News Archives - WA Communications

WA welcomes David Thorne as Senior Advisor

David Thorne, originally a nurse, has held NHS leadership positions within hospital, community, primary care and commissioning organisations.
He will support WA’s health policy-led communications team as part of our advisory board – which brings together high-profile figures from Westminster, the media, and the health service.
The appointment reflects the increasing challenges faced by industry in identifying precise ideas that can change health for better within the national health system, in response to the new government’s focus on transforming primary care.

David, Director of Transformation at Well Up North Primary Care Network, will provide invaluable insight and connections into the NHS of today and the future.

WA’s leading Health team (recently awarded Communications Consultancy of the Year at the Communique Awards) has appointed David Thorne – former Chair and CEO of several primary care alliances, a past CCG Manager of the Year and programme director of multiple transformation projects – most notably the original NHS 111 prototype – as part of its advisory board.

WA’s advisory board brings together senior figures from the communications industry, Westminster, the media, and the health sector, including former Labour Treasury and Department of Health and Social Care Special Advisor Jennifer Gerber; former CEO of Grayling UK Alison Clarke; Mike Bell, who has more than 20 years of NHS board level experience and is currently the Chair of NHS South West London Integrated Care Board and Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust; and former senior civil servant, Sir Philip Rutnam who brings a deep understanding of government operations and policy-making processes.

David’s appointment comes at a time when clients and the wider industry are facing increasing challenges in bridging national and local NHS policy. His insight and understanding into the upper workings of the health system provide invaluable knowledge into how and with whom to connect, which will be especially key as the new government reviews and works to evolve primary care.

David brings 30 years’ experience of market access, with his work as Director of Transformation at Well Up North Primary Care Network (covering north Northumberland and its 65,000 patients) currently focusing on Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and the use of digital tech to bring care closer to home. He is also a Trustee of Hospice Care North Northumberland.

Dean Sowman, Head of Health at WA Communications, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome David Thorne to our advisory board. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the national health service, primary care and market access will further enhance our strategic counsel. He will bring invaluable insights to our life sciences clients on how to bridge the gap between national health policy and local NHS implementation.”

David Thorne, Senior Advisor said:

“WA believe that improvements in health and care are always possible – something that I was drawn to – and the advisory board reflects the breadth of strategic advice that the team is able to provide, and the policy and reputational outcomes it achieves. I’m delighted to be able to add my experience to this, as we work collaboratively to ensure access to health innovations and improve patient outcomes across the country.”

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WA wins Communications Consultancy of the Year at the 2024 Communiqué Awards

We are delighted to share that WA’s Health Team has been named 2024 Communications Consultancy of the Year at the Communiqué Awards. Our new integrated policy-led communications approach is changing, and improving, the way outcomes are achieved for our clients, patients, and society.

Congratulations to all the other winners and finalists, we’re very humbled to win amongst all the great work that’s going on across the sector.

Dean Sowman, Senior Partner and Head of Health said:

“Winning Communiqué Communications Consultancy of the Year is testament to all the hard work that the team puts in and is so passionate about. The industry we work in is full of excellence, so to be recognised and awarded for what we do and, most importantly, how we do it is an honour.”

We continue to go from strength to strength, while keeping our core values at the centre of everything we do.

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Veteran Labour Party adviser Jennifer Gerber joins WA

We are delighted to welcome Jennifer Gerber as a Senior Political Adviser, bringing more than 20 years of experience at the heart of Labour governments, election campaigns, and policy development.

During the last Labour government, Jen was a special adviser across three high-profile cabinet portfolios, providing strategic advice to Ministers at HM Treasury, the Department of Health, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Across all three departments, Gerber was the principal adviser to Andy Burnham (now the Mayor of Greater Manchester). 

In recent years she has provided strategic political, policy and media counsel, working on some of the highest profile issues in Britain – including advising top NHS Trusts during Covid 19 and leading the Refugee Council’s response to the government’s immigration bill and ‘Rwanda flights’ policy.

In addition, she headed the parliamentary campaign group Labour Friends of Israel for more than a decade, and also previously led the prominent centre-left think tank, Progress (now Progressive Britain).

