Carl is a proven leader with a sharp focus on business transformation, driving growth and promoting a culture of excellence and inclusivity. Since joining Cavendish in 2017, and taking over as CEO in 2022, he has played a key role in successfully tripling the size of the company and broadening its offer through strategic acquisitions.

As CEO of Cavendish, he is leading the company through next phase of its evolution, taking it from being the number one sector specialist to a leading UK and international full-service communications consultancy.

Sam is an award-winning communications strategist with a track record of advising high-profile clients for over 20 years. Her expertise lies in developing integrated communications strategies that capture attention, initiate discussions, and influence behavioural change. She strongly believes in the power of storytelling and brand, and collaborates closely with her clients to craft impactful narratives that establish connections between audiences and brands.

Max has a deep understanding of the political process in local and regional government. He is one of the leading communications professionals in the built environment, providing expert advice and insight on the intersection between politics, community, and media within the planning process. With over 15 years’ experience in planning communications and community engagement, he has worked with the Berkeley Group, British Land, McDonalds, as well as large public sector bodies on some of the UK’s most high-profile and complex projects. Max was previously a political advisor to a London borough and is responsible for the delivery of planning communications and community engagement for all our clients across the UK.

Gareth has a deep understanding of UK politics and media and extensive experience in helping businesses leverage policy opportunities or minimize risks to operations and brand reputation. He has over 20 years’ experience providing strategic counsel to multinational clients including Starbucks, Google, Infosys and Amex GBT. A specialist in Labour politics he is a veteran of numerous internal selection battles and election campaigns. Gareth is responsible for Government Relations and Corporate Communications work within Cavendish.

Having worked for over 30 years in the communications sector, Jamie has experience across a broad range of disciplines. For the last two decades he has specialised in gaining public understanding and planning consent for projects from nuclear power stations to new roads and railways. Jamie heads up our Infrastructure and Energy division and is supported by a team specialising in the relevant engagement processes, such as Development Consent Order (DCO) consultations and hybrid bills.

Steven has over 20 years experience working in the Public Affairs and Communications environment and is one of Scotland’s leading specialists in the politics of planning in the built environment sector. Having represented a diverse mix of clients and sectors, Steven’s vast experience coupled with his knowledge and understanding of the political landscape, provides clients with unrivalled strategic guidance and support ensuring that their investments and commercial aspirations are robustly looked after. Steven is responsible for all client projects across Scotland and Ireland.

Paul has twenty five years’ experience in political and corporate communications across Ireland but mostly in Belfast, where he founded MCE (now Cavendish) in 2006. His advisory work in crisis communications, political strategy and corporate affairs for a wide range of clients across virtually every sector gives him a unique insight into issues on the island of Ireland. His career started in television production and research and he also served for two years as Head of Communications for one of Northern Ireland’s major political parties.

Stephen is a seasoned strategist with 30 years of experience in corporate, political, and government relations across diverse sectors. He has advised FTSE companies, CEOs, and boards, and spearheaded award-winning campaigns. A staunch advocate for corporate social responsibility, Stephen has made notable contributions to many UK and Global charities. His leadership and business acumen transformed his company into the UK’s leading public affairs provider. As he transitions to work with a new CEO and leadership team, his passion for brand management, organisational change, team building, and innovation will continue to support the company’s journey.

Richard qualified as a chartered accountant and corporate treasurer with what is now PwC, and has 16 years’ experience as a non-executive director of professional services and technology companies including 10 years at Cavendish.  He is a Board level advisor and ‘sounding board’ on commercial matters, advises on strategy and performance, and works with the executive team to support all aspects of Cavendish’s development including its organic growth, financing and acquisition strategy.

Alex Challoner is a political strategist with over 30 years’ experience in public affairs and communications advocacy. With a comprehensive knowledge of the Conservative party, he currently sits on the national board of the Tory Reform group and ran as a prospective London Mayoral candidate for his party. He advises a number of leading national and international businesses on their government relations strategy and engagement.

