For me, that recognition is not simply a reflection of my work, but also of the excellence of the teams I have worked with over a career that has now spanned more than 30 years in public affairs. 

I have featured regularly in this ranking over the years, including reaching number two in 2017, and I value that continued recognition because it speaks to a sustained contribution over time. In public affairs, longevity matters only when it is matched by relevance, judgement and the ability to adapt, while remaining anchored in clear professional standards.

I have always believed that good public affairs should be transparent, professional and rooted in substance. That belief has shaped my work throughout my career and remains central to how I see the role of lobbying and corporate affairs today. My experience on the PRCA Public Affairs Board included championing transparency as a core principle, while also making the case for effective communication between business and government.

The latest PRWeek profile reflects that broader professional journey. It notes my current role as chairman of SEC Newgate UK, my PRCA fellowship, my time as a former Master of the Worshipful Company of Communicators, and my appointment in 2025 as Professor in Practice for Public Affairs and Economic Development at the University of Glasgow. It also traces the path from earlier in-house roles at the British Road Federation, CITB and Lantra, through agency positions at Hanover and Chelgate, to co-founding and leading Bellenden Public Affairs as chief executive, which became Newington Communications in 2016 and, later, my work with SEC Newgate UK.

What has always mattered to me is that public affairs should do more than create access. At its best, it should help bridge the priorities of policymakers and the needs of business in a way that is responsible, credible and constructive. I have long believed in the role business can play in political, social and civic life, and in the importance of creating the conditions for growth, investment and opportunity.

In my Power Book interview, I reflected on the past 12 months as “challenging, ultimately successful, political”. Looking ahead, I spoke about continuing to help grow SEC Newgate’s UK and global corporate affairs offer, working closely with my CEO Emma Kane, making a success of my appointment at the University of Glasgow, and continuing to champion increased social mobility. Those priorities sit naturally together for me. Professional success matters, but so too does widening opportunity and ensuring that talent from all backgrounds has the chance to thrive.

I am grateful to PR Week UK for this latest recognition. More than anything, I see it as a reflection of many years spent contributing to public affairs at a senior level, working with excellent colleagues and clients, and seeking to uphold the standards the profession should demand of itself.