Jen has worked at Labour HQ on a number of successful Labour general election campaigns, and in the party’s media and business relations teams.

At WA, Jen will advise clients on political and media engagement strategies, working across our financial and professional services, health, investor relations, energy, transport, and education teams.

Commenting on her appointment, Jennifer Gerber, Senior Political Adviser, WA, said:

“From helping public transport operators communicate the journey to net zero, driving access to innovative medicines, or campaigning to secure access to cash for communities across the UK, WA understand how joined-up political and media engagement can drive policy change on issues that are crucial for society and business.
“I’m delighted to be joining the team and look forward to bringing my political and campaigning experience to bear across WA.”

Dominic Church, Managing Director, WA, added:

“There are few people who match Jennifer’s understanding of the Labour party at every level – from the frontlines of an election campaign, and managing the relationship with the business community, to operating at the highest levels of government; and her network across the Party, from the Leader’s office and Metro Mayors, to new PPCs and the key policy thinkers that will shape the next Parliament.
“Her expertise will be invaluable as clients seek to understand how a Labour government would work in practice, and I’m delighted that she’s chosen to join WA.”

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Our new integrated health policy and communications offer

We are excited to welcome Grant Fisher as Head of Health Communications, and Donna Curran as Partner. The hires aim to match the needs of our growing integrated health policy and communications offer, which is helping clients tackle some of their biggest challenges.

Grant is a healthcare communications specialist, with over 18 years’ experience working in the UK, European and Global healthcare markets. He’s worked in award winning agencies, on a wide range of therapy areas and with the biggest pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Before agency life, he worked as a communications and patient engagement lead in the NHS, giving him a unique perspective on how best to engage audiences to ensure patients get the medicines they deserve.

Donna specialises in managing strategic communications programmes for a range of leading pharma and med-tech companies and has delivered award winning integrated campaigns for world class brands. She is an expert in bringing diverse groups together to make change in health a reality. Most recently, she played a leading role in setting up the Infection Management Coalition which brought together, pharma, med tech, professional bodies, and clinicians to tackle the ‘hidden pandemic’ of antibiotic resistance.

Dean Sowman, Senior Partner and Head of Health said: “After the best start to the year in the agency’s history, with a raft of big integrated policy and communications wins, I am delighted to welcome Grant and Donna to the team. Their extensive expertise in delivering award winning communications programmes adds extra firepower to our integrated offering. Our clients want in-depth policy knowledge and communications flair to work hand-in-hand to achieve business outcomes and, ultimately, to benefit patients and society.”
Donna Curran, said: “I am excited to be joining WA Health at this exciting time in its evolution, and building on the fantastic work that it has already achieved. The opportunity to be at the forefront of developing communications closely integrated to policy and government affairs is an exciting prospect. I believe the work we will do has the ability to improve the lives of many patients, through supporting the delivery of better treatment and healthcare.”
Grant Fisher, said: “I am extremely excited that Donna is joining me as we formally launch WA Health’s integrated offer. WA Health’s extensive policy and government affairs knowledge, combined with a commitment to enact meaningful change through communications is an exciting prospect and one I truly align with. I believe WA Health’s approach will ensure we are best placed to develop powerful campaigns, that will make positive change a reality.”

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Daniel Hearne joins WA to bolster Digital Team

In the newly-created Director of Digital role, digital communications specialist Daniel Hearne will draw on his experience as a campaigns specialist. Working with our 60-strong team, Daniel will drive forward WA’s digital offer ensuring it is at the heart of our clients’ campaigns.

Daniel joins us from the strategic advisory firm, Brunswick Group, where he advised and developed global digital corporate and consumer campaigns for clients across the technology, financial services, professional services, retail, and energy and resources sectors, supporting them to navigate and successfully communicate with their most important audiences on digital channels.

As part of the move, Daniel will work alongside our Deputy Managing Director and strategic communications specialist Laura Gabb and WA’s Creative team to further broaden our existing integrated campaigning capabilities.