Rachel Bell is an entrepreneur having started seven multi-award-winning professional service businesses, across marketing– the most notable being Shine Communications (now The Academy Media Group); John Doe Group (Chair) and Mischief PR (part of Engine Group). Rachel’s newest consultancy, Brand Spanking, supports early-stage businesses in establishing best practices, winning her industry recognition including Sunday Times Best Leader. Rachel is an Entrepreneur in Residence at London Business School, President of the Business School’s Angel Investment Club – Enterprise 100 and an enthusiastic angel investor. Her book Start-Ups, Pivots and Pop-ups was a finalist in Business Book Awards 2020.

Steve Norris was a Conservative MP for 14 years, serving as Parliamentary Private Secretary in the departments of Environment, Trade and Industry and the Home Office before becoming Minister for Transport. Former Vice Chairman of the Party and twice his party’s candidate for Mayor of London. He is an acknowledged expert in property, infrastructure and transportation. Steve chairs Soho Estates and is a member of the UK Property 100. He is Chair of the Council of the National Infrastructure Planning Association; Senior Advisor to Cubic Transportation Systems; President of ITS-UK, and a Commissioner of the Independent Transport Commission. He has chaired FTSE and AIM businesses and served on two NYSE boards.

Hannah David is a qualified (non-practising) planning/property solicitor with an MSc in Spatial Planning, and currently a Director of the Planning/Housing thinktank, Planning Futures. Hannah was an elected member of Hertsmere Borough Council for nine years. She chaired committees including Planning and Overview and Scrutiny and was the Cabinet member for Housing and Planning. In 2015 and 2017 Hannah stood for Parliament, as the Conservative Candidate for Harrow West. Hannah’s experience spans both public and private sectors, and she is an expert in navigating the political system.

George Mayhew is a communications executive with over 25 years of experience spanning multiple industries across the UK and US. The former Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Thames Water where he was responsible for all comms and government relations. Prior to that George was the Group Director of Corporate Affairs at National Grid for 12 years managing a team split between the UK, US, and Brussels. Before National Grid, George held several roles at BAE Systems including four years as Chief of Staff.

Patrick Law has 30 years comms and public affairs experience, having designed and led comms teams at Centrica, British Gas, Barratt Developments, and Guinness Partnership. A previous chair and trustee of the UK’s leading fuel poverty charity and a trustee of the Hyde Housing Charitable Trust. Patrick combines consultancy advice with a PhD on Blair’s Downing Street Chief of Staff. He won the Cabinet Secretary’s prize for research on the European Referendum and with Sir Michael Barber wrote a study of Education Secretaries. He has also written a study of how Housing Associations communicate.

Verity is an award-winning corporate communications and PR specialist, passionate about engaging audiences and driving change through impactful and influential communications. Working across both the public and private sectors, she has 20 years’ experience of developing and delivering integrated strategic and creative campaigns that directly meet business objectives and deliver measurable results. Verity leads our national corporate communications team and is also an experienced trainer able to lead media training and crisis management workshops.

Laura is an experienced planning communications and public affairs specialist having worked in the built environment industry for over 15 years’. Leading our team across the South, Laura has experience across numerous sectors including infrastructure, retail, retirement and residential working with clients such as McDonald’s, Southampton Airport, AGS Group, McCarthy Stone and Lovell.

Sarah has extensive experience in developing stakeholder engagement and public affairs strategies for clients within the Built Environment. With nearly 10 years’ experience, Sarah has worked across all tiers of government, and across different consenting regimes, advising clients such as Unibail Rodamco Westfield, Crest Nicholson and National Grid.

Kevin has a deep understanding of the politics of planning having specialised in political advocacy, community consultation and campaigning for clients across the built environment over the last 13 years.

Leading our team across the North & Midlands, he has experience across the property, energy and infrastructure sectors, supporting clients including Aldi, BAM, CEMEX, Miller Homes, National Grid, Peel and Uniper. He works with local communities and their elected representatives to understand the need for and build acceptance of change to our built environment.

