Our Insights
Our toolkit covers public and regulatory affairs, corporate and marketing communications. Along with our deep sectoral knowledge, which spans financial services, healthcare, technology and sustainability, we provide our clients with deep insight into the political, regulatory, media and brand landscapes.
Please find a few of these insights below.
Speak to an expert
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Iain Anderson
Founding Partner & Executive Chairman
iain.anderson@h-advisors.global
https://twitter.com/iain_w_anderson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/iain-w-anderson/?originalSubdomain=uk
Iain is a Founding Partner and Executive Chairman of H/Advisors Cicero. He has over 30 years' experience as a political adviser, business journalist and CEO and Board-level counsel for some of the world’s leading business and not for profit organisations. He focuses on corporate strategy and messaging. His clients have included Barclays, Unum, Blackrock, Royal Mail, General Electric, The Oversight Board, Legal and General, and American Express.
In the last year, Iain led an independent review for the Labour Party – “A New Partnership” – exploring a long-term plan for how industry and Government can work together.
He was ranked in 2022 and 2024 as the No1 lobbyist in the UK in the PR Week Power Book. CityAM also includes him in the list of “The City’s most influential financial PRs” voted by business editors.
Iain believes passionately in workplace opportunity and was appointed as the UKs first ever LGBTQ+ Business Champion by the UK Government in 2021. He is also a non-executive director of Innovate Finance – the members body for the global fintech sector. He is a non-executive member of the Court of the University of St Andrews.. He serves on the City of London Corporation Competitiveness Advisory Board and is one of the Financial Times Global 100 LGBTQ Executives and the Financial Times Allies of Women in Business.
Iain worked initially as a business journalist and then as a founding shareholder at Incisive Media. Iain is a former Chairman of the Association of Professional Political Consultants and the CIPR Public Affairs group. He is a Fellow of the CIPR and the PRCA and is a Freeman of the City of London. He has served on the International Advisory Board of the Institute of Business Ethics and the Advisory Board of the Queen Elizabeth II Garden in New York. -
Mark Twigg
Founding Partner & Chief Executive Officer
mark.twigg@h-advisors.global
https://twitter.com/ciceroglobal
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-twigg-3ba9981/?originalSubdomain=uk
Mark is a Founding Partner and current CEO of H/Advisors Cicero. He has amassed over 25 years’ experience delivering public policy, media, market research, and brand campaigns for some of the world’s leading business organisations. His work increasingly focusses on ESG and sustainability issues. His clients have included Accenture, General Electric, Novartis, Gilead, BlackRock, Barclays, BNP Paribas, HSBC, and AXA. He has also worked for several governments including the UK, Japan, Switzerland, Malta, and Colombia. He has a truly global perspective, having worked with clients in more than 50 countries.
An active campaigner on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Mark leads Havas UK's work on promoting mental health and disability workplace inclusion. He has worked with the UK Government’s Inclusive Economy Partnership and the Disability Access to Insurance working group. He currently sits on the PIMFA DEI Committee and is a regular public speaker on LGBT, mental health, and disability inclusion. He was recognised in the Inside Out / Sunday Times workplace mental health ‘Leader Board’.
Previously, Mark worked for the UK Labour Government between 1997-1999 for both the Rt. Hon Nick Brown MP and the Rt. Hon John Reid MP. He also worked as an adviser to the UK Treasury-sponsored Bischoff Review on the international competitiveness of the UK financial services sector. Mark worked in-house as a lobbyist for the RBS insurance brands, serving on several ABI and CEA (Insurance Europe) Committees. He has also been an active member of AmCham EU serving on the tax and financial services committees. Mark helped to establish the International Financial Centres Forum and advised the Swiss Bankers Association for 12 years. His experience includes working in London, Brussels, Singapore, New York, and Washington DC. -
Helena Walsh
Senior Partner & EU Consulting Lead
helena.walsh@h-advisors.global
https://twitter.com/ciceroglobal
https://www.linkedin.com/in/helena-walsh-8b09a09/
Helena leads H/Advisors Cicero's European team and is a member of the Executive team. She has twenty years’ experience working on Government and EU policy issues – financial services, digital, environmental, energy and trade. Before joining H/Advisors Cicero, Helena was a Political Functionnaire on the European Parliament Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee. She also headed up the EU department at the Irish Industrial Development Agency (IDA Ireland). She began her career in the European Commission.