Our recent works includes delivering digital campaigns for Sanofi to showcase the pharma giant’s sustainability strategy; developing social campaigns for the Institution of Civil Engineers; and producing a creative campaign film and report for Chiltern Railway to showcase their plans for an easier, greener and better future.

Daniel’s appointment is the latest in a series of senior hires and appointments – including Alison Clarke as our Chair, strategic communications specialist Laura Gabb who joined us as Deputy Managing Director; Cicero MD Tom Frackowiak, who joined to head up our Financial Services practice; former Times Transport Correspondent Philip Pank; and the appointment of Whitehall Permanent Secretary Sir Philip Rutnam, as Chair of our Advisory Board.

Commenting on his appointment, Daniel Hearne, Director of Digital, WA, said:

“In a complex, multi-stakeholder environment, businesses need to communicate with every relevant audience and maximise the number of channels and touchpoints to achieve policy outcomes and strengthen corporate reputations.
With WA’s strong background in delivering strategic communications campaigns, I am looking forward to working with our clients to ensure digital and social is at the heart of their campaigns.”

Dominic Church, Managing Director, WA, added:

“I’m delighted to welcome Daniel to WA.
His extensive experience in navigating and using digital channels to best achieve client outcomes will be a great asset to WA’s integrated approach.
Daniel’s appointment will be invaluable to our clients and team, as we pursue our ambition of becoming the UK’s leading independent strategic communications agency.”

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Alison Clarke appointed as WA Board Chair

One of the industry’s most experienced business leaders and c-suite communications advisers, Alison Clarke will work with our leadership team to further enhance our strategic communications offer.

In addition to leading Grayling’s UK & Ireland business, Alison was President of Weber Shandwick Asia Pacific for three years, and has served as the PRCA Chair and CIPR President.

Throughout her career, she has advised some of the world’s biggest brands, including British Airways, Diageo, MasterCard, McDonald’s, Nestle, and Unilever.

She has worked with WA since January 2022 as one of the agency’s senior advisors – joining leading journalist and broadcaster Steve Richards, and former Whitehall Permanent Secretary Sir Philip Rutnam, to provide strategic client counsel across the communications landscape.

In her new role as the board chair – a newly created position – she will work with colleagues across WA to drive continued integration of our public affairs, corporate communications, digital, creative and research services, reflecting our ambitions and growth plan to be the UK’s leading independent strategic communications business.

The move is one of several recent appointments, which have seen WA invest across a range of communications disciplines and secure significant in-depth sector expertise – including Tom Frackowiak joining from H/Advisors Cicero, to expand our financial service offer; former Times journalist Philip Pank adding nearly twenty year’s transport media experience; and newly appointed Deputy Managing Director Laura Gabb boosting our expertise in strategic communications campaigns.

We were listed as one of the UK’s top three public affairs agencies in this year’s PR Week Top 150 table, and have recently been awarded integration communications briefs from brands including RWE, Pfizer, the Institution of Civil Engineers, and Chiltern Rail.

Commenting on her expanded role, Alison Clarke said:

“I’ve already worked with WA for more than two years, and have seen first-hand the industry-leading integrated campaigns they deliver every day.
Now I’m excited to be taking on a wider role – drawing on my experience driving growth and impact for some of the world’s biggest communications agencies – to help the team continue to widen the scale, scope and success of that work.”

WA’s Managing Director, Dominic Church, added:

“Alison has played a key part in our recent growth, and I’m delighted that she’s able to widen her role with WA.
I know her global experience, first-hand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing high-profile brands, and cross-discipline communications expertise will be key to achieving our ambition of becoming the UK’s leading independent strategic communications agency.”

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Former Times transport correspondent Phil Pank joins WA

Philip Pank, an award-winning former Transport Correspondent for The Times, has joined WA as a Partner to drive integrated campaigns in aviation, rail and road, as the leading independent London agency strengthens its presence in the sector.

He will work with Marc Woolfson, a Partner and Head of Public Affairs – as well as Sir Philip Rutnam, the former Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport, who PR Week reported last month has joined WA as Chair of the agency’s Advisory Board.

