Difference between revisions of "Brunswick Group"

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[[Image:Brunswick.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Brunswick offices, Lincolns Inn Fields, central London ]]  
 
[[Image:Brunswick.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Brunswick offices, Lincolns Inn Fields, central London ]]  
'''The Brunswick Group''' is an international PR and lobbying firm, headquartered in London. Its founder is [[Alan Parker]], friend of [[Gordon Brown]]. Brunswick specialises in financial PR, and Parker is considered to be one of the UK's leading financial PR men (alongside [[Roland Rudd]]). It has a blue-chip client list that is the envy of most other agencies. It is one of a handful of key financial PR agencies in the UK, including: [[FD]], [[Buchanan]], [[Citigate Dewe Rogerson]], [[Pelham PR]], [[Finsbury]], and [[Maitland Consultancy]].
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[[File:Brunswick Group.png|250px|right|thumb|Brunswick offices, Avenue des Arts 27, Brussels]]
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'''The Brunswick Group''' is an international PR and lobbying firm, headquartered in London. Its founder is [[Alan Parker]], friend of former UK prime minister [[Gordon Brown]]. Brunswick specialises in financial PR, and Parker is considered to be one of the UK's leading financial PR men (alongside [[Roland Rudd]]). Its blue-chip client list is the envy of most other agencies. It is one of a handful of key financial PR agencies in the UK, including: [[FD]], [[Buchanan]], [[Citigate Dewe Rogerson]], [[Pelham PR]], [[Finsbury]], and [[Maitland Consultancy]].
  
 
Brunswick is seen as both a major force and an enigma - it has steadfastly declined to participate in PR Week's fee income rankings, for example, and Brunswick founder, Alan Parker, rarely grants interviews and is uncomfortable when he becomes the focus of a story. ‘It's bad manners to get between the client and the footlights,' he reportedly says.<ref>[http://www.brandrepublic.com/InDepth/Features/804439/TOP-150-PR-CONSULTANCIES-Brunswick---bashful-bullish/ TOP 150 PR CONSULTANCIES: Brunswick -- bashful but still bullish], PR Week, 24 April 2008</ref> It also doesn't publish a client list.
 
Brunswick is seen as both a major force and an enigma - it has steadfastly declined to participate in PR Week's fee income rankings, for example, and Brunswick founder, Alan Parker, rarely grants interviews and is uncomfortable when he becomes the focus of a story. ‘It's bad manners to get between the client and the footlights,' he reportedly says.<ref>[http://www.brandrepublic.com/InDepth/Features/804439/TOP-150-PR-CONSULTANCIES-Brunswick---bashful-bullish/ TOP 150 PR CONSULTANCIES: Brunswick -- bashful but still bullish], PR Week, 24 April 2008</ref> It also doesn't publish a client list.
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==Links==
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*Part of the [[Westminster lobbying map]]
  
 
==Services==
 
==Services==
Brunswick has ranked at the top or near the top of league tables for financial communications consultancies. It advises clients on public affairs, media and investor relations, mergers and acquisitions, competition and regulatory issues, crisis management, international communications and corporate reputation.<ref>[http://www.brunswickgroup.com/index_main.php?s=2&t=0 Brunswick's website], accessed March 2009</ref>
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Brunswick has ranked at the top or near the top of league tables for financial communications consultancies. It advises clients on public affairs, media and investor relations, mergers and acquisitions, competition and regulatory issues, crisis management, international communications and corporate reputation.<ref name="BW">[http://www.brunswickgroup.com/index_main.php?s=2&t=0 Brunswick's website], accessed March 2009</ref>
  
 
On public affairs, Brunswick says:
 
On public affairs, Brunswick says:
:"Our team includes former senior government advisers and political campaign staff who understand the context in which decisions are taken in government, the relative influence of the stakeholders involved and can advise on the most effective communication of a client's case. We work closely with in-house government relations teams and external lobbying firms to help broaden public support for our client's position and build a better understanding of their business among their relevant government audiences."<ref>[http://www.brunswickgroup.com/index_main.php?s=2&t=0 Brunswick's website], accessed March 2009</ref>
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:"Our team includes former senior government advisers and political campaign staff who understand the context in which decisions are taken in government, the relative influence of the stakeholders involved and can advise on the most effective communication of a client's case. We work closely with in-house government relations teams and external lobbying firms to help broaden public support for our client's position and build a better understanding of their business among their relevant government audiences."<ref name="BW"/>
  
 
CFO Europe reports in March 2006 on its role in corporate deals:
 
CFO Europe reports in March 2006 on its role in corporate deals:
 
:Brunswick has long been seen as epitomising the influence-and-access game in deals circles, something that it is exporting to other centres. Notably, in 2001 Brunswick recruited as head of its US operations [[Steve Lipin]], a former Wall Street Journal M&A reporter with a reputation for aggressively leveraging his newspaper’s franchise to get news scoops on deals. [Brunswick] has had its share of controversy over its aggressive tactics. Also in 2001, for example, a former client, [[Jupiter Asset Management]] (which had been acquired by [[Commerzbank]]), threatened to sue Brunswick after the PR firm sent a dossier to several London newspapers claiming that Jupiter was in financial trouble.<ref>[http://www.cfo.com/article.cfm/5518719?f=singlepage CFO Europe, 7 March 2006</ref>
 
:Brunswick has long been seen as epitomising the influence-and-access game in deals circles, something that it is exporting to other centres. Notably, in 2001 Brunswick recruited as head of its US operations [[Steve Lipin]], a former Wall Street Journal M&A reporter with a reputation for aggressively leveraging his newspaper’s franchise to get news scoops on deals. [Brunswick] has had its share of controversy over its aggressive tactics. Also in 2001, for example, a former client, [[Jupiter Asset Management]] (which had been acquired by [[Commerzbank]]), threatened to sue Brunswick after the PR firm sent a dossier to several London newspapers claiming that Jupiter was in financial trouble.<ref>[http://www.cfo.com/article.cfm/5518719?f=singlepage CFO Europe, 7 March 2006</ref>
  
==Political Connections==
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==Political connections==
*Brunswick founder, [[Alan Parker]] is a close personal friend of [[Gordon Brown]] and his wife Sarah. The prime minister is godfather to one of Parker's children and Sarah used to work at Brunswick. It was Parker who recommended [[Stephen Carter]], former Ofcom chief executive and (briefly) the chief executive of Brunswick, to be the PM's new chief of strategy. When Brown visited China and India at the beginning of 2008, he was accompanied not only by Carter but Parker as well, prompting one observer to ask - was the prime minister getting two advisers for the price of one?<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/jul/14/mediatop100200873 Alan Parker profile], Guardian, 14 July 2008</ref>
 
  
*Conservative leader, [[David Cameron]] also attended Parker's wedding, alongside the Browns. Parker was pictured on holiday in South Africa in 2008 with Cameron.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/jul/14/mediatop100200873 Alan Parker profile], Guardian, 14 July 2008</ref>
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Brunswick founder, [[Alan Parker]] is a close personal friend of [[Gordon Brown]] and his wife [[Sarah Brown]]. The former prime minister is godfather to one of Parker's children and Sarah used to work at Brunswick. It was Parker who recommended [[Stephen Carter]], former [[Ofcom]] chief executive and (briefly) the chief executive of Brunswick, to be the PM's new chief of strategy. When Brown visited China and India at the beginning of 2008, he was accompanied not only by Carter but Parker as well, prompting one observer to ask - was the prime minister getting two advisers for the price of one?<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/jul/14/mediatop100200873 Alan Parker profile], ''Guardian'', 14 July 2008</ref>
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[[David Cameron]], at the time leader of the UK [[Conservative Party]] and now UK PM, also attended Parker's wedding, alongside the Browns. Parker was pictured on holiday in South Africa in 2008 with Cameron<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/jul/14/mediatop100200873 Alan Parker profile], Guardian, 14 July 2008</ref>
  
 
*Previously, in 1999-2000, Brunswick paid more than £5,000 to the [[Labour Party]] for 'tickets for dinners', and in 2001 gave £9,000 to Labour.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/1999/sep/09/uk.politicalnews1 Where the party got its money from], Guardian 9 sept 2001</ref>  
 
*Previously, in 1999-2000, Brunswick paid more than £5,000 to the [[Labour Party]] for 'tickets for dinners', and in 2001 gave £9,000 to Labour.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/1999/sep/09/uk.politicalnews1 Where the party got its money from], Guardian 9 sept 2001</ref>  
 
*Brunswick also donated the services of an employee to the Government to help work on the Financial Services and Markets Bill - legislation which will regulate business in the City and which would provide invaluable information to Brunswick's clients."<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4033309,00.html 'Staff for favours' row hits Treasury], Guardian, 25 June 2000</ref>
 
