NKA Public Affairs - a strategic communications consultancy dedicated to defending and promoting the interests and reputations of businesses, institutions and individuals.Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, with experience in both politics and business for two decades we are able to deal expertly with a range of challenging situations. NKA brings together first rate political, governmental and business experience and contacts to enable us to work with you to develop and implement effective public affairs strategies and influencing campaigns.We guarantee an uncompromising commitment to our clients.We offer high quality thinking and insight into the clients objectives.We provide the professional support and advice to help clients achieve their goals. NKA Public Affairs will deliver real value for our clients by ensuring the maximum impact of their communications with government, and other policy influencers, and maintaining positive dialogue between business and government.We offer a full range of services, ranging from major national work to small local projects, and everything in between.We understand the importance of dialogue between politics and business and have a track record of helping clients to build productive and effective relationships with Government, Opposition, local authorities and other key stakeholders. Here are the services we can provide:Strategic communications Public affairs Influencing campaigns Government / Political Relationships Strategic reviews Business development Media relations Community campaigns Community engagement Corporate Social Responsibility

Seven Stories is the National Centre for Children's Books. The Chair of the Strategy and Development Committee 2018-currentInterim co-chair of Board of Trustees 2021 - http://www.sevenstories.org.uk

Elected member for the Labour Party for the Byker ward, first elected in 2002 and continue to serve the people of Byker to date. Held numerous posts including Chair of Regeneration, Vice Chair of Audit Committee.Currently is the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services.Chair of the Safe Newcastle PartnershipBoard Member of the Police and Crime Commission.

As the Leader of Newcastle City Council I initiated strategic plans for the city, including the city's first Inclusive Economic Strategy, the anti poverty strategy and initiated the city's first movement strategy.I led the City Council through with cabinet colleagues to become a Real Living Wage employer, and championed the case for Newcastle to be a Real Living Wage City. I initiated the work with colleagues at Gateshead Council to establish a joint international strategy, the concept launched at MIPIM 2024. I took the decision to bring back the Arms Length Housing body YHN in house and intiatated the review of the arms length parks and green spaces body to produce a future options report. We succesfully delivered a balanced budget year on year.I devised the concept of a new economic model for the East Coast of the UK, an initiative recognised by the RSA as " truly exciting".In my role as a cabinet member of the combined authority I played a key role in negotiations with government to secure the new combined authority, the single biggest deal in the country, and I ensured the trailblazer status was included in the deal, as was my concept of a Green Super Port.As cabinet member for the economy I introduced the work for the UK's first regional industrial strategy.I established a city forum of key stakeholders to promote the city and led negotiations to develop and deliver two of the most exciting inner city develop sites in the country, the Health Innovation Village, and Forth Yards, securing partnerships with regional stakeholders and investment from Homes England and Legal and General.

I was delighted to be elected to the CBI North East Regional Council.The CBI North East Council forms part of the CBI’s national policy making committee, signing off all CBI’s public policy positions. It also plays a key role in promoting North-East business interests of businesses, giving the region a voice in Westminster, Whitehall, Brussels and beyond

I led the lobbying of central Government and the local authority for the Ralph Erskine grade 2* listed estate I became a member of the steering group leading on the communications and engagement activity, I was an active member of the steering group from the very start up to the vote in July 2011.I then became a board member of the Byker Community Trust. Over 1,800 homes, land and other buildings on the Byker estate have been transferred from Newcastle City Council to the Byker Community Trust (BCT). This is a landmark occasion in Bykers history and cause for great celebration. As the BCT moves forward we will be looking to secure significant investment for major improvements to buildings and the environment across the estate. The Transfer is not privatisation – the new trust will not make a profit and would be run by local people. It is about getting what’s right for Byker both in terms of investment and the management of the estate

As head of operations for the North East Economic Forum, I am responsible for coordinating with the board of directors the annual programme of activity for the forum. NEEF was established in 2005 to provide an interface for the North East region and goverment, and representing the public, private, voluntary sectors. The Forum has successfully and consistently attracted high profile speakers from international, national and regional businesses, and senior representatives from all three main political parties, including the current and former Prime Ministers.

I served as a Port Commissioner on the Port of Blyth.I was a Commissioner for three years and was delighted to play my role in the successful growth of the Port.Huge successes were achieved and the Port has grown to be a financially stable operator and a key employer in the region.I served on the Audit Committee.I provided advice to the Senior Management Team with regards to lobbying and strategic communications.

Head of Operations for the North East office of Sovereign Strategy, providing public affairs and lobbying services for a number of regional and national businesses and organisations.speciality in negotiating the landscape between business and local and national government.

Responsible for business development and inward investment for company operating on behalf of the five local authorities of Tyne and Wear. I was succesfully involved in the location of some major inward investments, from Del Monte, Maersk Shipping, and numerous smaller business growth projects.I was responsibile for running a highly succesful strategic campaign in partnership with Newcastle University targeting IT and digital media copmanies in the South East to develop partnerships and research opportunities with the University. The campaign resulted in a number of Research funded projects for the University.

Responsible for running constituency office for leading Newcastle Member of Parliament. Nick played a siginificant role in helping deliver a Labour government in 1997.I was involved in significant activities such as the highly successful Save Our Swans campaign, and numerous public services campaigns.Nick progressed to working on policy development activity as Nick Brown's career progreesed through the ranks of the Labour Party to front bench activity and eventually as a member of the Cabinet.