The team will deliver integrated communications campaigns across the sector – building on the agency’s existing £1m+ roster of transport clients, which include Birmingham Airport, Stagecoach, the Cycle to Work Alliance and Street Works UK.

Commenting on his appointment, Philip Pank, Partner, WA, said:

“I’m super excited to join WA and help the agency build out its transport offer across disciplines. It’s a privilege to work with true experts in the field, such as Sir Philip Rutnam.
“This is a critical time for the transport sector as demand for travel rebounds, consumers chase value and low-emission options; while operators grapple with decarbonisation, hybrid working and the other macro trends shaping our lives.”

Dominic Church, Managing Director, WA, added:

“Welcoming Philip to WA significantly enhances our ability to help organisations achieve policy and reputational outcomes in an area where government action, media interest and public impact are often interlinked.
“I’m delighted to be able to bring his wide-ranging media skills and in-depth transport network to bear on our client campaigns, and work with him to further build our communications offer across the sector.”

Philip will also lead on the agency’s media training offer to clients across the business. He joins WA from Pagefield, where he provided senior counsel, strategy, narrative development, and crisis support to clients including British Airways, Qatar Airways, London City Airport, Hitachi Rail and micro-mobility provider TIER.

During almost a decade in consultancy, he has delivered the communications response to issues including major corporate restructures caused by the pandemic, a terror attack, environmental protests, the near collapse of an international airline, and an international doping scandal.

Philip was previously The Times’ Transport Correspondent, leading the paper’s coverage across aviation, rail, cycling, roads, and shipping. He won the National Transport Awards Media Campaign of the Year for the paper’s Cities Fit for Cycling campaign – hailed as “elevating the importance of cycling safety at all levels of government” – and was recognised at the Online Media Awards for the Best Use of Crowdsourcing / Citizen Journalism.

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Tom Frackowiak joins WA, heading financial services practice

We’re delighted to welcome Tom Frackowiak to WA, who joins as a Partner and Head of Financial Services.

Tom brings more than twenty year’s experience across the financial sector, and has played a leading role in shaping and developing the communications industry.

He moves to WA from Cicero, where he worked for more than twelve years, including a decade spent leading the firm’s UK public affairs business, he’s advised financial services clients ranging from high street banks and insurers, to investment and wealth management businesses, fintechs and trade bodies – including Accenture, AXA, Barclays, BlackRock, e-Toro, Just Group, Klarna, St. James’ Place, and The City UK.

He previously worked for Halifax Bank of Scotland, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and for the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mark Hoban MP and Shadow Business Minister, Iain Wright MP, through his work on the Business & Finance Parliamentary group.

In addition, he has been a member of the PRCA Public Affairs Committee’s Executive Committee, took part in the first CIPR & Taylor Bennett Foundation Diversity and Inclusion Reverse Mentoring Scheme, and participates in the Speakers for Schools programme.

At WA, Tom will lead and grow our dedicated financial services practice – building on our existing work across the sector, where a team including Natasha Egan-Sjodin, advise clients including global cryptocurrency network Ripple, leading accountancy firm KPMG, and Brink’s-owned ATM operator NoteMachine.

His appointment follows former Times Transport Correspondent Philip Pank joining us in August; and former Permanent Secretary Sir Philip Rutnam, who joined the WA advisory board in May,

Commenting on his appointment, Tom Frackowiak, Partner and Head of Financial Services, WA, said:

“It’s an exciting time to join WA. I’ve long admired its integrated strategic communications offer, and I’m looking forward to drawing on this expertise from across the agency, to help more firms in the financial services sector achieve their policy and reputational outcomes”.

Dominic Church, Managing Director, WA, added:

“I’m delighted to welcome Tom to WA. As one of the leading communications consultants in the UK, he’s well positioned to help us expand our financial services work and build a truly unique, market-leading practice in the sector”.

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WA Communications wins prestigious Public Affairs and Policy Consultancy at the 2023 Communiqué Awards

The health practice of WA Communications is delighted to have been recognised for its industry leading team after another outstanding year. This year’s win marks a significant milestone for the agency’s health team. Having won the Small Consultancy Award in 2022, it has now claimed the highly coveted title of Public Affairs and Policy Consultancy of the Year.

