Newington's Muniya Barua looks at the importance of integrated political and corporate communications.

Reputations can be built over years and lost in minutes. PwC found this to its cost as it was put through the reputational wringer after an Oscars’ fiasco which saw La La Land wrongly named best picture instead of Moonlight. It came just days after the accountancy firm bragged that its 83 year relationship with the Oscars had lasted because it had always done a good job and the academy had “absolute trust in us and what we do.”

In an age where 24 hour news and the multiplicity of social media channels ensure bad news travels fast, and where politicians, customers and the public can engage with each other instantly and directly, the role of corporate affairs has never been more important.

This increasingly complex backdrop is something that’s being recognised by senior business leaders. The most recent survey by executive headhunters Watson Helsby revealed 75% of comms or corporate affairs directors report directly to the CEO, with almost half sitting on the ExCo. The remit has rapidly expanded from the days when it was a simple media function and now often encompasses public affairs / government relations and internal comms.

Politics has always been a risk to corporate reputation – companies fear becoming an MP’s favourite hobby horse. However, that risk is ever more acute as the political landscape becomes more volatile: Donald Trump’s tweets have caused Twitter storms with a swift impact on the share prices of General Motors, Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Closer to home, reports that government contracts from the Department for International Trade require “cultural fit” (i.e. support for Brexit) from applicants highlights the importance of corporate positioning.

At Newington our service is truly integrated with public and corporate affairs working hand in glove: our multi-channel comms activity is designed to amplify your stakeholder engagement strategy and vice versa.

We can support your business with all its external and internal communications needs to help you foster relationships with all your most important stakeholders – whether that’s the media, politicians, investors, customers or staff.

Our corporate affairs support ranges from developing creative and impactful integrated communications strategies, campaigns and content; to narrative development; profile building of senior executives, as well as events management. In addition, we’re now able to offer clients internal comms support to help you engage with arguably your most important stakeholders and biggest advocates – your staff.

We are delighted to announce the arrival of Patrick Law who boasts more than 25 years of experience in supporting companies communicate with senior stakeholders.

Patrick was previously Director of Corporate Affairs at Barratt Developments where he managed the recovery of the company’s reputation after a period of turbulence following the collapse of the housing market. Prior to Barratt, he was Director of Communications at British Gas and Director of Public Affairs at Centrica. Patrick will provide consultancy services and strategic counsel to Newington’s clients.

You can find full details of our corporate affairs services here but please do get in touch to discuss your specific needs and we will be happy to create a tailored programme just for your business.