Public relations may not have the greatest reputation, but it’s a growing industry that matters. PR has affected almost everything we read, hear or buy. Whether it’s a political decision, a brand campaign or a simple newspaper article you can be sure that Public Relations has played its role.
So, here, we present the 10 people who really matter in UK PR. Do you know them? If not, now’s the time to start.
Formerly married to Elisabeth Murdoch and pally with Osborne and Cameron, Freud’s connections are impeccable. Founding his eponymous agency – Freud’s – in 1985 (aged just 21) it’s now said he ‘created the recipe for modern PR’, and boasts clients like Pepsi, Mars and Nike as a result.
Widely liked, and particularly well-known in Labour circles, Rudd sold his public relations firm, Finsbury, to Sir Martin Sorrell in 2001 for £40 million, but continues to be Chairman. Ardently pro-remain, he is the brother of Amber Rudd, the current home secretary and Conservative MP.
Described as a ‘figure of almost incomparable influence’, Sir Alan founded Brunswick in 1987 and made it a ‘global leader in corporate communications’ with over 1000 employees. He’s savvy and well connected across the political spectrum, which will continue to serve him well.
Best known for masterminding Margaret Thatcher’s image during her three successful election campaigns, Tim Bell founded global agency Bell Pottinger, which has now expanded to the luxury market. Claiming he’ll ‘never retire’, the occasionally controversial executive has now left Bell Pottinger to found a new agency called Sans Frontières.
Tony Blair’s former advisor founded Portland Communications in 2001; selling his majority stake in 2012 in a deal that netted him over £10 million. He continues as Managing Director, looking after clients that range from Google to the Kremlin and has helped the company grow exponentially over the last few years.
One of the better-known figures on this list, Campbell has reinvented himself as a campaigner, columnist and PR maverick in his post Downing Street years. He is a Senior Consultant for Portland, using his experience to advise clients including the UN Women’s organization. He may be out of frontline politics, but his advice and opinions continue to matter.
The CEO of Bell Pottinger describes himself as ‘lateral, fast and decisive’, useful qualities for running one of the UK’s most influential agencies. Formerly founder of Pelham – which he sold to Bell Pottinger – this beast is expanding the firm. Expect to hear much more from him in the near future.
Formerly a Westminster journalist and John Major’s press secretary, Lewington now finds himself at the helm of Hanover, which has grown by over 85% in the past three years. A regular political pundit for Sky, ITV and the BBC, Lewington has a ‘bulging’ contact book and an excellent reputation.
A labour insider with impeccable contacts, Lehal is now MD of Insight Consulting, a predominantly left-leaning firm. He worked on Owen Smith’s unsuccessful Labour leadership campaign, but may return to frontline politics to help oust Corbyn as the next election approaches.
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