The prestigious Communiqué Awards was celebrating its 25th year of recognsing excellence and innovation in the healthcare communications industry.

Commenting on this achievement, Head of Health at WA Communications, Caroline Gordon, said:

“Winning the Public Affairs and Policy Consultancy of the Year is a testament to our team’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and strategic counsel to our clients. It underscores our industry-leading position and serves as a testament to the trust placed in us by our clients. We couldn’t be more delighted.”

WA Health Partner Dean Sowman said:

“We are really pleased that the judges recognised our strengths, highlighting our focus on impact and dedication to developing our team. It’s what we’re most proud of and what stands us out in such a strong market.”

2022 was another standout year for the agency. Highlights include expanding our roster of clients to include GambleAware, Janssen and AbbVie; growing the team to 17 healthcare communications specialists, and broadening our offer increasingly into communications and digital.

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Dean Sowman Promoted to Head of Health

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Dean Sowman to the position of Head of Health within our highly acclaimed Health Practice, and Caroline Gordon’s move to Senior Advisor. Dean’s promotion comes in recognition of his leadership and contribution to the Practice’s record growth since he joined in 2019.

Caroline Gordon, who has spent five years as Partner and Head of Health, will continue to provide strategic counsel and guidance to its growing roster of blue-chip clients.

Alongside Caroline, Dean has been responsible for the Health Team’s record expansion, growing revenues fourfold since 2019. As Head of Health, Dean Sowman will assume responsibility for driving the continued success of the Practice, which has evolved from a modest four-member unit to a talented group of seventeen professionals.

WA’s Head of Health Dean Sowman said:

“I’m delighted to lead WA’s Health practice as we continue to expand our offer to clients and our brilliant people. This is a hugely exciting time for the business. We have had successive years of growth, driven by our integrated approach and a relentless focus on impact for clients.”

WA Communications’ is renowned for its integrated communications approach, and the multi award-winning Health Practice is at the forefront of this comprehensive offering, encompassing communications, media, policy, public affairs, and creative capabilities. Dean Sowman will be joined in the Health Team’s Leadership group by Senior Director, Rebecca Brake and Associate Directors Alice Inch and Lloyd Tingley.

Commenting, Dominic Church, WA’s Managing Director said:

“I am delighted to announce Dean’s promotion to Head of Health. He has been an invaluable asset to WA Communications and has played an instrumental role in the success and growth of our Health Practice”
“Dean’s deep understanding of the healthcare sector, coupled with his strategic thinking, complex problem solving and leadership skills, make him the ideal candidate to lead our Health Practice as we continue to develop our integrated offer.”
“Caroline is an exceptional business leader and she will be working closely with Dean and I as a Senior Adviser, as we shape this next phase in WA’s offer.”

Commenting, Caroline Gordon said:

“After five years heading WA’s Health practice, it felt like the right time to hand over the reins, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of building a portfolio career that draws on the expertise and experience I’ve gained at the agency.
I’m delighted that part of that portfolio will be continuing to work with the team and clients at WA, as a strategic counsel on issues across the public affairs, policy and communications landscape.”

Dean Sowman has a proven track record in healthcare communications, with extensive experience in developing and executing integrated strategies for a diverse range of clients. He advises clients on complex policy and market access programmes, disease awareness campaigns and crisis management. His expertise has helped WA Communications secure major client wins, including Sanofi, Gilead, Janssen, Jazz, AbbVie, Roche, Gamble Aware, Guide Dogs, and Astellas.

This news coincides with other significant developments within WA Communications. The company has bolstered its senior advisory capabilities with the appointments of Sir Philip Rutnam as Chair of the WA Advisory Board and Mike Bell, Chair of SW London ICB, who will provide invaluable guidance and insights to the Health Team.

With Dean Sowman’s leadership, the Health Practice at WA Communications is poised to build upon its strong foundation and continue delivering exceptional strategic communications solutions to clients in the healthcare sector. The team remains committed to providing innovative, impactful, and tailored approaches that drive positive change and foster meaningful engagement.