Helena provides senior counsel to clients – FTSE, scale ups and trade associations - on technical policy issues in addition to multi-country campaign strategy and planning on the EU legislative processes. She has worked hand in hand with client teams winning amendments that lead to significant economic, social and commercial gains for clients and their customers/stakeholders.
She has won awards: voted European Consultant of the Year at the European Public Affairs Awards and has been listed as one of the Top 40 Rising Stars of the Trading and Technology Industry by Financial News (2014).
She holds a Master’s degree in European Social Policy Analysis and has previously lived in Denmark and Japan. -
Andrew Roberts
Senior Partner & Chief Creative Officer
andrew.roberts@h-advisors.global
https://twitter.com/ciceroglobal
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/andrew-roberts-b964b332
Andrew is a Senior Partner and Chief Creative Officer at H/Advisors Cicero and is responsible for overseeing our thought leadership and creative campaigns across brand and marketing, media and policy audiences – inclusive of campaign strategy, message development, research, copywriting and digital design. With over 15-years of experience Andrew’s clients have spanned a range of sectors that include financial and professional services, health and pharma, technology, energy and infrastructure. His clients have included Aegon, Legal & General, BCLP Law, Kennedys Law, Baird Global Investment Bank, Accenture, Becton Dickinson, Fresenius Kabi and Microsoft – with his experience spanning the UK, US, LATAM, EMEA and Asia.
Andrew also represents H/Advisors Cicero within the Havas Genus Sustainability Network, which brings together a broad set of capabilities that businesses require to address their sustainability practices.
Andrew has a research and data analytics background, and has extensive experience in delivering both quantitative and qualitative insight for clients across thought leadership and marcomms campaigns, branding, new product development, proposition testing and market insight projects. He previously held the position of Head of Research at H/Advisors Cicero and holds the MRS Advanced Certificate for Market & Social Research Practice. -
Alen Hristov
Associate Partner & Tech Sector Lead
alen.hristov@h-advisors.global
https://twitter.com/ciceroglobal
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alen-hristov-a706a1121/
Alen is an Associate Partner & Tech Sector Lead in our Brussels office. Over the past five years, Alen has been advising a wide range of clients in the tech space, including manufacturers, software providers, online platforms, cybersecurity firms, telecom & tower companies, and cloud providers, amongst others. His previous experience includes positions in foreign policy and national politics as well as think tank and research roles, focusing on technological developments, emerging trends, public policy, and EU politics, amongst others.
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Susan Keogh
Partner & Corporate Communications Team Lead
susan.keogh@h-advisors.global
https://twitter.com/ciceroglobal
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-keogh-31429b172/
A senior Communications Consultant with H/Advisors Cicero, Susan brings 16 years’ experience as a journalist in national media to her role. Susan is an experienced public relations and public affairs practitioner with a unique understanding of Ireland’s media and political landscape and an extensive contact list. Her area of expertise is helping clients develop the most effective strategy for communicating, engaging, and building profile in the media and with all relevant stakeholders. Years behind the microphone has also equipped Susan to deliver valuable media training to her clients. She works with the Irish government, PayPal, Swappie, Kellogg’s and RTE.
Susan has always been inspired by other people’s stories. In 2020, Susan co-wrote the bestselling book ‘With Hope In Your Heart’ with Martina Cox whose husband Sean sustained a severe brain injury in a brutal, unprovoked attack outside Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium in 2018. Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp wrote the foreword for the book and launched it in Dublin. Susan continues to hold a passion for storytelling in her current role working closely with organisations in Ireland and internationally. She is also an experienced public speaker and emcee and contributes to news and current affairs panels on radio and television.
