Previous Awards - 2007

UK Newcomer of the Year

Paul Stadlen

Paul has made an outstanding contribution to APCO since his arrival in late 2005, becoming a key player in our agency.

Having worked for the BBC, Prospect magazine and the Times, Paul joined APCO aged 26. His professionalism, people skills and assured manner ensured a seamless transition to consultancy. He rapidly assumed a leading role in managing one of APCO’s largest accounts, establishing close relationships with senior executives and travelling to the Middle East and Asia to tackle challenging issues in person. He also manages other blue-chip accounts, including Morgan Stanley and Microsoft, handling complex issues with flair.

Paul has become a key member of APCO’s media training practice, coaching board-level executives at companies including Unilever and Coca-Cola. He made a strong contribution to new business activity and devoted significant time to pro bono work. Paul’s innovation in the marketing arena has been an added bonus and in 2006 he founded and edited APCO’s new journal, Viewpoint, which has been very successful with clients.

In January 2007, Paul was promoted to senior associate in recognition of his strong contribution to APCO’s success. Paul is a real talent and a wonderful asset to the team and a person of energy, dynamism and commitment.

Nominated by Simon Miller, APCO Worldwide

Trade Body of the Year

NHS Confederation

We are the membership body led by and representing over 90 per cent of NHS organisations.

Shaping policy
“I don’t see anybody as being in the same league as them” – a senior civil servant.
Through our integrated campaigns we have:

• Convinced the government to change accounting rules, saving members millions of pounds and freeing up money for patients.
• Framed the agenda on reconfiguration through the controversial “Why we need fewer beds”, campaign using Parliament, media and NHS members to change opinion.
• Brought unions, employers and the government together to deliver practical alternatives to redundancies.

Championing NHS leaders:

“When Hewitt was appointed, one of the first people she rang was Gill Morgan... that says a lot.” – NHS Confederation member.

The NHS often faces a hostile press and skeptical public. We are the only voice defending our members:

• 89 per cent of our members see our lobbying as effective and fast.
• Three directors are in the Health Service Journal’s 50 top influencers in health.
• We have created innovative networks providing bespoke strategies for PCTs, Foundation Trusts, Mental health and the independent sector, while also providing a strong voice for the NHS as a whole.

Nominated by Sarah Jones, NHS Confederation

Think-Tank of the Year

The Overseas Development Institute

The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) is Britain’s leading think-tank on international development and humanitarian affairs. Communication and public debate have been an essential part of ODI’s work since its inception in 1960, and for most of its life, it has been the primary focus for development policy and practice in London, a leading provider of policy-oriented advice to governments, donors and development agencies, and a highly respected source of information about development issues worldwide.

In the past year, a new communications strategy and fresh investment in public affairs activities has seen a marked jump in ODI’s impact. Media enquiries have doubled, the public events programme has expanded and a new-look e-newsletter has brought in thousands of new registrants.

A fresh look to print and web publications helped strengthen the brand and raise ODI’s profile. A revamped annual report, entitled What’s next in international development?, further illustrates the topicality and relevance of the institute’s research and policy advice. The renewed focus on public affairs ensures ODI’s research inspires and informs policy and practice, which lead to the reduction of poverty, the alleviation of suffering and the achievement of sustainable livelihoods in developing countries.

Nominated by Kirsty Cockburn, The Overseas Development Institute

Campaigning Charity of the Year

British Heart Foundation

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has identified childhood obesity as a critical issue for future heart health. Our 2006 public affairs programme focused on our iconic Food4Thought campaign, depicting a child drinking cooking oil with the caption, ‘What goes into crisps, goes into you’.
The BHF focused political campaigning on two specific areas of policy, calling on the government to introduce rigorous pre-9pm watershed ban restrictions on junk food advertising on television; and compulsory cooking skills in schools.

