The key questions are: whom do you need to speak to, when and how? And, most crucially, what are your key messages: ‘asks’ should be evidenced and resonate with decision makers. SBPC can help your strategic political engagement by providing advice and answers to all these questions.

Politics is primarily a battle of words: policy solutions therefore need to be well-researched to have credibility. Authoritative analysis and insight can help create a compelling case for the idea or the organisation in question. Winning the endorsement of other ‘influencers’ also helps immeasurably.

Politics is about networking but not for its own sake. Identifying, and engaging with, the real ‘infuencers’ is critical. Often there are considerable benefits in working with others to build a coalition or partnership to make the case for a compelling idea. Collaboration is central to success.

Private high level roundtables can be an effective way of building support for your ‘ask’ and for engaging with key decision makers. Party Conference fringe meetings, Parliamentary receptions and dinners also all have their benefits. SBPC will always aim to make them as focussed, productive and affordable as possible.