

Stuart Thomson
Head of Public Affairs
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Location
London
Profile
Services
Stuart is a public affairs and communications specialist advising clients on all elements of their public affairs strategies including political and corporate communications and reputation management. He is a CIPR Chartered PR Practitioner (Chart. PR).
His work also includes consultation and planning communications and he has advised on a number of high profile media relations and crisis communications programmes.
Stuart is an honorary research fellow at the University of Aberdeen and is the author of several books including ‘New Activism and the Corporate Response‘ (heralded as a book that “every aspiring business leader should read” by MIS Asia), ‘Public Affairs in Practice’ and ‘The Dictionary of Labour Quotations‘. His most recently published book, ‘Public Affairs: A Global Perspective’ has been called ‘an absolute treasure-trove’ and is a recommended read by the Government Communication Service (GCS).
Stuart regularly writes and lectures on a range of business and political issues and as well as blogging for BDB Pitmans he contributes to the Huffington Post and has written for the CBI, (former) UKTI, Total Politics and LabourList. He is also an adviser to the Entrepreneurs Network (TEN) and a regular speaker and chair at conferences.
He has appeared on Sky News, BBC 5 Live, BBC World, the Today programme and on Ukrainian TV and has been a judge for the Public Affairs News, PR Week, Public Affairs and the European Public Affairs awards.
Stuart won the ‘Best Current Affairs Influencer’ category at Vuelio’s Online Influence Awards 2020.
""A key feature of my work is understanding the not for profit and public sectors within their wider political and public contexts. Stuart Thomson’s blog offers those key insights, often from an angle that I don’t see explored elsewhere.
James Kirkland, Marketing & Business Development, Grant Thornton
For anyone dealing with Government and Parliament, Stuart’s blog is a must-read. He understands the challenges we face, always delivering an engaging read packed with practical tips.
Anthony Arkle, Strategy Director, Skanska
Stuart Thomson’s blog has established itself as a regular read for me. It provides critical insight and always makes me think twice about what we are doing. It is so good, I even tweet it!
Ian Harvey, National Director, Civic Voice
While I receive more commentary in my inbox than I would ever have time to read, I always make time to read Stuart’s thoughts. His analysis is genuinely insightful, whether you’re just starting out or more experienced.
Oliver Walker-Jones, Head of Communications, Rolls Royce
For expert, practical advice across politics and communications then look no further than Stuart’s blog.
Ian Mannering, Legal Counsel, Eddie Stobart Ltd
Reading Stuart’s posts reminds me how effective his advice is – politically astute, insightful, and just what this D-G found useful. It’s always a recommended read.
Neil Scales, Director-General, Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Government
External publications
- JOHN, S., THOMSON, S., 2003. New activism and the Corporate Response. London: AIAA
- THOMSON S, 2013. The Dictionary of Labour Quotations. London: Biteback Publishing
- THOMSON S, 2006. Public Affairs in Practice: A Practical Guide to Lobbying (PR In Practice). London: Chartered Institute of Public Relations
- THOMSON S, 2016. Public Affairs: A Global Perspective. London: Urbane Publications