Agenda-shaping activity included:

• A photocall with the public health minister, importantly establishing her support.
• A template press release for MPs demonstrating support in regional press.
• A Food4Thought policy brief with actions for politicians to take.
• A survey of parents’ attitudes to junk food advertising, revealing huge support for a ban.
• An online forum enabling children to express support for our policy calls to the prime minister and education secretary.
• A programme of briefings in Westminster, Edinburgh and Cardiff.

Clear progress was made on campaign calls with Ofcom announcing strict restrictions on junk food advertisements to children, and the Department of Education and Skills recommending making healthy cooking skills compulsory in the national curriculum.

Nominated by Ruairi O’Connor, British Heart Foundation

Politician of the Year

Hilary Benn

Son of Labour legend Tony, Hilary Benn entered the Commons at the 1999 Leeds Central by-election, after a two-year spell as special adviser to education secretary David Blunkett. Once he took office as a junior international development minister in 2001, Benn’s progress through the ministerial ranks was swift. He switched briefly to the Home Office before returning to DfID as minister of state, before taking over the department’s top job following the resignation of secretary of state Clare Short in the aftermath of the Iraq War. Since then, Benn has been a sure-footed minister who has diligently built domestic and international support for increasing aid budgets and tackling global poverty. The UK presidency’s 2005 G8 focus on development and debt relief, together with the response to the 2004 Asian Tsunami, raised Benn’s profile. Talked of in some quarters as a potential prime minister, this year Benn set his sights a little lower when declaring that he would be a candidate for the Labour deputy leadership.

Nominated by Rowan Harvey, Terrence Higgins Trust

Political Journalist of the Year

Jon Sopel

Jon Sopel has been described as a ‘veteran’ political journalist – but this is a reflection of his wide experience and talents than any suggestion of ageing.

Jon’s skill in quickly getting a ‘brief’ is evidence of his ability, but it is Jon’s incisive questioning and probing of politicians that stands him apart from many of his contemporaries. Without the hectoring style that characterises some in his profession, Jon manages to be both hard-hitting and pleasant.

Jon currently presents The Politics Show, and BBC News 24, and in addition whenever there is a big political occasion, such as the Budget, Jon is interviewing leading politicians on the key issues.

Jon is an exemplar of a TV political journalist – he demonstrates balance, objectivity and fairness, with no hint of bias. In short, Jon is a true professional.

Nominated by Daniel Murphy, CSCI

New Consultancy of the Year

Insight Public Affairs

Exciting new client wins, a successful recruitment drive and the execution of innovative programmes have established Insight’s formidable reputation. Their client portfolio includes leading blue chips and voluntary organisations, while a targeted approach to new business has secured a steady stream of new client wins and projects.

With the cultivation of partnerships with corporate and specialist PR agencies, InsightPA has been able to retain existing contracts and tender for new competitive pitches. The recruitment drive has enabled the agency to build a six-strong team of consultants with a range of skills, and from across the political spectrum.

Insight’s clients have engaged with senior officials and parliamentarians, securing endorsement from ministers and industry stakeholders for a variety of successful initiatives, using Insight’s media expertise to secure high-profile coverage in the media. The team also advises three pro-bono clients.

Whether it’s an FTSE Global 500 or a local charity, Insight’s success is driven by an integral understanding of the political landscape and an attention to detail of their clients’ priorities.

Client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:

• They delivered exemplary initiatives and all have been first class ideas and executed with flair and precision.
• They are professional, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and reliable.

Nominated by John Lehal, Insight Public Affairs

European Consultant of the Year

Garry Walsh - APCO

In less than three years since Garry Walsh joined APCO, he has significantly impacted APCO’s market position in the technology sector. Most recently, in recognition of his personal commitment to employee development and savvy handling of business management, Garry has been appointed managing director of APCO’s Brussels office. He now leads a team of 50, while continuing to support his clients’ successful communications strategies.