*Brunswick also donated the services of an employee to the Government to help work on the Financial Services and Markets Bill - legislation which will regulate business in the City and which would provide invaluable information to Brunswick's clients."<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4033309,00.html 'Staff for favours' row hits Treasury], Guardian, 25 June 2000</ref>
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*[[Andrew Hood]], a former special adviser to the [[Labour Party]], joined Brunswick in 2002 amid controversy surrounding claims he had been "poached" from the [[Ministry of Defence]] by the firm, whose clients [[Rolls-Royce]] and [[Smiths Industries]] indirectly supply defence firms.<ref>Info-Dynamics Research, "[http://www.scribd.com/doc/37220673/5D3DCAA1-15AB-4CF0-B7A5-EB449C165AF2-List-of-Advisers-April-2006-Congress-Final Where are they now? The 1997/1998 Special Advisers to the Labour Government]", ''GMB: April 2006 Briefing'', p6, accessed 23.09.10</ref>
  
 
==Relations with the media==
 
==Relations with the media==
Brunswick and Parker have "a network of close contacts at the top of British companies and a similar network within the financial press. As an intermediary between these two networks he tries to shape perceptions of companies or business people."<ref>Robert Peston, Who Runs Britain?, Hodder & Stoughton, 2008</ref>  
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Brunswick and Parker have "a network of close contacts at the top of British companies and a similar network within the financial press. As an intermediary between these two networks he tries to shape perceptions of companies or business people."<ref>Robert Peston, ''Who Runs Britain?'', Hodder & Stoughton, 2008</ref>  
  
 
The significance of a financial PR to journalists is explained by David Michie in 1997:
 
The significance of a financial PR to journalists is explained by David Michie in 1997:
 
:'Even the most energetic reporters know that they have to be somewhat deferential in the presence of a powerful publicist. No one on a national beat can afford to be on the wrong side of [those who]..represent a third of the most quotable sources in the country in the more liberal British media, reporters are less deferential to anyone; but even so the same principle holds true the most important corporate spin doctors include Alan Parker, creator of Brunswick.<ref>Michie D., 1997, " The Invisible Persuaders: How Britain's Spin Doctors Manipulate the Media", p.26</ref>  
 
:'Even the most energetic reporters know that they have to be somewhat deferential in the presence of a powerful publicist. No one on a national beat can afford to be on the wrong side of [those who]..represent a third of the most quotable sources in the country in the more liberal British media, reporters are less deferential to anyone; but even so the same principle holds true the most important corporate spin doctors include Alan Parker, creator of Brunswick.<ref>Michie D., 1997, " The Invisible Persuaders: How Britain's Spin Doctors Manipulate the Media", p.26</ref>  
  
Besides hiring senior journalists, Brunswick provides other services to media professionals as the Independent notes in 1995:  
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Besides hiring senior journalists, Brunswick provides other services to media professionals as the ''Independent'' notes in 1995:  
:It looks like marshmallows around the camp fire in Lincoln's Inn Field for the Daily Telegraph's City office. Staff have been three-line whipped for a bit of weekend bonding on 18 November at what looks suspiciously like the offices of Brunswick, the PR agency. A mysterious memo to staff from [[Neil Collins]], the City editor, explains: "It's an away day to discuss the future of the City Pages. Although attendance is not compulsory those of a paranoid disposition will regret not being there and the rest of us might have a good time (although some work will be done). There will be no counselling. At this stage I do not intend to answer press inquiries. . . A wise move. While they would not confirm it, the navel gaze is apparently being run by [[Professional Presentations]], a human resources consultancy based in Brunswick's offices and run by Lucy Parker, sister of the PR agency's Alan Parker.<ref>CITY DIARY, Independent, Nov 2, 1995</ref>
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:It looks like marshmallows around the camp fire in Lincoln's Inn Field for the ''Daily Telegraph'''s City office. Staff have been three-line whipped for a bit of weekend bonding on 18 November at what looks suspiciously like the offices of Brunswick, the PR agency. A mysterious memo to staff from [[Neil Collins]], the City editor, explains: "It's an away day to discuss the future of the City Pages. Although attendance is not compulsory those of a paranoid disposition will regret not being there and the rest of us might have a good time (although some work will be done). There will be no counselling. At this stage I do not intend to answer press inquiries. . . A wise move. While they would not confirm it, the navel gaze is apparently being run by [[Professional Presentations]], a human resources consultancy based in Brunswick's offices and run by [[Lucy Parker]], sister of the PR agency's Alan Parker.<ref>CITY DIARY, ''Independent'', Nov 2, 1995</ref>
  
 
However, Brunswick is not beloved by all financial journalists, as this City Diary entry in 2001 shows:
 
However, Brunswick is not beloved by all financial journalists, as this City Diary entry in 2001 shows:
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===Subsidiaries===
 
===Subsidiaries===
 
*[[Cantos]] <ref>[http://www.cantos.com Cantos]</ref>
 
*[[Cantos]] <ref>[http://www.cantos.com Cantos]</ref>
*[[Lincoln Centre]] <ref> [http://www.thelincolncentre.co.uk/home.html]</ref>
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*[[Lincoln Centre]] <ref> [http://www.thelincolncentre.co.uk/home.html The Lincoln Centre]</ref>
*[[Merchant]] <ref> [http://www.merchant.co.uk/mgl/mgl_home/]</ref>
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*[[Merchant]] <ref> [http://www.merchant.co.uk/mgl/mgl_home/ Merchant]</ref>
  
