Leader in UK Public Affairs: Andy Brown, Marketing, Communications and Business Development Director, Arup, “Be open”
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: Konrad Shek, Public Policy & Regulation Director, Advertising Association, “I prefer strategy to performance, substance to theatre”
Mace | 7th August 2026 | In-House Public Affairs, Westminster Index
Konrad Shek discusses his proudest achievement of building the Advertising Association’s credibility and influence in media literacy policy.
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Leader in UK Public Affairs: Claire Lovegrove, Director of Corporate Affairs, Mitie, “AI is an enabler, not a replacement”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
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
Leader in Public Affairs: Sophie Timms, Corporate Affairs Director, Kier Group, “Nothing is more important than keeping people safe”
Sophie has been passionate about politics since her teenage years. Now, she works at the intersection of policy, delivery and public accountability.
Leader In Public Affairs: Lewis North, Head of Public Affairs, Porterbrook, “Take care of your people and they will take care of you”
From gaining his politics degree to standing in the 2019 General Election - Lewis reveals how these experiences informed his career in public affairs.
Industry Watch: John Gill, Deputy Director of External Affairs, Reform UK – “There’s no limit to where a man can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit”
John Gill's promotion at Reform UK, just before the party launches its inaugural Business Day at its September NEC conference, is indicative of how the party is ramping
