Grayling Political Strategy

Grayling Political Strategy (GPS) is a lobbying firm owned by Grayling, which is in turn owned by Huntsworth. GPS also owns lobbying firm Westminster Strategy.

Activities

Grayling is heavily involved in the push for new nuclear power in the UK. In 2008 GPS provided lobbying services for both nuclear power operator British Energy and engineering giant AMEC. Until June 2008, it also listed the nuclear decommissioning group, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, as a client. GPS is simultaneously providing public affairs advice to the Carbon Trust, a publicly-funded organisation entrusted with kick starting the low-carbon economy.

GPS is one of many lobbying firms to pick up an “obesity-related” brief amid public health concerns and debates on potential regulation. In 2006 it won a contract with RHM, home of brands such as Cabdbury, Mr Kipling, Fray Bentos, and Atora. Group CEO Nigel Kennedy said: “Food is increasingly political, so this account will include general advice on reputation and positioning, as well as public affairs”. Grayling is also lobbying for Mars UK, another company being forced to respond to the obesity issue.

People

Chief Executive of Huntsworth is Peter Gummer, aka Lord Chadlington, a Tory Peer and brother of Conservative MP, John Gummer (who chaired the Tories’ Quality of Life Policy Group). Viscount Chandos, a Labour member of the House of Lords, also has Grayling on his list of paid directorships. Further down the line at GPS is managing director Tanya Joseph, previously a press officer at Number 10 for almost five years. Moving in the other direction, Jo Moore, the New Labour spin doctor famous for suggesting to colleagues that 9/11 was “a very good day to get out anything we want to bury”, honed her skills working for Grayling firm Westminster Strategy prior to landing the job at the then Department for Trade and Industry.

• Russell Patten Chief Executive of Grayling Political Strategy and President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Brussels
• John Macgill Managing Director, Grayling Political Strategy Scotland, Edinburgh 2002-4.

Clients

Lobbying clients in 2008 include:

• AMEC
• British Energy
• Carbon Trust
• Lewis Wind Power
• Sir Robert McAlpine
• ABB engineering firm

• Tesco
• ASDA
• Mars
• BOC Group
• Fujitsu Services
• Halfords
• BT Scotland
• BT Wales
• Pet Advisory Committee
• Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association

• GE Healthcare
• Biogen Idec
• Archimedes Pharma Limited
• The Health Foundation
• NHS Hubs
• NHS Information Centre
• Royal College of Nursing (Wales)
• Medical Research Council
• Nuffield Trust
• Optimal Renal Care

• European Commission
• English Heritage
• National Trust for Scotland
• Gambling Commission
• States of Guernsey
• Telford and Wrekin Council
• Royal Mint
• Postcomm

Training on lobbying in the EU

GPS runs an annual workshop: Lobbying in the EU: "How to represent and defend your interests in Brussels". The 2006 brochure says:

This workshop is based around 4 core elements: the EU institutional landscape, the relations between these institutions, the decision-making processes and the ways to work and influence the system... The result will be a rounded, well-informed appreciation of how the EU works, how it will likely develop given the current political landscape, and where your role as stakeholder fits within the decision making process. Crucially, you will come away understanding how best to promote your cause and position - something with a real and tangible value.

Speakers at the 2007 event include: Jonathan Evans MEP, Anne Marchadier, European Voice and Clelia Uhart UK Permanent Representation to the EU.

Resources

• Grayling Political Strategy, UK Clients and Staff 1.12.03 to 31.05.04
• Grayling Political Strategy, UK Clients and Staff 1 June 2005 to 30 November 2005
• Brochure issued by Grayling Political Strategy in Scotland, undated but circa 2001.

APPC register, to August 2008