James is a seasoned integrated communications specialist with over 15 years in corporate and public affairs. He has worked with leading businesses across the UK and internationally winning numerous awards. James is responsible for leading the Innovation and Insights team, spearheading the delivery of our Group’s cutting-edge products and services.

Krystian has a decade of experience in planning communications and has substantial insight into the local, regional and national political dynamics that impact the built environment. He has led multiple high-profile engagement programmes for property, energy and infrastructure clients including EDF Energy, DLUHC, Homes England, Newlands Developments, Supermarket Income REIT, L&G and several major housebuilders and strategic land promoters. Krystian drives Cavendish’s growth across the UK, whilst continuing to deliver strategic planning communications advice for clients.

Creative Director Charli is a published creative and influential content contributor for The Drum. With extensive experience working in both in-house and agency environments for over 18 years, she is a creative leader who inspires and moves audiences to action. She has also written for a variety of design magazines and featured as a Getty Photographer. A skilled mentor, Charli is passionate about future talent through partnerships with local universities.

As the overseer of strategic creative for Cavendish, Charli delivers insightful strategy and innovative solutions. Her experience working with an international client base across diverse industries including automotive, financial, television, and sports allows her to deliver, campaigns that matter.

Nick has a wealth of experience in most aspects of development including prime residential, major commercial and corporate developments, large strategic land allocations and energy infrastructure. He has a 20-year track record successfully advising high-profile clients across the development sector, drawing on a background at both the Westminster parliamentary and local government levels to inform his counsel. Nick was formerly a local councillor in Guildford, serving 12 years on the planning committee and three years as a Cabinet Member in roles covering the environment and planning.

Olivia is passionate about delivering engagement to communities and stakeholder impacted by infrastructure projects. She has an in-depth understanding of various consents processes having worked on multiple public and private schemes, including A303 Stonehenge, Lake Lothing Third Crossing, Thameslink Programme and Bradwell B nuclear power station. She has over 10 years experience in developing comprehensive communications strategies which support a project’s development in a meaningful and coherent way. Olivia fosters effective relationships with local and regional stakeholders, helping to build awareness, support and involvement in complex projects.

Adam has a track record of delivering effective and engaging communication campaigns. He understands the Midlands political landscape and has a well-established network of contacts, from MPs to councillors and council leaders. He has over 10 years of experience working within political communications and local government. He has advised some of the UK’s biggest brands including Aldi, McDonald’s, and St. Modwen Homes. Adam leads our Midlands region, heading up teams operating out of our Birmingham and Nottingham offices.

Dawn has over 15 years’ corporate communications experience at large independent firms, global agencies and small owner-managed PR boutiques. She works with clients in the property, tourism, professional services and FMCG sectors; delivering sound media strategy and creative integrated communications and engagement campaigns. She has experience running UK-wide and global accounts. She is comfortable running multi-discipline teams, providing strategic direction, creative solutions and driving impactful results for clients aligned to commercial objectives.

Matthew creates impactful communications strategies that generate excitement and engage target audiences. He has advised the public, private and third sector for over a decade, devising campaigns, managing reputations, securing planning consents and reducing risk for clients.

Combining in-house and agency experience spanning the property, infrastructure and energy sector he has an in-depth understanding of TCPA, DCO and Welsh PAC consultations, with clients including Aldi, National Highways, RES, Serco and United Utilities. Matthew leads our North team in Manchester.

Tom has advised some of the UK’s leading organisations and businesses, helping them to achieve real cut-through with Government and regulators. He has extensive experience in working with highly regulated businesses, with particular expertise in the energy sector. Prior to entering consultancy, Tom worked in both Westminster and Brussels, providing policy advice to Conservative MPs and MEPs. A Conservative Party parliamentary candidate at the last election, Tom has an extensive network within Westminster and the regions.

Ali is a political and communications professional with 15 years’ experience in Labour Party politics across the country. His career working for the Party saw him organising in the North East, North West, Scotland and London, where he finished as Deputy Director for London Labour Party. Since leaving in 2019, he has remained closely involved, working for Morgan McSweeney (now Keir Starmer’s campaign chief) and on Keir Starmer’s leadership campaign. He remains a key figure in national Labour politics and has been advising clients about how to engage with the party at a national, regional and local level.

