Leader in UK Public Affairs: Charlotte Thomason, Head of Public Affairs, Commercial & Institutional, NatWest, “In failure is growth”

Mace | 2nd October 2026 | In-House Public Affairs, Westminster Index

Charlotte reflects on entrepreneurship, leadership and AI, and why understanding the businesses behind policy issues matter.

For Charlotte Thomason, one of the most important policy questions facing the UK economy is also one of the most overlooked. “I worry that we’re not focussed enough on how entrepreneurship can unlock barriers for young people,” she says — particularly at a time when job instability is disproportionately affecting younger workers. At NatWest, that concern sits within a broader focus on growth, business support and economic participation. NatWest is one of the UK’s largest banking groups, working across retail, commercial and institutional banking. Its public affairs function engages on issues ranging from SME finance and entrepreneurship to regional growth and financial inclusion — areas where policy decisions have direct implications for businesses and individuals across the economy. For Thomason, the challenge is not just economic, but structural. Many young people are already experimenting with entrepreneurship — “selling on Vinted or TikTok businesses,” she notes — but the system is...

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Markus Leutert, Corporate Affairs, PerkinElmer – “Focus on outcomes, rather than outputs”

Mace | September 29, 2026

Leutert's career has included moments close to politics, including time as a speechwriter, but he concluded that he can have more impact behind the scenes.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Dan Mulloy, Associate Director, Blakeney, “The importance of hard graft”

Mace | September 24, 2026

From leading communications at Downing Street to advising clients at Blakeney, Daniel Mulloy reflects on the value of hard work, strategic thinking and the enduring importance of human

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Isaac Levido, Founding Partner at Fleetwood Strategy, “I got my start in campaigns”

Mace | September 23, 2026

Fleetwood Strategy’s election-winning co-founder on building resilience, looking beyond AI and owning his mistake

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Andy Brown, Marketing, Communications and Business Development Director, Arup, “Be open”

Mace | September 17, 2026

Andy talks about how career progression isn't just about salary but spending time doing work that you find meaningful

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Claire Lovegrove, Director of Corporate Affairs, Mitie, “AI is an enabler, not a replacement”

Mace | September 17, 2026

Claire captures the appeal of public affairs: influence without exposure, impact without political office.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Dr Michelle Howard, Senior Advisor for Defence and Space, Lexington Communications: “The future of public affairs is full of promise for the creative”

Mace | September 16, 2026

Lexington’s Michelle Howard explains how an unconventional career spanning opera, journalism, hydropower and defence led her into public affairs, why political instability rewards creativity and listening, and what

Leader in Public Affairs: Ros Morgan, Chief Executive, Heart of London Business Alliance, “Build a strong, proud and open culture where everyone has a voice”

Mace | September 8, 2026

After two decades spent in advocacy on behalf of business, Ros reveals what parts of the industry she believes needs reform.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Tim Hewish, Public Affairs Lead, National Grid, “Go and make a difference”

Mace | September 8, 2026

Tim reflects on the reality of operating in an environment where political pressure, public scrutiny and long-term infrastructure decisions all collide.

Leader In UK Public Affairs: Dan Mann, Corporate Affairs Manager, Cemex, “Side before self every time”

Mace | September 8, 2026

Dan discusses his time in the industry that "literally built Britain", his leadership philosophies, and how AI will never replace empathy.

Leader in UK Public Affairs: Charlie Hall, Public Affairs Manager, CityFibre “I want to advocate for businesses that make a meaningful contribution to society”

Mace | August 28, 2026

CityFibre’s Charlie Hall explains why joined-up policymaking is vital to infrastructure investment, how in-house advocacy connects politics with commercial reality and why the best decisions draw on every