With over 10 years of public policy experience running effective campaigns in the Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America and the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions, Garry has become a leading professional in his field. His expertise handling advocacy campaigns for his clients across the 27 member states is widely respected in the European marketplace. His affirmed leadership on complex public affairs issues spanning Europe, Asia and the US has further marked a turning point in APCO’s service offering and in the public affairs domain as a whole. Indeed, Garry has masterminded effective government elites’ outreach programmes that durably challenged stakeholders’ perceptions of our clients’ reputation, thereby raising the bar for industry standards.

Nominated by Natacha Dalcorso, APCO Worldwide

European In-House Professional of the Year

Daniela Marilungo - Italian Banking Association(ABI)

Daniela Marilungo is one of the finest public affairs practitioners working in Brussels today. She is an effortless networker, and her contacts book is legendary. She has a very nuanced understanding of international finance, which she honed during her time as policy director at the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, where she was in charge of European regulatory and advocacy issues. She demonstrated her command of her brief by co-authoring the chapter focusing on Italy in the book Cross Border Collateral: Legal Risk and the Conflict of Laws.

She leads the ABI from the front, and has successfully raised the profile of the organisation with key decision-makers. She has played an influential role in several key finance and banking dossiers at European level over the past year, working closely with other banking associations through the European Banking Association.

Nominated by Jolyon Kimble, Sovereign Strategy

European In-House Team of the Year

The BioIndustry Association

UK In-House Professional of the Year

Dan Murphy

Dan Murphy has headed up the Commission for Social Care Inspection’s (CSCI) parliamentary and public affairs work since the organisation was set up in April 2004. Dan’s role has been to raise the profile of CSCI and of social care with parliamentarians and stakeholders. The profile of the commission is now high, with regular parliamentary debates and positive references to our work.
The budget of 2005 announced that from 2007/08 the commission will merge with the Healthcare Commission to create a social care and health regulator. Dan was heavily involved with parliamentarians and stakeholders in drawing out the range of complex issues involved in such a merger, which has now been delayed, for at least a year.

Dan has also worked closely with corporate communications to ensure messages consider the wider stakeholder and political implications. The State of Social Care report, published in January, reflects this. Dan played a major role in the work with stakeholders and parliamentarians, helping ensure positive coverage and support.

Dan is a member of the CIPR, and has committed to ongoing CPD. He is also the vice chairman of the CIPR government affairs group, a post that he has held for two years.

Nominated by David Walden, Commission for Social Care Inspection

UK In-House Team of the Year

Alzheimer’s Society

The public affairs work of the Alzheimer’s Society is driven by a desire to change the lives of people with dementia and their families for the better. In the past year, our small team has worked tirelessly and passionately to push dementia to the top of the political agenda, securing key policy concessions and extensive media coverage.

We have created huge public and political pressure for our campaign for access to Alzheimer’s drugs. In November we succeeded in mobilising thousands of our supporters onto the streets and to lobby MPs in protest against severe restrictions to Alzheimer’s drugs. In February we published vital new research into the economic and social costs of dementia in the UK to build the case for dementia to be made a higher public policy priority. We have been effective in raising the profile of our campaigns among government, MPs and civil servants and highlighting the need for action on dementia.

Nominated by Andrew Ketteringham, Alzheimer’s Society

UK Consultant of the Year

Robbie MacDuff - Precise Public Affairs

Robbie is a true professional in his field. His approach is human, enthusiastic, thoughtful and balanced. He does not talk above clients’ heads, instead helping them to understand the political scene without ever talking down to them. He lacks any of the pomposity, arrogance and sentiments of a closed club that can often afflict the PA world.

Robbie also shows great commitment to the development of his business and, above all, the people within it. His encouragement of the younger members of the team and involvement in growing a small, but complementary team at Precise is exemplary.

Robbie’s advice comes with a healthy measure of reality, feasibility and is clearly grounded in a depth of knowledge of his subject. He devotes time and energy to understanding every aspect of client organisations and the issues that face them.

