Serco

Serco is a giant outsourcing company operating in the UK, described as ""probably the biggest company you've never heard of."

Areas it operates in include the following: health, defence, transport, prisons, education, aviation and leisure.

Healthcare

Serco health employs over 300 doctors and nurses in primary care and community health services, including out of hours care. Serco also provides facilities management in three NHS hospitals and prison health care.

It was beaten by Circle in a bid to be the first private healthcare company to run an NHS hospital.

Nuclear

Serco describes itself as one of the world's most experienced companies in nuclear safety, technology and management.

Lobbyists

• Bellenden - lists 'Serco Defence, Science and Nuclear' as a client on the UK Public Affairs Council register for the Period 1 September 2011 to 30 November 2011.

Controversy

PR Week reported in November 2010:

"Outsourcing giant Serco is on the hunt for fresh public affairs support as it seeks to restore its reputation in Westminster following a barrage of negative headlines. Serco... has been attacked for the manner in which it conducts negotiations with suppliers. Last week, the company was forced to apologise for demanding cash rebates from its biggest suppliers in an attempt to help it deliver the Government's cost savings. According to reports, Serco's stance angered Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude because the Government had agreed with Serco that the cuts would come from its own profit margins, rather than those of suppliers and sub-contractors.

Lobbying

Serco employs Weber Shandwick for lobbying services. The account is led by Joe Phelan at Weber. Serco previously employed lobbying firm Fleishman-Hillard for a 'specific lobbying issue' until 2010.

People

• Stephanie Elsy, UK director of government relations.
• Lisa Lipshaw, government relations manager

Contacts

Website:http://www.serco.com