 
==People==
 
==People==
*[[Alan Parker]], Founder. Parker owns 88 percent of Brunswick's Channel Islands holding company, [[Wynnstay]], giving him control of the agency and a stake in the company worth an estimated £114m. Parker's personal assets are thought to be around £6m.
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===UK===
*[[Tim Burt]], former FT media editor.  
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*[[Alan Parker]], founder and chairman. Parker owns 88 percent of Brunswick's Channel Islands holding company, [[Wynnstay]], giving him control of the agency and a stake in the company worth an estimated £114m. Parker's personal assets are thought to be around £6m.
*[[David Yelland]], former Sun editor.
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*[[Andrew Fenwick]], co-founder, vice chairman and chief financial officer, London. Owns a combined 10% of Brunswick joint with [[Louise Charlton]].<ref name="MP"> Salamander Davoudi [http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/add4af82-a663-11e0-ae9c-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3Gg5XZMAC Brunswick to release equity for partners] ''Financial Times'', 4 July 2011, accessed 20 October 2014 </ref>
*[[Andrew Garfield - Brunswick Group|Andrew Garfield]], former financial Editor of the Independent.
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*[[Louise Charlton]], co-founder and vice chairman, London. Owns a combined 10% of Brunswick joint with [[Andrew Fenwick]].<ref name="MP"/>
*[[Andrew Fenwick]], Group Finance Director of Brunswick.
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*[[Andrew Garfield]], partner. Former financial editor of the ''Independent''.
*[[Rupert Young]], launched Brunswick's office in Dubai in January 2007. He has been a communications consultant for fifteen years, the last eleven with Brunswick in London. He has a strong track record of advising senior management of Gulf and European businesses on corporate positioning, business launches and IPOs, mergers and acquisitions and the management of major issues.
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*[[Gill Ackers]], partner, London. One of the partners leading Brunswick's financial institutions team and also its media group, Gill has particular expertise in strategic positioning, reputation management and profile-raising having worked with a range of listed and unlisted corporates across Europe. Gill has advised on mergers, acquisitions and disposals and her expertise also extends to crisis and issue management, covering everything from crises in corporate performance to financial fraud, blackmail, and investigative journalism into individuals. Before joining Brunswick, Gill was head of media for the London Stock exchange. She was recently a member of the FSA's Continuing Obligations theme team, reviewing and advising on policy as part of the comprehensive review of the listing rules.<ref name="BW"/>
*[[Robert Moser]], Managing Partner at Merchant
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*[[Kim Fletcher]], partner, London. Former editor of ''The Independent on Sunday'' and was editorial director - one of three joint managing directors - of Telegraph Group. Is also chairman of the [[National Council for the Training of Journalists]].
*[[Michael Lever]], Partner (July 2008-). Previously at [[Credit Suisse]] where he was a Managing Director in Corporate Broking responsible for relationships with several leading financial institutions. Prior to that, he was a banking analyst specialising in the largest UK institutions and was head of banking research teams at several major investment banks including Credit Suisse and [[HSBC]]. Prior to entering stockbroking Michael spent nine years at the [[Bank of England]] primarily in Banking Supervision and as Deputy Group Leader of a team responsible for briefing the UK delegations to the IMF and World Bank.
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*[[Andrew Porter]], partner, London. Ex-political editor at the [[Daily Telegraph]], Deputy Political Editor for the [[Sunday Times]] and [[The Sun]] <ref> [http://www.brunswickgroup.com/our-people/partners-directors/profile.aspx?id=255 Andrew Porter], Brunswick website, accessed 28 May 2012 </ref>
*[[Gill Ackers]]. One of the partners leading Brunswick's financial institutions team and also its media group, Gill has particular expertise in strategic positioning, reputation management and profile-raising having worked with a range of listed and unlisted corporates across Europe. Gill has advised on mergers, acquisitions and disposals and her expertise also extends to crisis and issue management, covering everything from crises in corporate performance to financial fraud, blackmail, and investigative journalism into individuals. Before joining Brunswick Gill was head of media for the London Stock exchange. She was recently a member of the FSA's Continuing Obligations theme team, reviewing and advising on policy as part of the comprehensive review of the listing rules.<ref>[http://www.brunswickgroup.com/index_main.php?s=4&t=0&office=all&p=Ackers%20Gill Brunswick website], accessed March 2009</ref>
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*[[Alex Finnegan]], director, London. Former parliamentary researcher to [[Anne Snelgrove]] MP and intern at the [[Labour Party]].
*[[Catherine Colloms]]. Prior to joining Brunswick, Catherine was a senior Diplomat with the Foreign Office. Her eight year tenure included roles as Ministerial speech writer for Douglas Alexander and Geoff Hoon, Political Advisor to the High Representative for Bosnia, Lord Ashdown, and coordinating part of the UK government's humanitarian response to September 11th. She specialises in crisis management, corporate reputation and advises on transactions, financial and public affairs issues.
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*[[Chris Blundell]], partner, London. Previously worked in the press office of 10 Downing Street and on political campaigns in the United States.
*[[Kim Fletcher]], Managing Director, Trinity - London. Former editor of The Independent on Sunday and was editorial director - one of three joint managing directors - of Telegraph Group.
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*[[Charlotte Winsley]]. director, London. Broadcast officer for [[William Hague]]'s 2001 General Election campaign, head of broadcast for [[Conservative Central Office]] 2001-2004 and head of media, for [[Steve Norris]]' London Mayoral Election Campaign in 2004.
*[[Tim Payne]], Managing Partner in the Hong Kong office. He has been with Brunswick for 11 years, working in London, New York and Hong Kong. Before joining Brunswick, he was a campaign director of the UK Liberal Democrat Party, running many of their parliamentary campaigns and by-elections.  
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*[[Lucy Parker]], partner, London. Sister of founder and chairman, [[Alan Parker]]. Led a task force on Talent and Enterprise under [[Gordon Brown]] and helped to transform Brown's image.<ref> [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1583898/PR-king-Alan-Parker-the-No-10-favourite.html PR king Alan Parker, the No 10 favourite] ''The Telegraph'', 4 Apr 2008, accessed 20 October 2014 </ref>
*[[Jonathan Rhodes]], partner, London. Former Shadow Cabinet special adviser for the [[Labour Party]], during the four years up to the '97 Election. After the election, he joined PolyGram. He specialises in corporate communications, public affairs, and regulatory PR.
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*Sir [[Nigel Sheinwald]], senior counselor, London. "Before serving as the Ambassador to the United States from 2007 to 2012, he served as the Prime Minister’s principal foreign policy and defense adviser in Downing Street and had over a decade working at senior levels with the European Union, including as the UK Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the EU (2000-2003) and as Europe Director in the UK’s Foreign Office. He has also held a number of other diplomatic posts, including as Foreign Office Press Secretary in the 1990s and in Moscow. He is currently on the board of [[Royal Dutch Shell]]".<ref> [http://www.brunswickgroup.com/people/directory/sir-nigel-sheinwald/ Sir Nigel Sheinwald profile] ''Brunswick Group'', accessed 20 October 2014 </ref>
*[[Graeme Trayner]], Partner leading the group's opinion research practice. His roots lie in political campaign research, having worked closely with Labour Party pollsters [[Deborah Mattinson]] and [[Philip Gould]].<ref>[http://www.brunswickgroup.com Profiles from Brunswick website], accessed March 2009</ref>
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*[[Stuart Hudson]], director, London. Special Adviser to [[Gordon Brown]] between 2008 and 2010.<ref> [http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/stuart-hudson/74/b32/8ba Stuart Hudson] ''Linkedin'', accessed 20 October 2014 </ref>
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*[[Fiona Micallef-Eynaud]] (née Mulcahy), director, London. Before joining Brunswick in 2008, she was an Associate Director in [[Citigate Dewe Rogerson]]'s financial PR practice.<ref> [http://www.brunswickgroup.com/people/directory/fiona-micallef-eynaud/ Fiona Micallef-Eynaud] ''Brunswick Group'', accessed 7 January 2015 </ref>
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*[[Richard Jacques]], partner, London. Before joining Brunswick in 2000, he was a diplomat based in Brussels representing the UK Government on industry and competition issues.<ref> [http://www.brunswickgroup.com/people/directory/richard-jacques/ Richard Jacques] ''Brunswick Group'', accessed 7 January 2015 </ref>
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*[[Richard Meredith]], partner, London. Before joining Brunswick in 2012, he was Communications Director for national security issues in the UK government.<ref> [http://www.brunswickgroup.com/people/directory/richard-meredith/ Richard Meredith] ''Brunswick Group'', accessed 7 January 2015 </ref>
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*[[Azhar Khan]], director, London. Joined Brunswick in 2007 from the Mayor of London’s office where he worked in the International Affairs division.<ref> [http://www.brunswickgroup.com/people/directory/azhar-khan/ Azhar Khan] ''Brunswick Group'', accessed 7 January 2015 </ref>
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*[[Simon Sporborg]], managing partner, London. Before joining Brunswick, Sporborg completed an MBA at [[Cass Business School]] and served in the British Army.
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====As of 2014:====
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[[Aideen Lee]] | Sir [[Alan Parker]] | [[Alastair Morton]] | [[Alex Finnegan]] | [[Andrew Fenwick]] | [[Andrew Garfield]] | [[Andrew Mitchell]] | [[Andrew Porter]] | [[Andy Rivett-Carnac]] | [[Anita Scott]] | [[Azadeh Varzi]] | [[Azhar Khan]] | [[Ben Rawlingson Plant]] | [[Bill Krarup]] | [[Brian Buckley]] | [[Carole Cable]] | [[Catherine Samy]] | [[Cathy Wearing]] | [[Charlie Potter]] | [[Charlotte Winsley]] | [[Chris Blundel]] | [[Clemmie Raynsford]] | [[Craig Breheny]] | [[Daisuke Tsuchiya]] | [[Dania Saidam]] | [[David Litterick]] | [[David Yelland]] | [[Debbie Higgins]] | [[Eilís Murphy]] | [[Elizabeth Adams]] | [[Elvira Eilert Pignal]] | [[Fiona Micallef-Eynaud]] | [[Frank Villaz]] | [[Gill Ackers]] | [[James Dray]] | [[James Olley]] | [[Jarrad Comley]] | [[Joe Shipley]] | [[Jon Coles]] | [[Jon Miller]] | [[Jonathan Glass]] | [[Justine McIlroy]] | [[Katie Ioanilli]] | [[Keelin MacGreevy]] | [[Khozem Merchant]] | [[Kim Barnes]] | [[Kim Fletcher]] | [[Laura Buchanan]] | [[Louise Charlton]] | [[Lucy Parker]] | [[Max McGahan]] | [[Melissa Ward]] | [[Michael Harrison]] | [[Mike Smith]] | [[Nick Claydon]] | [[Nick Cosgrove]] | [[Nina Coad]] | [[Patrick Handley]] | [[Phil Riggins]] | [[Pip Green]] | [[Polly James]] | [[Richard Carpenter]] | [[Richard Jacques]] | [[Richard Meredith]] | [[Richard Monturo]] | [[Robin Wrench]] | [[Roddy McDougall]] | [[Rosalee Rich]] | [[Rosheeka Field]] | [[Roxy Fry]] | [[Rurik Ingram]] | [[Sarah West]] | [[Sheila Robinson]] | [[Simon Leigh]] | [[Simon Sporborg]] | [[Sir Nigel Sheinwald]] | [[Sophie Brand]] | [[Stuart Donnelly]] | [[Stuart Hudson]] | [[Tim Danaher]] | [[Tim May]] | [[Toby Low]] | [[Tom Burns]] | [[Tom Williams]]<ref> Brunswick Group, [http://www.brunswickgroup.com/people/directory/ People], accessed 8 September 2014 </ref>
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===Dubai===
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*[[Rupert Young]], partner, Dubai. Launched Brunswick's office in Dubai in January 2007. He has been a communications consultant for fifteen years, the last eleven with Brunswick in London. He has a strong track record of advising senior management of Gulf and European businesses on corporate positioning, business launches and IPOs, mergers and acquisitions and the management of major issues. Is thought of as one of the most influential Brits in the UAE.<ref> [http://www.arabianbusiness.com/top-50-most-influential-brits-in-uae-501889.html?view=profile&itemid=501843#.VETPZ5PF-0Y Top 50 most influential Brits in the UAE] ''Arabian Business'', accessed 20 October 2014 </ref>
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===Asia===
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*[[Tim Payne]], senior partner, head of Asia and Hong Kong. He has been with Brunswick for 11 years, working in London, New York and Hong Kong. Before joining Brunswick, he was a campaign director of the UK [[Liberal Democrat]] Party, running many of their parliamentary campaigns and by-elections.  
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===USA===
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*[[Bill Pendergast]], partner, Dallas. Former executive at FleishmanHillard and vice president at [[Ketchum]]. Pendergast's expertise is in corporate reputation, crisis communications and the telecommunications sector, along with senior agency leadership experience.<ref> [http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130620005684/en/Bill-Pendergast-Joins-Brunswick-Group-Partner-Dallas#.VETV5pPF-0Y Bill Pendergast Joins Brunswick Group as Partner in Dallas] ''Business Wire'', 20 June 2013, accessed 20 October 2014 </ref>
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*[[Aman Battish]], director, San Fransisco. Former vice president at [[APCO Worldwide]].
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*[[Antonio Ortolani]], director, New York. Previously worked for [[Edelman]] and [[Weber Shandwick]].
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*[[Erik Hotmire]], director, Washington DC. Worked as senior adviser to the Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Special Assistant to the President and a White House and Senate spokesman.<ref> [http://www.brunswickgroup.com/people/directory/erik-hotmire/ Erik Hotmire] ''Brunswick Group'', accessed 7 January 2015 </ref>
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*[[Julie Andreeff Jensen]], partner, Washington DC. Led successful political public affair campaigns including [[Barack Obama| President Obama]]'s 2008 victory and Senator [[John Kerry]]'s 2004 Iowa Caucus win.<ref> [http://www.brunswickgroup.com/people/directory/julie-andreeff-jensen/ Julie Andreef Jensen] ''Brunswick Group'', accessed 7 January 2015 </ref>
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*[[Nick Lovegrove]], US managing partner, New York. Former senior advisor to the UK Prime Minister's strategy unit in 10 Downing Street in 2001.<ref> [http://www.brunswickgroup.com/people/directory/nick-lovegrove/ Nick Lovegrove] ''Brunswick'', accessed 7 January 2015 </ref>
  
  
 
===Former staff===
 
===Former staff===
*[[Rupert Younger]], now [[Finsbury]]  
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*[[David Yelland]], former partner. Former editor of [[The Sun]], senior vice-president of [[News Corporation]] and vice-chairman of [[Weber Shandwick]]. Is the founder of communications firm [[Kitchen Table Partners]].<ref> Khidr Suleman [http://www.prweek.com/article/1345763/former-brunswick-executive-sun-editor-david-yelland-opens-advisory-agency Former Brunswick executive and Sun editor David Yelland opens advisory agency] ''PR Week'', 6 May 2015, accessed 6 May 2015.</ref>
*[[Andrew Grant]], now [[Tulchan Communications]]
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*[[Rupert Younger]], now at [[Finsbury]]  
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*[[Andrew Grant]], now at [[Tulchan Communications]]
 
*[[Helen Scott Lidgett]]
 
*[[Helen Scott Lidgett]]
 
*[[Sarah Macaulay]], wife of [[Gordon Brown]], worked in Brunswick's arts events subsidiary. Macaulay founded the charity [[PiggyBankKids]] in 2002, which is run from Brunswick's offices. Macaulay is the co-founder of [[Hobsbawm Macaulay Communications]]. She marketed [[Emily's List]], the campaign to increase the number of women MPs.
 
*[[Sarah Macaulay]], wife of [[Gordon Brown]], worked in Brunswick's arts events subsidiary. Macaulay founded the charity [[PiggyBankKids]] in 2002, which is run from Brunswick's offices. Macaulay is the co-founder of [[Hobsbawm Macaulay Communications]]. She marketed [[Emily's List]], the campaign to increase the number of women MPs.
*[[David Brewerton]], (retired). Former City editor at ''The Times'' became one of the first financial journalists to move into financial PR when he joined Brusnwick. He is reported to have played a key role in blocking [[Hanson]]'s takeover of [[ICI]].<ref>[http://media.guardian.co.uk/top100_2004/story/0,,1249255,00.html]</ref>
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*[[David Brewerton]], (retired). Former City editor at ''The Times'' became one of the first financial journalists to move into financial PR when he joined Brunswick. He is reported to have played a key role in blocking [[Hanson]]'s takeover of [[ICI]].<ref> [http://media.guardian.co.uk/top100_2004/story/0,,1249255,00.html Alan Parker] ''Guardian'', 12 July 2004</ref>
 
*[[James Rubin]], [[Bill Clinton]]'s former aide, was recruited to Brunswick's political affairs unit in 2001. Rubin reportedly left in April 2004, according to the Observer:  
 
*[[James Rubin]], [[Bill Clinton]]'s former aide, was recruited to Brunswick's political affairs unit in 2001. Rubin reportedly left in April 2004, according to the Observer:  
 
:Former state department spokesman James Rubin was hired in a blaze of publicity by top financial PR firm Brunswick some time ago. That gave founder Alan Parker the right to brag that he had bagged one half of the world's most glamorous media couples (Rubin is married to London-based CNN correspondent Christiane Amanpour). Now rumour has it that Rubin has quietly quit, although not many people at Brunswick's Holborn HQ will have noticed. 'He was in the office about as often as Johnny Vegas is in the gym,' says a Brunswick insider. <ref>Media diary, '[http://media.guardian.co.uk/site/story/0,,1202662,00.html Parker feels the rub as star signing quits]', ''Observer'' Business Pages, Pg. 7, 25 April 2004.</ref>
 
:Former state department spokesman James Rubin was hired in a blaze of publicity by top financial PR firm Brunswick some time ago. That gave founder Alan Parker the right to brag that he had bagged one half of the world's most glamorous media couples (Rubin is married to London-based CNN correspondent Christiane Amanpour). Now rumour has it that Rubin has quietly quit, although not many people at Brunswick's Holborn HQ will have noticed. 'He was in the office about as often as Johnny Vegas is in the gym,' says a Brunswick insider. <ref>Media diary, '[http://media.guardian.co.uk/site/story/0,,1202662,00.html Parker feels the rub as star signing quits]', ''Observer'' Business Pages, Pg. 7, 25 April 2004.</ref>
 
*[[Andy Browne]] from the Wall Street Journal (Asia) to work in Brunswick's Beijing office
 
*[[Andy Browne]] from the Wall Street Journal (Asia) to work in Brunswick's Beijing office
 +
*[[Michael Lever]], now at the [[Association for Financial Markets]]
 +
*[[Gregory Barker]], now Minister of State at the [[Department for Energy and Climate Change]] was appointed an associate director at Brunswick in 1997
 +
*[[Tim Burt]], former FT media editor.
 +
*[[Robert Moser]], Managing Partner at Merchant
 +
*[[Michael Lever]], former Partner. Previously at [[Credit Suisse]] where he was a Managing Director in Corporate Broking responsible for relationships with several leading financial institutions. Prior to that, he was a banking analyst specialising in the largest UK institutions and was head of banking research teams at several major investment banks including Credit Suisse and [[HSBC]]. Prior to entering stockbroking Michael spent nine years at the [[Bank of England]] primarily in Banking Supervision and as Deputy Group Leader of a team responsible for briefing the UK delegations to the IMF and World Bank.
 +
*[[Catherine Colloms]]. Prior to joining Brunswick, Catherine was a senior Diplomat with the [[Foreign Office]]. Her eight year tenure included roles as Ministerial speech writer for [[Douglas Alexander]] and [[Geoff Hoon], Political Advisor to the High Representative for Bosnia, Lord Ashdown, and coordinating part of the UK government's humanitarian response to September 11th. She specialises in crisis management, corporate reputation and advises on transactions, financial and public affairs issues.
 +
*[[Jonathan Rhodes]], former partner, London. Former Shadow Cabinet special adviser for the [[Labour Party]], during the four years up to the '97 Election. After the election, he joined PolyGram. He specialises in corporate communications, public affairs, and regulatory PR. Joined [[British Growth Fund]] ([[BGF]]) in 2011.
 +
*[[Graeme Trayner]], former Partner leading the group's opinion research practice. His roots lie in political campaign research, having worked closely with Labour Party pollsters [[Deborah Mattinson]] and [[Philip Gould]].<ref name="BW"/> Now at [[Greenberg Quinlan Rosner]]
 +
*[[Andrew Hood]].  In 2002, Hood left his role as special adviser to the Labour Party in "controversial circumstances" by becoming a senior partner at Brunswick.<ref>Info-Dynamics Research, "[http://www.scribd.com/doc/37220673/5D3DCAA1-15AB-4CF0-B7A5-EB449C165AF2-List-of-Advisers-April-2006-Congress-Final Where are they now? The 1997/1998 Special Advisers to the Labour Government]", ''GMB: April 2006 Briefing'', p6, accessed 23.09.10</ref>  ''PR Week'' reported that Hood was "poached" from his role at the Ministry of Defence, potentially leading to a conflict of interest "as Brunswick clients include [[Rolls-Royce]] and [[Smiths Industries]], which both supply to the defence sector indirectly".<ref>Staff writers, "[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/search/146428// Brunswick poaches MoD's top adviser]", ''PR Week UK'', 24.05.02, accessed 23.09.10</ref>
  