He appears to be as well respected within the political community, and it is easy to understand why, when you experience his straightforward, courteous and insightful approach.

Robbie adds real value to all projects. He has become an essential adviser and strategist. He thinks beyond the obvious and the immediate, and clearly cares about his clients’ business.

He is a delight to work with.

Nominated by Grace Drury, Objective Consulting

European Consultancy of the Year

APCO Worldwide

In 2006, APCO continued to build and grow its business, offering top-tier, high-value public affairs and communications programmes to its clients.

2006 was marked by an intensive ‘investment in people’ strategy: attracting and nurturing senior and fresh talent as a means to propel future growth. APCO elaborated an in-depth training programme, using recognised external market expertise to define best practice across communications competencies, aligned to its values and code of conduct.

This year, APCO successfully launched its international advisory council and placed the expertise of these high achievers in politics, policy and business at the heart of its client service.

With more than 70 per cent growth in organic new business, APCO has enriched its innovative solutions by embedding strategic research (APCO Insight) and online advocacy (APCO Online). Its growing client portfolio in services to governments and integrated communications challenged APCO strategists to break new ground. APCO delivered top-quality programmes across geographies, seamlessly deploying its employees’ talent in new markets. APCO’s operations in EMEA are steadily becoming a catalyst for the firm’s international growth, encouraging interconnectivity between international offices.

APCO deserves to win ‘European Consultancy of the Year’ as it continues to push boundaries successfully.

Nominated by Natacha Dalcorso, APCO Worldwide

UK Consultancy Of The Year

APCO Worldwide

Last year was for APCO a great year of consolidating strong relationships with clients, while simultaneously developing new business in a variety of sectors and working on a wide range of issues. 2006 challenged APCO’s ability to think creatively and to build tailor-made solutions. APCO rose to the challenge and lived up to its reputation as the place clients go when they absolutely cannot afford to fail.

Building lasting client partnerships:

APCO’s ability to build strong client-agency partnerships resulted in outstanding work during the year. Campaigns for existing clients such as Lloydspharmacy, NHS Partners and Gate Gourmet were best in class and new account wins for the year included Borouge, Coca Cola, Candy & Candy, Rompetrol and Masterfoods.

Building a market-leading business:

2006 saw APCO Worldwide’s UK office achieve its highest-ever annual fee income and increase its proportion of long-term, high-value clients for the third consecutive year.

A great place to work, too:

As APCO grows, it continues to place great importance on its most important asset – its people. With Investors in People accreditation, extensive training programmes and a commitment to growing talent, APCO continues to be an excellent place to work.

Nominated by Natacha Dalcorso, APCO Worldwide

UK Public Affairs Campaign of the Year

Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners

A misdirected onslaught against trusts in the 2006 Budget, aimed at 20,000 super-rich people, could have unintentionally hit millions of prudent families, widows and disabled people. STEP worked with public affairs advisers Oceans Consulting to run an integrated political and media campaign, nationally and locally, that mobilised professional bodies and combined strong technical and emotive arguments.

The result was a very rare Treasury about-turn.

An initial strategic decision to create a unique coalition of 11 legal, accounting and tax bodies meant STEP avoided accusations of special pleading. A bold message was created, highlighting how over a million wills would need rewriting and millions of families were affected. The government failed to refute this.

By reframing a complicated technical issue as an attack on prudent families, STEP won thunderous media coverage and support. National lobbying led opposition parties and the Treasury committee to raise concerns. Local lobbying and media activity helped win over constituency MPs. A core group of volunteer STEP experts proactively engaged with officials, providing technical solutions as well as highlighting issues.

Eventually, a reluctant Treasury was forced to engage and amended the Finance Bill. Millions of people’s wills remain unaffected. STEP’s persistence, wide reach and solutions-based approach ultimately delivered change and enhanced its government standing.

Nominated by Keith Johnston, Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners