Paul provides advice and counsel to a wide range of companies and organisations but over the years has developed an expertise in financial services. An industry veteran, he helps clients develop and implement strategy, tactics, messaging and policy in order to achieve specific commercial and campaign objectives.

Politically non-partisan, but always fascinated by how government works, how policy is developed and how to influence it, he began his career over 20 years ago with one of the first public affairs consultancies in the UK – the Russell Partnership – after completing a BSc in Government, Politics and Modern History.

It was the best apprenticeship he could have hoped for – a small firm of 7 people with big clients where he was immediately working for household names like Kellogg, Philips, British American Tobacco, Bass and Forte on both UK and EU issues.

When the Russell Partnership was sold in 1996 Paul joined the newly created Bell Pottinger Public Affairs, steadily rising to the position of Director. The longest serving member of the company, Paul has worked on clients as diverse as 118 118, the National Association of Head Teachers, O2, the States of Guernsey and the John Paul Getty Trust. He has, though, developed a specialism in finance related issues. He advised HSBC Group for almost a decade, spending two years in-house kick starting a new approach to the bank’s UK and EU public affairs. He has also advised Permira, Barclaycard, Citigroup, Bank of Ireland, Provident Financial and other companies and organisations in the sector.

Paul holds strong views on the important role of public affairs in helping companies communicate effectively with government, as well as the role of ethics, professionalism and transparency within the industry.

Away from work he enjoys trying to play the guitar, skiing, playing golf in the sun, reading, the odd bit of karaoke and computer games.