Steven has worked in public affairs for the last decade, establishing himself as a leading expert in planning communications in Scotland. In addition, Stevens strong analytical skills, combined with his political awareness, ensures he is well placed to advise clients on how best to navigate the regulatory and policy landscape in Scotland, crucially lifting barriers to assist clients with their investment.  Steven has worked extensively on projects throughout Scotland across many sectors including energy, renewables, house building, retail, commercial property, logistics, domestic manufacturing, waste wood recycling, health and science & technology. Steven leads the Glasgow office and operates throughout Scotland.

Symon has in depth understanding of the media and communications landscape. With more than 20 years’ experience as a consultant and journalist, he has delivered strategic communications, reputation management and corporate affairs services to clients in a range of sectors. He was a business journalist for nearly 15 years, working across print, digital and broadcast media for the likes of the BBC, Dow Jones Newswires and the Belfast Telegraph. Symon leads corporate communications activity for clients in Northern Ireland and Ireland.

With over 18 years of operational, commercial and HR experience spanning financial services, broadcast media and sports technology, Amy oversees our Human Resource department, and is responsible for designing and driving the transformative people agenda across the group. Specialising in Employment Law, she provides strategy and counsel, with a particular focus on retention and reward, D&I and Corporate Social Responsibility.

With over 15 years of brand and digital experience, Will is passionate about creating digital communications that are rooted in audience insight. He influences digital excellence and best practice by working closely with clients from initial strategy through to delivery.

With an in-depth digital, technical knowledge, Marcio has over 10 years’ experience across a broad number of programmes and platforms, allowing him to ensure a smooth planning phase, including user journey mapping, wire-framing and interface prototyping; and high-quality technical development to ensure digital engagement is maximised. Focused on providing a memorable user experience, Marcio keeps the end user front of mind, through the planning, design, and development process. Responsible for overseeing all technology and digital developments, Marcio combines a great mix of commercial and technical experience.

Mark’s passion for video stemmed from an early age – turning from a hobby to a full-time profession. Now, with over 13 years of professional experience, he has worked with many sector leading companies such B&Q, Kingfisher, IBM and United Utilities. Mark is responsible for leading our video team, innovating our services and delivering meaningful and impactful content for our clients.

Emma is a highly accomplished B2B marketing professional with an extensive multi sector background spanning over two decades.
Emma’s exceptional expertise has earned her recognition as a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and their Construction Industry Group. Her outstanding achievements include winning CIM awards for Best Digital Campaign, Best Campaign over £25K, and Best Use of Website.
As Head of Group Marketing, Emma is responsible for the Group brands, sponsorships, and marketing initiatives across the Group.

Nicole is a seasoned professional in communications and stakeholder engagement, with experience in both in-house and agency roles across public and private sectors. Specialising in reaching hard to reach groups, she equips clients with bespoke tools for meaningful stakeholder engagement. For over 8 years, Nicole led Berkeley Group’s stakeholder engagement program at The Green Quarter, West London. As an Associate Director, she provides strategic insights, supports day-to-day campaign activation, and addresses all stakeholder management needs. With Nicole’s expertise, clients confidently navigate complex engagements, resonating with their target audience and driving positive change.

George has worked in planning communications for over a decade, with vast experience across a range of sectors across the south of England. George has been involved in campaigning for the Conservative Party for almost 20 years in London, Kent and Surrey, giving him an in-depth understanding of the key concerns for local politicians. At Cavendish, George oversees project strategy across a wide portfolio of accounts. Previous and current clients include housebuilders, retailers, renewable energy developers and government departments.

David specialises in helping clients to build their influence with the Government and Parliament through insight-led campaigns, and is an expert in the parliamentary and legislative process. He has helped clients to change legislation, secure government funding, ensure exemptions to UK and EU legislation and regulations, and reverse harmful policy decisions.