 
==Clients==
 
==Clients==
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*[[Barclays]] (PR - Andrew Garfield) | [[HBoS]] (advising on takeover 2009)<ref>[http://www.prweek.com/uk/search/article/850714/Banking-industry-Insiders-Guide-UK-banks-reputation-managers/ Banking industry Insider's Guide: UK banks' reputation managers], PR Week, 03-Oct-08</ref> | [[Alliance and Leicester]] (PR)<ref>[http://www.prweek.com/uk/search/article/850714/Banking-industry-Insiders-Guide-UK-banks-reputation-managers/ Banking industry Insider's Guide: UK banks' reputation managers], PR Week, 03-Oct-08</ref>  | [[Casenove]] | [[Standard Life]] | [[FF&P]] | [[Intermediate Capital Group]] | [[Putnam]] | [[Ramius Capital Group]] | [[Mizuho International]] (Japanese Investment Bank)<ref>[http://www.prweek.com/uk/sectors/City/article/874647/brunswick-takes-mizuho-brief/ PR Week], 20 Jan 2009</ref>
 
*[[Barclays]] (PR - Andrew Garfield) | [[HBoS]] (advising on takeover 2009)<ref>[http://www.prweek.com/uk/search/article/850714/Banking-industry-Insiders-Guide-UK-banks-reputation-managers/ Banking industry Insider's Guide: UK banks' reputation managers], PR Week, 03-Oct-08</ref> | [[Alliance and Leicester]] (PR)<ref>[http://www.prweek.com/uk/search/article/850714/Banking-industry-Insiders-Guide-UK-banks-reputation-managers/ Banking industry Insider's Guide: UK banks' reputation managers], PR Week, 03-Oct-08</ref>  | [[Casenove]] | [[Standard Life]] | [[FF&P]] | [[Intermediate Capital Group]] | [[Putnam]] | [[Ramius Capital Group]] | [[Mizuho International]] (Japanese Investment Bank)<ref>[http://www.prweek.com/uk/sectors/City/article/874647/brunswick-takes-mizuho-brief/ PR Week], 20 Jan 2009</ref>
  
===Environmental / Infrastructure===
+
===Environmental /Energy/ Infrastructure===
 +
{{‪Template:Fracking badge‬}}
 
*In February 2009, Brunswick won the retained financial comms account with the [[Drax Group]], which operates the UK's largest coal-fired power station. The account is understood to be worth in excess of six-figures.<ref>[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/article/884111/Brunswick-scoops-Drax-brief/ Brunswick scoops Drax brief], PR Week, 25 Feb 2009</ref>
 
*In February 2009, Brunswick won the retained financial comms account with the [[Drax Group]], which operates the UK's largest coal-fired power station. The account is understood to be worth in excess of six-figures.<ref>[http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/article/884111/Brunswick-scoops-Drax-brief/ Brunswick scoops Drax brief], PR Week, 25 Feb 2009</ref>
 
*[[EDF]], the nuclear energy group. The Evening Standard noted in Jan 2008 how EDF's lobbying ties might help its case for new nuclear build in the UK: “EDF Energy is doing the Government's bidding and wants to build four new nuclear power stations in the UK. As City Spy reported, the EDF director on the nuclear side is [[Andrew Brown]], brother of Gordon. Who do EDF use as their PR advisers? Brunswick. And where has Brunswick's CEO [[Stephen Carter]] gone? Gordon Brown's office. And who is Gordon Brown godfather to? The son of Alan Parker, the boss of Brunswick.”<ref>Evening Standard, “Keeping It In The (Nuclear) Family”, January 16, 2008, p34</ref>   
 
*[[EDF]], the nuclear energy group. The Evening Standard noted in Jan 2008 how EDF's lobbying ties might help its case for new nuclear build in the UK: “EDF Energy is doing the Government's bidding and wants to build four new nuclear power stations in the UK. As City Spy reported, the EDF director on the nuclear side is [[Andrew Brown]], brother of Gordon. Who do EDF use as their PR advisers? Brunswick. And where has Brunswick's CEO [[Stephen Carter]] gone? Gordon Brown's office. And who is Gordon Brown godfather to? The son of Alan Parker, the boss of Brunswick.”<ref>Evening Standard, “Keeping It In The (Nuclear) Family”, January 16, 2008, p34</ref>   
 
*[[British Airways]]  
 
*[[British Airways]]  
 
*[[Blue Circle]]
 
*[[Blue Circle]]
*[[Anglo American]] mining giant have their UK financial PR account with Brunswick on a long term basis, excepting between Dec 2007 and Nov 2009, when they moved to [[Financial Dynamics]] due to a perceived conflict of interest while Brunswick were also advising [[BHP Billiton]]<ref>Alec Mattinson,PR Week, November 20, 2009 [http://www.prweek.com/channel/ConsumerEntertainment/article/968007/Mining%20firm%20Anglo%20American%20hands%20UK%20account%20back%20to%20Brunswick/ Anglo American hands UK account back to Brunswick] Accessed 14/07/10</ref>.
+
*[[Anglo American]] mining giant have their UK financial PR account with Brunswick on a long term basis, except between Dec 2007 and Nov 2009, when they moved to [[Financial Dynamics]] due to a perceived conflict of interest while Brunswick were also advising [[BHP Billiton]]<ref>Alec Mattinson,PR Week, November 20, 2009 [http://www.prweek.com/channel/ConsumerEntertainment/article/968007/Mining%20firm%20Anglo%20American%20hands%20UK%20account%20back%20to%20Brunswick/ Anglo American hands UK account back to Brunswick] Accessed 14/07/10</ref>.
 
*[[BHP Billiton]]<ref>Alec Mattinson,PR Week, November 20, 2009 [http://www.prweek.com/channel/ConsumerEntertainment/article/968007/Mining%20firm%20Anglo%20American%20hands%20UK%20account%20back%20to%20Brunswick/ Anglo American hands UK account back to Brunswick] Accessed 14/07/10</ref>
 
*[[BHP Billiton]]<ref>Alec Mattinson,PR Week, November 20, 2009 [http://www.prweek.com/channel/ConsumerEntertainment/article/968007/Mining%20firm%20Anglo%20American%20hands%20UK%20account%20back%20to%20Brunswick/ Anglo American hands UK account back to Brunswick] Accessed 14/07/10</ref>
 +
*[[Cuadrilla]] - circa June 2012. [[Joe Shipley]] and [[Emma Walsh]] listed as media contacts.
 +
*Brunswick previously worked with former [[BP]] CEO [[Lord Browne]], 'with founder Alan Parker personally advising Browne during his resignation from the oil giant after the publication of details concerning his personal life' according to ''PR Week''. Brunswick partners [[Andrew Mitchell]] and [[Robin Wrench]] handled comms for Browne's [[Riverstone Holdings]], when it floated investment company [[Riverstone Energy]] in October 2013 <ref> Alec Mattinson, Brunswick backs float of Lord Browne's Riverstone energy fund, PR Week, 25 September 2013, acc 2 February 2014 </ref>
  
 
===Media===
 
===Media===
*It was reported in late 2006 that Brunswick worked for media clients including: [[EMI]], [[NTL]], [[Reed Elsevier]], FT publisher [[Pearson]], [[Reuters]], [[Emap]], [[Time Warner]] and [[ITN]]. <ref> [http://media.guardian.co.uk/marketingandpr/story/0,,1964490,00.html Media Guardian], 5 December 2006</ref>
+
*It was reported in late 2006 that Brunswick worked for media clients including: [[EMI]], [[NTL]], [[Reed Elsevier]], FT publisher [[Pearson]], [[Reuters]], [[Emap]], [[Time Warner]] and [[ITN]]. <ref> [http://media.guardian.co.uk/marketingandpr/story/0,,1964490,00.html Media Guardian], 5 December 2006</ref> It has also been revealed they were involved in the [[Facebook]]-[[Whatsapp]] deal. <ref> [http://www.prweek.com/article/1283450/brunswick-handles-comms-facebook-whatsapp-deal], accessed Sept 2014 </ref>
 
   
 
   
 
===Football===
 
===Football===
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===Other===
 
===Other===
*Brunswick has also worked for: [[BT]] |  [[Safeway]] | [[Kellan Group]] | [[Rutley European Property Ltd]] | [[William Hill]] | [[French Connection]] | [[LK Bennett]] | [[MITIE Group]] | [[BowLeven]]<ref>[http://www.brunswickgroup.com/ Brunswick website], accessed March 2009</ref>
+
*Brunswick has also worked for: [[BT]] |  [[Safeway]] | [[Kellan Group]] | [[Rutley European Property Ltd]] | [[William Hill]] | [[French Connection]] | [[LK Bennett]] | [[MITIE Group]] | [[BowLeven]]<ref name="BW"/> | [[Just Eat]] <ref> Alec Mattinson [http://www.prweek.com/article/1285510/just-eat-use-brunswick-london-float Just Eat to use Brunswick for London float] ''PR Week'', 17 March 2014, accessed 8 September 2014 </ref> | [[Burger King]] <ref> Diana Bradley [http://www.prweek.com/article/1309123/brunswick-aiding-burger-king-pr-tim-hortons-deal Brunswick aiding Burger King with PR for Tim Hortons deal], 15 August 2014, accessed 8 Sept 2014 </ref>
  
 
===Previous clients / projects===
 
===Previous clients / projects===
 
*They previously worked for [[Marks & Spencer]], [[Marconi Corporation]], and [[Railtrack]] (before administration).
 