Previously, Susan enjoyed a long career as a broadcast journalist in national radio in Ireland. She began her career in local radio before moving on to become a news reporter and anchor at national level. She also presented her own award-winning news and current affairs programme. In 2020 Susan was awarded two gold IMRO radio awards for News Broadcaster of the Year and Best News Programme. -
Emma Turnbull
Director
emma.turnbull@h-advisors.global
https://twitter.com/ciceroglobal
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-turnbull-84a2aa13b/
Emma is a Director specialising in healthcare public affairs. She has experience creating and delivering integrated campaigns for pharmaceutical companies, healthcare services businesses and patient charities. Since joining H/Advisors Cicero Emma’s clients have included Boehringer, Ipsen, UCB and Novartis. Her time is spent on a combination of UK, EU and globally focused projects.
Emma was elected as a Councillor and Leader of the Labour Group on St Albans City and District Council in May 2024. She is also a dedicated volunteer, giving up her time to support local and national health charities including Keech Hospice Care, Mind in Herts and ME Research.
Before joining H/Advisors Cicero, Emma worked for a global healthcare company overseeing government relations for five businesses, including a medicines wholesaler, a community pharmacy contractor, and a clinical homecare provider. Whilst in this role, Emma chaired the Company Chemists’ Association’s external relations group and helped manage the activity of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pharmacy. Earlier in her career, Emma spent time in a Labour MP’s office and worked at a healthcare specialist communications firm, managing a range of corporate, pharmaceutical, and med-tech accounts. -
Elizabeth Tomlin
Partner & UK Public Affairs Team Lead
elizabeth.tomlin@h-advisors.global
https://twitter.com/ciceroglobal
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-tomlin-33834533/
Lizzy is Partner and UK Public Affairs Team Lead at H/Advisors where she leads the team to ensure clients are serviced to a high quality and the correct team structures are in place to deliver a market-leading offer. Alongside this role, Lizzy assists several FTSE250 clients across legislative affairs, financial services policy and consumer policy. Her clients have included Barclays UK, American Express, Klarna, Santander UK and AXA UK. As part of the H/Advisors Exchange Programme, Lizzy spent four weeks in Washington D.C. with H/Advisors Abernathy working on U.S. Public Affairs and building relationships across the pond.
Lizzy is an active campaigner on diversity and inclusion in public affairs and is Chief Operating Officer on the Executive Committee of the Women in Public Affairs (WiPA) Network. As part of this role, Lizzy leads Executive Committee meetings and leads the Committee’s engagement with over 2,000 members. Lizzy is also active in the Liberal Democrats and campaigns locally in south west London.
Lizzy started her career working for two Liberal Democrat MPs – Paul Burstow MP and Adrian Sanders MP - in Westminster during the Coalition Government. Prior to joining H/Advisors Cicero, Lizzy worked for a political consultancy firm specialising in local government and planning. Here she worked on various planning applications across the UK on behalf of large-scale residential developers, whilst circumnavigating local politics. -
Simon Fitzpatrick
Partner
simon.fitzpatrick@h-advisors.global
https://twitter.com/ciceroglobal
https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-fitzpatrick-632b787a/
Simon is a Partner of UK Public Affairs at H/Advisors Cicero. He joined the business in October 2010 and now serves as part of the senior leadership team. Simon has particular specialisms in pensions and retirement, asset management and insurance having worked with the likes of AXA, Fidelity, Just Group, NOW: Pensions and the BT Pension Scheme. Outside of financial services, he has worked with a diverse array of clients which includes DHL, the Health Food Manufacturers’ Association, the APPG for Connected and Automated Vehicles and Royal Mail.
Simon takes a strong interest in the politics of the Labour Party and has written a number of reports on the party’s policy development and internal dynamics during his time at Cicero. He is a longstanding member of Labour in the City and has previously served on its management committee. Simon’s other core interests include Scottish politics, having led Cicero’s analysis for clients during the 2014 independence referendum, and electoral politics and polling, having served as Editor of our Cicero Elections microsite during two General Elections and the EU Referendum.
Prior to joining H/Advisors Cicero, Simon worked for a senior Scottish Labour MP. He holds a Masters degree in Political Communication from the University of Glasgow. Simon is a frequent writer for political and financial media, currently writing a regular politics column for Money Marketing, and having also written for Huffington Post, LabourList, Economia and CityWire. He is also a qualified mental health first aider with Mental Health First Aid England and has been a mentor as part of the 30% Club. -
Aideen Ginnell
Partner & Health Sector Lead
aideen.ginnell@h-advisors.global
https://twitter.com/ciceroglobal
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aideenginnell/
Aideen is a communications specialist with experience in corporate, commercial and government communications management. With a B.A in European Studies and M.A in Political Communications, she has over eight years of professional experience in public affairs and communications.
Before joining H/Advisors Cicero, Aideen worked as a Senior Consultant with Hanover Communications and previously Cullen Communications where she managed accounts for multi-national clients’ providing detailed public relations, government and industry consultancy. -
Alice McLaren Blade
Associate Partner
alice.mclaren@h-advisors.global
https://twitter.com/ciceroglobal
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicemclaren/
Alice is an Associate Partner at H/Advisors Cicero. She brings a wealth of experience across various sectors, including financial services, technology, and insurance. Alice is adept at navigating complex communication challenges and delivering impactful solutions for her clients. Her expertise spans a wide range of disciplines, including media relations, stakeholder engagement, policy communications, and internal communications. Alice has a proven track record of advising clients on multifaceted issues, helping them achieve their communication and business objectives and enhance their reputations. Alice has successfully guided diverse organisations, from education and energy to regulated industries and global brands.
Beyond her client work, Alice is a passionate advocate for education and inclusion. She actively contributes her expertise to various charities and associations, including initiatives to engage minority groups through sports and providing counsel to schools seeking to enhance funding and educational quality.
Prior to joining H/Advisors Cicero, Alice advised listed and private companies, ranging from FTSE 350 companies to agile SMEs. Her background encompasses a broad spectrum of corporate communication challenges, including IPOs, fundraising, mergers and acquisitions, and the development and execution of impactful corporate campaigns. Her clients included industrial companies, mining and energy organisations, educational institutions and financial services firms. -
Adam Taylor
Senior Partner & Financial Services Sector Lead
adam.taylor@h-advisors.global
https://twitter.com/ciceroglobal
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-taylor-57574523/
Adam Taylor is Senior Partner and Financial Services Sector Lead at H/Advisors Cicero. With more than a decade’s experience, Adam works closely with clients to help develop and execute communications strategies. This work includes building profiles of new businesses and individuals, launching media and policy campaigns as well as supporting reputational issues.
In the ten years he has been working at Cicero, he has focused on building strong relationships with journalists to not only help introduce clients and build relationships, but also to understand the changing nature of journalism and newsrooms, as well as emerging media – and how this affects PR and news management. He works closely with Cicero’s public affairs and campaigns team to enhance the strategies of clients through lobbying and research.
Adam has worked with clients across financial and professional services, technology, third sector and health including LINK, the Access to Cash Review, Laybuy and Kroll.
Adam originally trained as a journalist and worked in newsrooms and TV development.
He is most content watching and talking about cricket and Manchester United. -
John Rowland
Senior Partner & UK Consulting Lead
john.rowland@h-advisors.global
https://twitter.com/ciceroglobal
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rowland-a52a3414/
John leads the UK Public Affairs team at H/Advisors Cicero. A strategic communications consultant with 17 years’ experience working in London and Washington D.C., he has advised clients in financial and professional services, technology, global hospitality, defence and mining industries. He is known for his work on complex issues in highly regulated markets. He was named 2023 Public Affairs Professional of the Year in the PR Week UK Corporate, City and Public Affairs Awards. At the time of his award, PR Week said “the respected agency figure has built a formidable reputation, reflected in the value that clients place on his insightful and strategic counsel and proactive, enthusiastic style.”
He is a member of the Executive Committee of the PRCA Public Affairs Board and is a freeman of the Company of Communicators, the City of London livery company for PR professionals. John is a non-executive director of Churches Mutual, a workplace credit union for employees and trustees of Britain’s churches. He is member of the Advisory Board of the Managing Partners Forum, which promotes management excellence in the professional services sector. He is a keen BBQ chef, aviation enthusiast, husband to Marie and dad to two young boys.
Starting at the firm in 2006 as a graduate, John has been instrumental building his team into one of top-rated in London (#2 in 2022 PR Week rankings and finalist for Public Affairs Agency of the Year in the 2023 PR Week CCPA awards). He is an engaging and entertaining speaker, who regularly contributes to industry conferences and webinars. He has degrees from the London School of Economics and University College London.