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NHS Leader Joins WA Communications Advisory Board

We are pleased to announce the appointment of NHS leader Mike Bell to our growing advisory board. Mike Bell brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the healthcare sector, having served in various senior roles within the NHS.

Mike is currently Chair of NHS South West London Integrated Care Board and Chair of Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust.

With over 25 years of NHS board level experience, including more than a decade on strategic health authority boards, including as vice-chair of NHS London, Mike brings a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape to his advisory role. Previously, he served as the Chair of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, playing a pivotal role in improving healthcare services in the Croydon area.

Our specialist health practice offers integrated services in public affairs, corporate communications, digital, research, and creative services. Current clients include life sciences companies including Sanofi, AbbVie and Roche, as well as charities and patient groups including Guide Dogs and Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Mike Bell’s appointment to the advisory board further strengthens our commitment to providing strategic counsel in the healthcare sector.

WA’s advisory board is chaired by Sir Philip Rutnam – former Permanent Secretary at the Home Office and Department of Transport, and founding Partner of Ofcom. It also draws together senior figures from the communications industry, Westminster, the media, and the health sector, including former CEO of Grayling UK Alison Clarke, and broadcaster & journalist Steve Richards.

Commenting on the appointment, Caroline Gordon, Partner and Head of WA Communications’ health team said,

“I am delighted to welcome Mike to our team. His extensive experience and strategic insight in the NHS and medtech sectors will be invaluable in delivering senior counsel to our clients in health and life sciences. WA is now even better equipped to navigate the complex and changing landscape of healthcare delivery and drive meaningful outcomes for our clients.”

Mike Bell added,

“I am delighted to be joining WA Communications at this exciting time. As a member of WA Communications’ advisory board, I look forward to using my experience from two decades in the healthcare sector to provide strategic guidance that helps clients partner effectively with the NHS.”

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UK’s largest power generator, RWE, appoints WA Communications to lead integrated strategic comms brief

Energy giant RWE, which produces around 15% of the country’s electricity, has appointed WA Communications to lead a two-year-long integrated communications programme, following a competitive pitch process.

WA – ranked as one of the UK’s Top 3 Public Affairs agencies in this year’s PR Week’s Top 150 table – will be supporting RWE as they look to work closely with the Government to deliver on its energy independence, affordability and Net Zero ambitions.

With a diverse operational portfolio of renewables and gas, RWE is at the forefront of delivering the UK’s Net Zero transition – and leading the way in cutting edge energy technology such as Carbon Capture and Hydrogen.

The wide-ranging brief will cover both political engagement and corporate communications, building on WA’s experience in integrated strategic communications, and leverages the firm’s deep energy expertise – with RWE joining its extensive roster of existing clients across the sector, including energy storage company Eaton, and clean-tech innovator Enertechnos.

Commenting, Dominic Church, WA’s Managing Director said:

“Energy is in the political and media spotlight like never before, and the Government needs to show it is acting to address well-publicised energy security and affordability concerns of voters – while at the same time maintaining progress against Net Zero targets.
“This puts an enormous onus on the energy industry to be providing solutions now to the current Government, while Labour is increasingly eager for industry input to flesh out their ambitious green energy plans ahead of the upcoming election.
“RWE sits right at the heart of this challenge, and we’re hugely excited to have been brought on board to deliver an integrated programme of work, as they look to navigate the turbulent months to come for the industry.”

Alice Barrs, RWE’s Head of UK Policy and Public Affairs said:

“We knew from the outset that we needed an agency that would take an integrated approach to the challenges RWE were facing as the UK looks to transition to Net Zero, and ahead of a General Election most likely next year.
“With its deep roots into Labour, and the team’s energy sector expertise – across both public affairs and comms – we knew that WA would be a great fit for this programme of work.”

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Former Permanent Secretary Sir Philip Rutnam joins WA’s Advisory Board

Formerly one of the UK’s most senior civil servants, Sir Philip joins the Advisory Board as its Chair, and will provide strategic advice on the inner workings of Whitehall as we approach the general election and potential change of government.