*They previously worked for [[Marks & Spencer]], [[Marconi Corporation]], and [[Railtrack]] (before administration).
  
*In July 2002 the ''Wall Street Journal'' reported that [[Martha Stewart]] had hired the Brunswick Group to massage her image in the wake of allegations that she profited from insider trading. <ref>[http://www.prwatch.org/node/1290] </ref>
+
*In July 2002 the ''Wall Street Journal'' reported that [[Martha Stewart]] had hired the Brunswick Group to massage her image in the wake of allegations that she profited from insider trading. <ref> Sheldon Rampton [http://www.prwatch.org/node/1290 Makeover for Martha Stewart] ''PR Watch'', 1 July 2002, accessed 10 March 2015 </ref>
 
   
 
   
*In March 2004, the controversy over the exaggeration of the oil and gas reserves of [[Shell|Shell Oil]] resulted in the resignation of the then chairman, [[Philip Watts]], and [[Walter van de Vijver]], who was responsible for exploration and production. In an attempt to manage the crisis Shell hired the Brunswick Group to help it manage the crisis. "Brunswick has recently come on board, but we don't really say much more about what they do," Corrigan told ''PR Week''. <ref>[http://www.prweek.com/news/news_worldwire.cfm?site=1&ID=208949&site=3&/news/news_worldwire.cfm&setcookie=1]"</ref>
+
*In March 2004, the controversy over the exaggeration of the oil and gas reserves of [[Shell|Shell Oil]] resulted in the resignation of the then chairman, [[Philip Watts]], and [[Walter van de Vijver]], who was responsible for exploration and production. In an attempt to manage the crisis Shell hired the Brunswick Group to help it manage the crisis. "Brunswick has recently come on board, but we don't really say much more about what they do," Corrigan told ''PR Week''. <ref>[http://www.prweek.com/news/news_worldwire.cfm?site=1&ID=208949&site=3&/news/news_worldwire.cfm&setcookie=1 PR Week]"</ref>
  
*[[Hutchison Whampoa]] 2003 <ref> [http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2003/03/03/196624] </ref>
+
*[[Hutchison Whampoa]] 2003 <ref> [http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2003/03/03/196624 Hutchison to limit its Global Crossing role to get bid OK] ''Taipei Times'', 3 March 2003, accessed 10 March 2015 </ref>
  
 
*[[D1 Oils plc]] is a UK-based global producer of biodiesel. <ref>Company News Feed formerly Regulatory News Service, 23 January 2007</ref>
 
*[[D1 Oils plc]] is a UK-based global producer of biodiesel. <ref>Company News Feed formerly Regulatory News Service, 23 January 2007</ref>
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[[Category:Lobbying firms]]
 
[[Category:Lobbying firms]]
 
[[Category: Financial sector lobbying]]
 
[[Category: Financial sector lobbying]]
 +
[[Category:Mining and Metals: Public Relations]]
 +
[[Category:Nuclear Spin]]
 +
[[Category:Fracking]]
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[[Category:Lobbying]]

Latest revision as of 11:35, 27 January 2017

Brunswick offices, Lincolns Inn Fields, central London
Brunswick offices, Avenue des Arts 27, Brussels

The Brunswick Group is an international PR and lobbying firm, headquartered in London. Its founder is Alan Parker, friend of former UK prime minister Gordon Brown. Brunswick specialises in financial PR, and Parker is considered to be one of the UK's leading financial PR men (alongside Roland Rudd). Its blue-chip client list is the envy of most other agencies. It is one of a handful of key financial PR agencies in the UK, including: FD, Buchanan, Citigate Dewe Rogerson, Pelham PR, Finsbury, and Maitland Consultancy.

Brunswick is seen as both a major force and an enigma - it has steadfastly declined to participate in PR Week's fee income rankings, for example, and Brunswick founder, Alan Parker, rarely grants interviews and is uncomfortable when he becomes the focus of a story. ‘It's bad manners to get between the client and the footlights,' he reportedly says.[1] It also doesn't publish a client list.

Links

Services

Brunswick has ranked at the top or near the top of league tables for financial communications consultancies. It advises clients on public affairs, media and investor relations, mergers and acquisitions, competition and regulatory issues, crisis management, international communications and corporate reputation.[2]

On public affairs, Brunswick says:

"Our team includes former senior government advisers and political campaign staff who understand the context in which decisions are taken in government, the relative influence of the stakeholders involved and can advise on the most effective communication of a client's case. We work closely with in-house government relations teams and external lobbying firms to help broaden public support for our client's position and build a better understanding of their business among their relevant government audiences."[2]

CFO Europe reports in March 2006 on its role in corporate deals:

Brunswick has long been seen as epitomising the influence-and-access game in deals circles, something that it is exporting to other centres. Notably, in 2001 Brunswick recruited as head of its US operations Steve Lipin, a former Wall Street Journal M&A reporter with a reputation for aggressively leveraging his newspaper’s franchise to get news scoops on deals. [Brunswick] has had its share of controversy over its aggressive tactics. Also in 2001, for example, a former client, Jupiter Asset Management (which had been acquired by Commerzbank), threatened to sue Brunswick after the PR firm sent a dossier to several London newspapers claiming that Jupiter was in financial trouble.[3]

Political connections

Brunswick founder, Alan Parker is a close personal friend of Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah Brown. The former prime minister is godfather to one of Parker's children and Sarah used to work at Brunswick. It was Parker who recommended Stephen Carter, former Ofcom chief executive and (briefly) the chief executive of Brunswick, to be the PM's new chief of strategy. When Brown visited China and India at the beginning of 2008, he was accompanied not only by Carter but Parker as well, prompting one observer to ask - was the prime minister getting two advisers for the price of one?[4]

David Cameron, at the time leader of the UK Conservative Party and now UK PM, also attended Parker's wedding, alongside the Browns. Parker was pictured on holiday in South Africa in 2008 with Cameron[5]

  • Previously, in 1999-2000, Brunswick paid more than £5,000 to the Labour Party for 'tickets for dinners', and in 2001 gave £9,000 to Labour.[6]
  • Brunswick also donated the services of an employee to the Government to help work on the Financial Services and Markets Bill - legislation which will regulate business in the City and which would provide invaluable information to Brunswick's clients."[7]

Relations with the media

Brunswick and Parker have "a network of close contacts at the top of British companies and a similar network within the financial press. As an intermediary between these two networks he tries to shape perceptions of companies or business people."[9]

The significance of a financial PR to journalists is explained by David Michie in 1997:

'Even the most energetic reporters know that they have to be somewhat deferential in the presence of a powerful publicist. No one on a national beat can afford to be on the wrong side of [those who]..represent a third of the most quotable sources in the country in the more liberal British media, reporters are less deferential to anyone; but even so the same principle holds true the most important corporate spin doctors include Alan Parker, creator of Brunswick.[10]

Besides hiring senior journalists, Brunswick provides other services to media professionals as the Independent notes in 1995:

It looks like marshmallows around the camp fire in Lincoln's Inn Field for the Daily Telegraph's City office. Staff have been three-line whipped for a bit of weekend bonding on 18 November at what looks suspiciously like the offices of Brunswick, the PR agency. A mysterious memo to staff from Neil Collins, the City editor, explains: "It's an away day to discuss the future of the City Pages. Although attendance is not compulsory those of a paranoid disposition will regret not being there and the rest of us might have a good time (although some work will be done). There will be no counselling. At this stage I do not intend to answer press inquiries. . . A wise move. While they would not confirm it, the navel gaze is apparently being run by Professional Presentations, a human resources consultancy based in Brunswick's offices and run by Lucy Parker, sister of the PR agency's Alan Parker.[11]

However, Brunswick is not beloved by all financial journalists, as this City Diary entry in 2001 shows:

The phones were out of order at Brunswick - the PR company that is to the City what lint is to pockets (annoying and hard to get rid of) - for most of yesterday. Net productivity in the City soared as a result. (If anyone at Cable & Wireless fancies making £50 in return for cutting them off again, give me a call.)[12]

History and structure

The Brunswick Group was founded in 1987. In 2009 it employed 440 people based in 15 offices in 11 countries. It has developed a robust international network - for instance, after establishing a strong presence in New York, Brunswick cracked the US West Coast by opening a San Francisco office and picking up clients of the calibre of Gap, Google, Sun Microsystems and Cisco.

