Simon Richards Email & Phone Number

London, Gb

London

London, England, United Kingdom

I provide strategic reputational counsel to some of the most consequential companies and brands in the world. I sit on the Executive Committee and am responsible for leading a team of public affairs specialists in delivering exceptional work day in, day out for our clients. At BCW we pride ourselves in working at the cross section of policy, politics and reputation management to ensure we promote and protect our clients' licence to operate and corporate reputation. Grew the public affairs specialism 38% in year one with a similar growth trajectory planned for 2023.Inducted into PR Week's Powerbook for 2023 and described by PR Week in 2022 as "one of the UK's top political comms and public affairs experts".

Responsible for full suite of corporate affairs activity including external communications (media relations and political engagement), internal communications, change management and communications, and events. Led a team of 12 communications professionals through the COVID pandemic and regularly attended Exco and Board meetings given the importance of communications at that time. Successfully delivered upon all corporate and communications scorecard objectives, including overseeing a 75% increase in our corporate reputation score and, for the first time in the company's history, a downgrading of our reputation risk score on the organisation's risk register.

London, United Kingdom

Director in the Issues and Public Affairs team at Burson-Marsteller. Led on some of the team's most significant and profitable pan-European public affairs and corporate reputation projects.One particular project was a successful 18-market European public affairs engagement for a client in a trade dispute with the European Union. After a two year campaign we delivered a successful conclusion for our client and the EU. Part of the senior leadership team and responsible for recruitment

London, United Kingdom

Responsible for a number of FHF's largest and most valuable clients, including Danone Nutricia Early Life Nutrition, PepsiCo, The Carlyle Group, M&S and JP Morgan. I now lead the creation and delivery of strategic communication plans for the clients above whilst also leading client brainstorms. I have, on a number of occasions, presented our work to members of our clients' Exec and am increasingly comfortable in such an environment. I am also continuing to actively build my networks within the political and media sphere - specifically building upon contacts within the Conservative Party. I am a line manager and responsible for generating leads, and delivering proposals, for new business.

London, United Kingdom

Managing a number of clients across FH's Food, Agriculture, Sport and Energy, Infrastructure cluster groups. Including Nike, US Chamber of Commerce, Danone Nutricia, Omidyar Network, PepsiCo, Association for Licensed Multiple Retailers, Qualcomm and M&S. I compile a weekly new business tracker for our London management's team meeting and present at the meeting every week. I am also involved in numerous research projects and new business initiatives - compiling research books and being a core team member at chemistry meetings and pitches.

London, United Kingdom

Helping to guide clients through the parliamentary process and providing both daily and weekly monitoring notes on a variety of issues. Also involved in the creation and delivery of the All Party Commission on Physical Activity, helping to change the conversation from obesity to physical activity.

Westminster

Writing speeches, debate notes and select committee briefings for over two years. Gained detailed knowledge in the Local Government, Business, Sport and Energy sectors. Created and ran three All Party Parliamentary Groups on the Emergency Services, Packaging and Rugby Union. Also helped to establish the Parliamentary Rugby World Cup 2015. Had sole responsibility for my Members' expenses on IPSA.

Master'S Degree, International Business And Development

Full-time degree in the evenings whilst working full-time in Parliament.

Bachelor'S Degree, Politics

Activities and Societies: Member of the Bristol University Rowing Club

Education record