WA’s advisory board draws together senior figures from the communications industry, Westminster, the media, and the health sector, including former CEO of Grayling UK Alison Clarke; Chair of NHS South West London Integrated Care Board and Chair of Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust, Mike Bell; and broadcaster & journalist Steve Richards.

Having previously served as the Permanent Secretary of the UK Home Office, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport, acting Permanent Secretary at the Department for Business, and as one of the founders of Ofcom, Sir Philip brings an unrivalled understanding of government operations and policy-making processes. His distinguished career spans over three decades, during which he held several high-profile positions within the British civil service.

Sir Philip’s expertise in governance, risk management, and policy implementation will be invaluable in advising WA Communications’ clients on navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.

Commenting on the appointment, Dominic Church, Managing Director, WA Communications said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Sir Philip Rutnam to our advisory board, His extensive experience and deep knowledge of government operations will further enhance our consultancy’s capabilities, enabling us to provide our clients with even more comprehensive and strategic advice across multiple sectors. Sir Philip’s appointment reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality counsel and unmatched insights to our valued clients.”

Sir Philip added:

“WA’s advisory board reflects the breadth of strategic advice that the agency as a whole is able to provide, and the policy and reputational outcomes it achieves. I’m delighted to be able to add my experience to this, as we approach what could be a significant time of change in Westminster, and for organisations across the country”.

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WA Health named Small Consultancy of the Year at the Communiqué Awards

Following a brilliant 2021, we are thrilled to have been named Small Consultancy of the Year at the 2022 Communiqué Awards.

The award comes as WA Health achieved 128% growth and expanded the team from nine to 16 last year.

We were proud to accomplish this growth while maintaining a fantastic team spirit. Onboarding almost half a new team during a pandemic was challenging, but our deep shared commitment to creating a collaborative, supportive and fun working environment gave us real collective strength.

The Communiqué Awards judges said:

“WA clearly demonstrated the impact of their communication programmes, which combine research, strategy and creativity to tackle life-changing issues and deliver outstanding results for their clients.”
We look forward to continuing to deliver thought-provoking, evidence-based work, providing robust challenge and getting to the heart of our clients’ most pressing needs.

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WA Communications bolsters corporate comms function with new hire

WA Communications has hired seasoned government communicator Rachel Ford as an Associate Director in their Strategic Communications practice.

Rachel is a media relations specialist with extensive experience working at the heart of government to promote policy, manage reputation and influence public opinion.

She joins WA after over seven years working on some of the most sensitive and high-profile issues in Whitehall, most recently running the press office at the Ministry of Defence. Rachel also spent several years at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and before joining government worked in PR where she brought health, charity and travel campaigns to life.

Rachel will now bring her in-depth knowledge of policy development, crisis comms and reputation management to bolster the corporate comms function within WA’s Strategic Communications team, which continues to go from strength to strength, with WA having seen 45% year on year growth across the agency.

Lee Findell, Partner and Head of Corporate Communications, WA Communications, said:

“Rachel brings a wealth of government, policy and media relations experience to WA and is a fantastic addition to our Strategic Communications team as we continue to grow our integrated, insight-led comms offer.
“Rachel will be invaluable in helping clients navigate the political and media landscape to make sure their messages are heard by the right people, at the right time.”

Rachel Ford, Associate Director, Strategic Communications, said:

“From energy and the housing market to health and the cost of living, WA helps clients navigate some of the biggest issues facing businesses and society today.
“I look forward to working with clients on these knotty issues to make sure messaging is relevant, targeted and can bring about real and lasting change.”

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Former Special Adviser Amy Fisher joins WA Communications

Following 45% year on year growth across the agency, Amy has joined WA as a Director in the Strategic Communications practice, as WA continues to broaden its political insights and strategic counsel.

Amy will play a key role in servicing client accounts across the business, with a focus on providing insight and senior advice for clients on around issues and reputation management and crisis comms.