The Brunswick Group has been through many different names and identities. Records available at companies House show that Brunswick used to be called Lincoln Research Ltd. Its name was changed to Brunswick Public Relations Limited on 6 March 1997. [13] Other companies in the group or of which Alan Parker or John Andrew Fenwick are Directors have also gone through name changes.

Subsidiaries

People

UK

  • Alan Parker, founder and chairman. Parker owns 88 percent of Brunswick's Channel Islands holding company, Wynnstay, giving him control of the agency and a stake in the company worth an estimated £114m. Parker's personal assets are thought to be around £6m.
  • Andrew Fenwick, co-founder, vice chairman and chief financial officer, London. Owns a combined 10% of Brunswick joint with Louise Charlton.[17]
  • Louise Charlton, co-founder and vice chairman, London. Owns a combined 10% of Brunswick joint with Andrew Fenwick.[17]
  • Andrew Garfield, partner. Former financial editor of the Independent.
  • Gill Ackers, partner, London. One of the partners leading Brunswick's financial institutions team and also its media group, Gill has particular expertise in strategic positioning, reputation management and profile-raising having worked with a range of listed and unlisted corporates across Europe. Gill has advised on mergers, acquisitions and disposals and her expertise also extends to crisis and issue management, covering everything from crises in corporate performance to financial fraud, blackmail, and investigative journalism into individuals. Before joining Brunswick, Gill was head of media for the London Stock exchange. She was recently a member of the FSA's Continuing Obligations theme team, reviewing and advising on policy as part of the comprehensive review of the listing rules.[2]
  • Kim Fletcher, partner, London. Former editor of The Independent on Sunday and was editorial director - one of three joint managing directors - of Telegraph Group. Is also chairman of the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
  • Andrew Porter, partner, London. Ex-political editor at the Daily Telegraph, Deputy Political Editor for the Sunday Times and The Sun [18]
  • Alex Finnegan, director, London. Former parliamentary researcher to Anne Snelgrove MP and intern at the Labour Party.
  • Chris Blundell, partner, London. Previously worked in the press office of 10 Downing Street and on political campaigns in the United States.
  • Charlotte Winsley. director, London. Broadcast officer for William Hague's 2001 General Election campaign, head of broadcast for Conservative Central Office 2001-2004 and head of media, for Steve Norris' London Mayoral Election Campaign in 2004.
  • Lucy Parker, partner, London. Sister of founder and chairman, Alan Parker. Led a task force on Talent and Enterprise under Gordon Brown and helped to transform Brown's image.[19]
  • Sir Nigel Sheinwald, senior counselor, London. "Before serving as the Ambassador to the United States from 2007 to 2012, he served as the Prime Minister’s principal foreign policy and defense adviser in Downing Street and had over a decade working at senior levels with the European Union, including as the UK Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the EU (2000-2003) and as Europe Director in the UK’s Foreign Office. He has also held a number of other diplomatic posts, including as Foreign Office Press Secretary in the 1990s and in Moscow. He is currently on the board of Royal Dutch Shell".[20]
  • Stuart Hudson, director, London. Special Adviser to Gordon Brown between 2008 and 2010.[21]
  • Fiona Micallef-Eynaud (née Mulcahy), director, London. Before joining Brunswick in 2008, she was an Associate Director in Citigate Dewe Rogerson's financial PR practice.[22]
  • Richard Jacques, partner, London. Before joining Brunswick in 2000, he was a diplomat based in Brussels representing the UK Government on industry and competition issues.[23]
  • Richard Meredith, partner, London. Before joining Brunswick in 2012, he was Communications Director for national security issues in the UK government.[24]
  • Azhar Khan, director, London. Joined Brunswick in 2007 from the Mayor of London’s office where he worked in the International Affairs division.[25]
  • Simon Sporborg, managing partner, London. Before joining Brunswick, Sporborg completed an MBA at Cass Business School and served in the British Army.

As of 2014:

Aideen Lee | Sir Alan Parker | Alastair Morton | Alex Finnegan | Andrew Fenwick | Andrew Garfield | Andrew Mitchell | Andrew Porter | Andy Rivett-Carnac | Anita Scott | Azadeh Varzi | Azhar Khan | Ben Rawlingson Plant | Bill Krarup | Brian Buckley | Carole Cable | Catherine Samy | Cathy Wearing | Charlie Potter | Charlotte Winsley | Chris Blundel | Clemmie Raynsford | Craig Breheny | Daisuke Tsuchiya | Dania Saidam | David Litterick | David Yelland | Debbie Higgins | Eilís Murphy | Elizabeth Adams | Elvira Eilert Pignal | Fiona Micallef-Eynaud | Frank Villaz | Gill Ackers | James Dray | James Olley | Jarrad Comley | Joe Shipley | Jon Coles | Jon Miller | Jonathan Glass | Justine McIlroy | Katie Ioanilli | Keelin MacGreevy | Khozem Merchant | Kim Barnes | Kim Fletcher | Laura Buchanan | Louise Charlton | Lucy Parker | Max McGahan | Melissa Ward | Michael Harrison | Mike Smith | Nick Claydon | Nick Cosgrove | Nina Coad | Patrick Handley | Phil Riggins | Pip Green | Polly James | Richard Carpenter | Richard Jacques | Richard Meredith | Richard Monturo | Robin Wrench | Roddy McDougall | Rosalee Rich | Rosheeka Field | Roxy Fry | Rurik Ingram | Sarah West | Sheila Robinson | Simon Leigh | Simon Sporborg | Sir Nigel Sheinwald | Sophie Brand | Stuart Donnelly | Stuart Hudson | Tim Danaher | Tim May | Toby Low | Tom Burns | Tom Williams[26]

Dubai

  • Rupert Young, partner, Dubai. Launched Brunswick's office in Dubai in January 2007. He has been a communications consultant for fifteen years, the last eleven with Brunswick in London. He has a strong track record of advising senior management of Gulf and European businesses on corporate positioning, business launches and IPOs, mergers and acquisitions and the management of major issues. Is thought of as one of the most influential Brits in the UAE.[27]

Asia

  • Tim Payne, senior partner, head of Asia and Hong Kong. He has been with Brunswick for 11 years, working in London, New York and Hong Kong. Before joining Brunswick, he was a campaign director of the UK Liberal Democrat Party, running many of their parliamentary campaigns and by-elections.

USA

  • Bill Pendergast, partner, Dallas. Former executive at FleishmanHillard and vice president at Ketchum. Pendergast's expertise is in corporate reputation, crisis communications and the telecommunications sector, along with senior agency leadership experience.[28]
  • Aman Battish, director, San Fransisco. Former vice president at APCO Worldwide.
  • Antonio Ortolani, director, New York. Previously worked for Edelman and Weber Shandwick.
  • Erik Hotmire, director, Washington DC. Worked as senior adviser to the Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Special Assistant to the President and a White House and Senate spokesman.[29]
  • Julie Andreeff Jensen, partner, Washington DC. Led successful political public affair campaigns including President Obama's 2008 victory and Senator John Kerry's 2004 Iowa Caucus win.[30]
  • Nick Lovegrove, US managing partner, New York. Former senior advisor to the UK Prime Minister's strategy unit in 10 Downing Street in 2001.[31]


Former staff

Former state department spokesman James Rubin was hired in a blaze of publicity by top financial PR firm Brunswick some time ago. That gave founder Alan Parker the right to brag that he had bagged one half of the world's most glamorous media couples (Rubin is married to London-based CNN correspondent Christiane Amanpour). Now rumour has it that Rubin has quietly quit, although not many people at Brunswick's Holborn HQ will have noticed. 'He was in the office about as often as Johnny Vegas is in the gym,' says a Brunswick insider. [34]
  • Andy Browne from the Wall Street Journal (Asia) to work in Brunswick's Beijing office
  • Michael Lever, now at the Association for Financial Markets
  • Gregory Barker, now Minister of State at the Department for Energy and Climate Change was appointed an associate director at Brunswick in 1997
  • Tim Burt, former FT media editor.
  • Robert Moser, Managing Partner at Merchant
  • Michael Lever, former Partner. Previously at Credit Suisse where he was a Managing Director in Corporate Broking responsible for relationships with several leading financial institutions. Prior to that, he was a banking analyst specialising in the largest UK institutions and was head of banking research teams at several major investment banks including Credit Suisse and HSBC. Prior to entering stockbroking Michael spent nine years at the Bank of England primarily in Banking Supervision and as Deputy Group Leader of a team responsible for briefing the UK delegations to the IMF and World Bank.
  • Catherine Colloms. Prior to joining Brunswick, Catherine was a senior Diplomat with the Foreign Office. Her eight year tenure included roles as Ministerial speech writer for Douglas Alexander and [[Geoff Hoon], Political Advisor to the High Representative for Bosnia, Lord Ashdown, and coordinating part of the UK government's humanitarian response to September 11th. She specialises in crisis management, corporate reputation and advises on transactions, financial and public affairs issues.
  • Jonathan Rhodes, former partner, London. Former Shadow Cabinet special adviser for the Labour Party, during the four years up to the '97 Election. After the election, he joined PolyGram. He specialises in corporate communications, public affairs, and regulatory PR. Joined British Growth Fund (BGF) in 2011.
  • Graeme Trayner, former Partner leading the group's opinion research practice. His roots lie in political campaign research, having worked closely with Labour Party pollsters Deborah Mattinson and Philip Gould.[2] Now at Greenberg Quinlan Rosner
  • Andrew Hood. In 2002, Hood left his role as special adviser to the Labour Party in "controversial circumstances" by becoming a senior partner at Brunswick.[35] PR Week reported that Hood was "poached" from his role at the Ministry of Defence, potentially leading to a conflict of interest "as Brunswick clients include Rolls-Royce and Smiths Industries, which both supply to the defence sector indirectly".[36]

