The National Express Group plc has appointed Bell Pottinger Public Affairs, following a competitive tendering process, to advise on its national public affairs programme. BPPA’s remit includes providing strategic counsel, support with stakeholder engagement, and working with National Express to promote its travel portfolio.

The National Express account will be headed by BPPA Director of Political Communications, Jonny Oates, with BPPA Chairman Peter Bingle providing strategic counsel.

BPPA Director Jonny Oates said:

“We are delighted that National Express has chosen BPPA to work with them on this very exciting brief. National Express runs the only national transport network in the UK and is a strong brand with high levels of customer affinity..”

Alan Hyde, Head of Public Affairs at National Express UK, said of the appointment:

“We have consolidated our agency support and look forward to working with Bell Pottinger to drive our public affairs programme forwards, contributing to public policy and promoting our vision to make travel simpler. We will be highlighting our proven track record of value, reliability, service and sustainability across our rail, express coach and bus interests to multiple stakeholders.“

The National Express Group plc is an international public transport company, serving over a billion customers a year worldwide. It has an annual turnover of £2.5 billion. National Express’s principal business interests are UK Rail, Bus and Express Coach.