Leader in UK Public Affairs: Beth Armstrong, Partner, Charlesbye, “Control the controllables”
The combination of government, campaigns and consultancy gives Beth a broad view of Westminster
The Strategist: Shomik Panda, Inline Policy
Mace | 25th March 2026 | Lobbying, Political Consultants, Westminster Index
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.
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Leader in UK Public Affairs: Abigail Whittaker, Chief of Staff, Funding Circle “Public affairs is built on the strength and nuance of personal relationships (or a well-timed coffee)”
Funding Circle’s Abigail Whittaker explains how policy can unlock finance for small businesses, why timing matters in advocacy and why AI will make strong relationships more valuable, not
Leader in UK Public Affairs: Vincent Fabri, Associate Director, Field Consulting, “I grew up in a very political family”
Fabri discusses his support for greater transparency and his belief that lobbying standards should apply beyond traditional public affairs agencies
Leader in UK Public Affairs: Jonathan Pallant, Head of External Affairs, Financial Services Compensation Scheme, “Lead by example and be clear on your standards”
Shifting perceptions, particularly in financial services, is “no easy task” — and often requires sustained engagement across multiple audiences
Leader in Public Affairs: Erin Mansell, Deputy Director and Head of External Affairs, Women’s Budget Group, “Feminists generally get a bad rap for being serious”
At the Women’s Budget Group, debates about fiscal rules, welfare reform and public spending land directly on the lives of women, carers and disabled people.
Leader in UK Public Affairs: Ross Hawley, Head of Investor Relations, ZIGUP, “You understand the detail and live with the consequences”
Having moved into investor relations from a City banking and hedge fund background, his route into policy engagement has been indirect — but increasingly central.
Leader in Public Affairs – Polly Dhaliwal, Chief Operating Officer, Enterprise Nation “Public affairs, at its best, is about bridging worlds”
Enterprise Nation’s Polly Dhaliwal explains how public affairs can bridge the gap between policymakers and entrepreneurs, turn small-business experience into practical policy and ensure ambition is matched by
What impact has Burnham had on the lobbying industry?
It is still early days for the new Prime Minister, but lobbying trackers have witnessed an increase in activity since his arrival in No. 10
Leader in UK Public Affairs: Charlotte Thomason, Head of Public Affairs, Commercial & Institutional, NatWest, “In failure is growth”
Charlotte reflects on entrepreneurship, leadership and AI, and why understanding the businesses behind policy issues matter.
Anthropic and its deep-rooted lobbying ties to the UK government
The accusation that AI has the potential to ‘kill all humans’ in the next decade has sent shockwaves around the world, but what are the controversial AI companies’