Clients

Brunswick are reluctant to advertise client details, and do not publish a list of clients. However, it's known that they represent firms below:

Financial sector

Environmental /Energy/ Infrastructure

FrackWell.png This article is part of the Spinwatch Fracking Portal and project
  • In February 2009, Brunswick won the retained financial comms account with the Drax Group, which operates the UK's largest coal-fired power station. The account is understood to be worth in excess of six-figures.[40]
  • EDF, the nuclear energy group. The Evening Standard noted in Jan 2008 how EDF's lobbying ties might help its case for new nuclear build in the UK: “EDF Energy is doing the Government's bidding and wants to build four new nuclear power stations in the UK. As City Spy reported, the EDF director on the nuclear side is Andrew Brown, brother of Gordon. Who do EDF use as their PR advisers? Brunswick. And where has Brunswick's CEO Stephen Carter gone? Gordon Brown's office. And who is Gordon Brown godfather to? The son of Alan Parker, the boss of Brunswick.”[41]
  • British Airways
  • Blue Circle
  • Anglo American mining giant have their UK financial PR account with Brunswick on a long term basis, except between Dec 2007 and Nov 2009, when they moved to Financial Dynamics due to a perceived conflict of interest while Brunswick were also advising BHP Billiton[42].
  • BHP Billiton[43]
  • Cuadrilla - circa June 2012. Joe Shipley and Emma Walsh listed as media contacts.
  • Brunswick previously worked with former BP CEO Lord Browne, 'with founder Alan Parker personally advising Browne during his resignation from the oil giant after the publication of details concerning his personal life' according to PR Week. Brunswick partners Andrew Mitchell and Robin Wrench handled comms for Browne's Riverstone Holdings, when it floated investment company Riverstone Energy in October 2013 [44]

Media

Football

When businessman Charles Koppel planned to move Wimbledon Football Club to a new bigger venue in Milton Keynes the fans were infuriated and started to boycott the club. The Wimbledon Independent Supporters Assocation noted that “Mr Koppel’s reaction to the fans demands for a return to the club’s former ground at Plough Lane was to try to mobilise a few local residents into support for the Milton Keynes extravagance. A press statement by these residents rather lost its impact when all media enquiries were referred to Brunswick Public Relations, the PR firm employed by Mr Koppel.”[47]

Other

Previous clients / projects

  • In July 2002 the Wall Street Journal reported that Martha Stewart had hired the Brunswick Group to massage her image in the wake of allegations that she profited from insider trading. [50]
  • In March 2004, the controversy over the exaggeration of the oil and gas reserves of Shell Oil resulted in the resignation of the then chairman, Philip Watts, and Walter van de Vijver, who was responsible for exploration and production. In an attempt to manage the crisis Shell hired the Brunswick Group to help it manage the crisis. "Brunswick has recently come on board, but we don't really say much more about what they do," Corrigan told PR Week. [51]

Contact details

Map of Brunswick office
16 Lincoln's Inn Fields
London WC2A 3ED
UK
Web: http://www.brunswickgroup.com www.brunswickgroup.com

External links

References

  1. TOP 150 PR CONSULTANCIES: Brunswick -- bashful but still bullish, PR Week, 24 April 2008
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Brunswick's website, accessed March 2009
  3. [http://www.cfo.com/article.cfm/5518719?f=singlepage CFO Europe, 7 March 2006
  4. Alan Parker profile, Guardian, 14 July 2008
  5. Alan Parker profile, Guardian, 14 July 2008
  6. Where the party got its money from, Guardian 9 sept 2001
  7. 'Staff for favours' row hits Treasury, Guardian, 25 June 2000
  8. Info-Dynamics Research, "Where are they now? The 1997/1998 Special Advisers to the Labour Government", GMB: April 2006 Briefing, p6, accessed 23.09.10
  9. Robert Peston, Who Runs Britain?, Hodder & Stoughton, 2008
  10. Michie D., 1997, " The Invisible Persuaders: How Britain's Spin Doctors Manipulate the Media", p.26
  11. CITY DIARY, Independent, Nov 2, 1995
  12. City Diary, Guardian, 13 February 2001
  13. Companies House 363s Annual Return for Brunswick Public Relations Limited, 18 June 1997
  14. Cantos
  15. The Lincoln Centre
  16. Merchant
  17. 17.0 17.1 Salamander Davoudi Brunswick to release equity for partners Financial Times, 4 July 2011, accessed 20 October 2014
  18. Andrew Porter, Brunswick website, accessed 28 May 2012
  19. PR king Alan Parker, the No 10 favourite The Telegraph, 4 Apr 2008, accessed 20 October 2014
  20. Sir Nigel Sheinwald profile Brunswick Group, accessed 20 October 2014
  21. Stuart Hudson Linkedin, accessed 20 October 2014
  22. Fiona Micallef-Eynaud Brunswick Group, accessed 7 January 2015
  23. Richard Jacques Brunswick Group, accessed 7 January 2015
  24. Richard Meredith Brunswick Group, accessed 7 January 2015
  25. Azhar Khan Brunswick Group, accessed 7 January 2015
  26. Brunswick Group, People, accessed 8 September 2014
  27. Top 50 most influential Brits in the UAE Arabian Business, accessed 20 October 2014
  28. Bill Pendergast Joins Brunswick Group as Partner in Dallas Business Wire, 20 June 2013, accessed 20 October 2014
  29. Erik Hotmire Brunswick Group, accessed 7 January 2015
  30. Julie Andreef Jensen Brunswick Group, accessed 7 January 2015
  31. Nick Lovegrove Brunswick, accessed 7 January 2015
  32. Khidr Suleman Former Brunswick executive and Sun editor David Yelland opens advisory agency PR Week, 6 May 2015, accessed 6 May 2015.
  33. Alan Parker Guardian, 12 July 2004
  34. Media diary, 'Parker feels the rub as star signing quits', Observer Business Pages, Pg. 7, 25 April 2004.
  35. Info-Dynamics Research, "Where are they now? The 1997/1998 Special Advisers to the Labour Government", GMB: April 2006 Briefing, p6, accessed 23.09.10
  36. Staff writers, "Brunswick poaches MoD's top adviser", PR Week UK, 24.05.02, accessed 23.09.10
  37. Banking industry Insider's Guide: UK banks' reputation managers, PR Week, 03-Oct-08
  38. Banking industry Insider's Guide: UK banks' reputation managers, PR Week, 03-Oct-08
  39. PR Week, 20 Jan 2009
  40. Brunswick scoops Drax brief, PR Week, 25 Feb 2009
  41. Evening Standard, “Keeping It In The (Nuclear) Family”, January 16, 2008, p34
  42. Alec Mattinson,PR Week, November 20, 2009 Anglo American hands UK account back to Brunswick Accessed 14/07/10
  43. Alec Mattinson,PR Week, November 20, 2009 Anglo American hands UK account back to Brunswick Accessed 14/07/10
  44. Alec Mattinson, Brunswick backs float of Lord Browne's Riverstone energy fund, PR Week, 25 September 2013, acc 2 February 2014
  45. Media Guardian, 5 December 2006
  46. [1], accessed Sept 2014
  47. http://www.wisa.org.uk/cgi/l/articles/index.cgi?action=show&id=227 Wimbledon Independent Supporters Association], accessed March 2009
  48. Alec Mattinson Just Eat to use Brunswick for London float PR Week, 17 March 2014, accessed 8 September 2014
  49. Diana Bradley Brunswick aiding Burger King with PR for Tim Hortons deal, 15 August 2014, accessed 8 Sept 2014
  50. Sheldon Rampton Makeover for Martha Stewart PR Watch, 1 July 2002, accessed 10 March 2015
  51. PR Week"
  52. Hutchison to limit its Global Crossing role to get bid OK Taipei Times, 3 March 2003, accessed 10 March 2015
  53. Company News Feed formerly Regulatory News Service, 23 January 2007
  54. [2]
  55. [3]