The creation of the Strategic Communications practice last year came amid not only strong growth for WA, but also with high profile new business wins including Novo Nordisk, Newcastle University, Landmark Information Group, Roadchef, Edenred, and Simplyhealth. The new offering draws on the strengths of both Corporate Communications and Public Affairs teams to further strengthen WA’s reputation for outcome-based results for clients.

Amy has joined WA after spending time, since 2010, in senior roles in government as a Special Adviser in four different Whitehall departments (Northern Ireland Office, Home Office, Ministry of Justice, Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs), and as Director of Communications for the Conservative Party. Latterly, she has joined WA from the think tank Policy Exchange, where she was Director of Policy and Communications. Amy has worked previously in the private sector, including at Google, but laid her roots in Westminster, working in Conservative HQ’s press office, at the outset of her career.

Marc Woolfson, Partner and Head of Public Affairs, WA Communications, said:

“Amy is a hugely respected political figure and we’re delighted to welcome her as we build our senior team. She will bring unparalleled insight to our Strategic Comms practice, both from a political and media standpoint. This unique blend of expertise is a perfect fit for WA as we continue to develop our team of experts and create more holistic offerings for our clients, rooted in deep insight.”

Amy Fisher, Director, Strategic Communications, said:

“It’s clear that there are significant challenges ahead for the country; at such a time, it’s even more important that clients receive properly integrated PR and PA support, and carefully thought-through advice.
“I hope to add significant value to WA’s pedigree in the public affairs landscape, and combined with my experience in communications, and crisis comms, contribute to WA’s truly blended offering across the market. I look forward to helping clients navigate their way forward.”

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Natasha Egan-Sjodin wins Mark of Excellence at the CIPR Awards 2022

We are extremely proud of WA’s Natasha Egan-Sjodin for winning the Mark of Excellence award in the Outstanding Young Communicator of the Year category, at last night’s CIPR 2022 awards ceremony.

The highly regarded award commends the outstanding work of young professionals in the industry who are making a valuable contribution to the organisations they work for and show considerable promise in their future career.

Natasha’s triumph is recognition of her many work-related achievements, hard-fought campaign wins, and her contributions to the wider industry – a well-deserved win!

We thoroughly enjoyed the evening celebrating excellence in the UK’s PR industry and offer our congratulations to all the winners.

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Award-winning political commentator, Steve Richards, joins WA’s advisory board

WA Communications has today announced that political commentator, author and presenter, Steve Richards, will join its advisory board, bolstering the breadth of strategic insight and counsel to be offered to clients. 

Steve has written political columns for the Sunday Times, Guardian, Financial Times, and Independent. He’s a regular commentator on Sky and BBC.

In addition to providing political intelligence and strategic counsel to WA’s extensive client roster, Richards will support WA in thought-leadership and media training.

Dominic Church, Managing Director, WA Communications says: “Steve is a hugely respected political figure and we’re delighted to welcome him at what is an incredibly exciting time for WA following a strong string of client wins. He will bring unparalleled insight to our advisory board, both from a political and media standpoint. This unique blend of expertise is a perfect fit for WA as we continue to develop our team of experts and create more holistic offerings for our clients, rooted in deep insight.”  

Steve Richards, Senior Advisor, WA Communications says: “I’ve been really impressed with WA’s strong growth and the expertise and commitment of its staff. At a time when politics is extraordinarily turbulent, I’m hugely looking forward to lending my experience and expertise to this dynamic and rapidly growing team.” 

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Archive for the ‘News’ Category

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WA wins Communications Consultancy of the Year at the 2024 Communiqué Awards

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WA Communications wins prestigious Public Affairs and Policy Consultancy at the 2023 Communiqué Awards

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Former Special Adviser Amy Fisher joins WA Communications

Natasha Egan-Sjodin wins Mark of Excellence at the CIPR Awards 2022

We are extremely proud of WA’s Natasha Egan-Sjodin for winning the Mark of Excellence award in the Outstanding Young Communicator of the Year category, at last night’s CIPR 2022 awards ceremony.

Award-winning political commentator, Steve Richards, joins WA’s advisory board

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