Giving business a voice with government
As Northern Powerhouse discussions continue across the region, Square One Law recently hosted an event to help invited guests from the business community to understand how they can communicate with government
Held at the offices of Brewin Dolphin in Newcastle, the event featured presentations by Mark Stephenson of the public affairs consultancy, Invicta, Nicholas Dunn-McAfee of communications industry trade body, the PRCA, and Square One Law partner Neil Warwick.
Rachel Turnbull was also interviewed, as CEO of TT2 (Tyne Tunnel 2), Rachel holds full responsibility for the project’s investment and company operations and she shared her experience of delivering a large scale project and how she approaches communicating with government.
Businesses often need to engage with government because of opportunities, issues and challenges facing their sectors. Speakers covered communication strategies for accessing government at all levels from local authorities through to the European Parliament, along with changes to the laws for public affairs consultants and examples of giving evidence to Parliamentary Select Committees.
In addition, the event discussed the changes to regional government, in particular devolution and the role businesses have to play in supporting the Northern Powerhouse initiative
Neil Warwick said: “As the North East evolves as a result of the devolution agreement it is important for business to have a voice in the debate. This includes interacting with different levels of government. Businesses have a significant role in the development of the region and sharing their views, knowledge and experience can help shape the North East’s economic future.”
Neil added: “Communication is, of course, a two-way process and government does want to listen to business. However, some companies are unaware of how embark on the process and our event discussed the key elements of creating a communications strategy within the legal framework that will provide a platform for engagement.”
Find out more about Neil Warwick and how to contact him here
