Nadine Dorries, former Conservative culture secretary, has defected to Reform UK just ahead of its Birmingham conference. Seen as the most high-profile Tory defection yet, her join strengthens Nigel Farage’s rising populist party amid growing donor support and public momentum.
Zack Polanski has been elected sole leader of the Green Party, ending the co-leadership model and pledging to compete directly with Labour and Reform UK. Backed by 85 per cent of members, Polanski is aiming for 30 parliamentary seats and a louder populist message on climate, taxation and public services.
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