As Cavendish’s Head of Insight, David also coordinates our insights and research services, supporting clients to commission their own thought leadership, polling, focus groups and perceptions audits. He also oversees our own original insights and polling reports. David is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS).

Tristan is a passionate advocate for sustainable economic development in Birmingham and the West Midlands. As a former cabinet member at Birmingham City Council and MPs constituency assistant Tristan enjoys unparalleled local connections. He can offer insight into both the politics of the region and its varied communities.

His current portfolio of projects includes regeneration schemes, aviation, infrastructure, retail and residential. Tristan leads our work in the West Midlands, based out of our Birmingham office.

Rebecca has over 10 years’ experience in advisory and elected roles in local government. Most recently as a cabinet member at Nottingham City Council, Rebecca has a deep understanding of the East Midlands and its communities. Rebecca has held communications roles ranging from regional PR agencies to national charities. She is an effective political strategist with a Masters in Public Administration, focussing on regional devolution. Rebecca leads our East Midlands work, supporting clients to navigate the changing political environment.

Sean has a deep understanding of local government having served as the leader of a unitary authority and executive member of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority before joining Cavendish.

He remains an elected Labour councillor and uses his insight and experience to advise clients across the North of England on their engagement strategies with politicians and communities across the region. He works with clients including McDonald’s, CEMEX and McCarthy Stone to help navigate the planning process. He has also provided training to the RTPI on how to undertake best practice consultation.

Meet Emma, a creative powerhouse with a love for bringing ideas to life. With a wealth of experience in print design at one of the UK’s leading publishing companies, Emma is a master at crafting impactful designs that captivate and resonate with diverse audiences.

Leading creative projects across the board, Emma works closely with the Creative Director and key stakeholders to develop comprehensive campaigns. Whether it’s branding, storyboarding, web design, or social media content, Emma’s innovative approach and collaborative spirit ensure creative solutions resonate and inspire.

Katy is an experienced communications professional with an in-depth knowledge of best practice community engagement. With her experience in the built environment spanning Garden Towns and Villages, large scale infrastructure and strategic land, contentious mixed-use development, energy proposals and estate regeneration, Katy has a strong skillset for both planning and construction communications. She is passionate about accessible, inclusive engagement methods and delivering thorough communication programmes, and utilises her PR qualifications to put her client’s reputations at the heart of her strategies.

Oliver has a strong understanding of Westminster political and legislative processes, as well as local government engagement. He has over six years’ experience spanning strategic political counsel, legislative analysis and stakeholder relationship building, having worked for Grainger Plc, the Institute of Customer Service and SEGRO. He is a former Campaign Manager and Association Chairman for the Conservative Party and was London Deputy Field Director for Britain Stronger In Europe. He is responsible for strategy development and client engagement programmes.

Matthew is a communications professional with strong knowledge of the political environment across the UK and the island of Ireland. He has six years’ experience in government relations, PR and stakeholder engagement working with a variety of private sector clients, membership organisations and trade associations. In addition to this he previously worked for an MLA within the Northern Ireland Assembly. Matthew is responsible for successfully crafting effective campaigns and working collaboratively with clients to meet their goals.

Tom is a seasoned Account Director with over six years’ experience. He excels in creating consultation campaigns for diverse clients in sectors like retail, residential, employment, and energy. Tom liaises directly with key stakeholders, including elected representatives and media outlets. He organises engaging community events, connecting with influential individuals and generating local interest. His expertise lies in effectively communicating sensitive issues and defusing potentially volatile situations. With outstanding leadership and extensive experience, he consistently achieves favourable results for clients.

An experienced Account Director & Digital Strategist, Rebecca has worked on campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands & has a passion for all things SEO & PPC. Rebecca manages projects and creates multi-channel digital strategies for our clients across the UK.

Tom is an experienced communications professional, with a strong knowledge of both the media and political landscapes. He has over five years’ experience in public relations, public affairs and stakeholder engagement, working with large PLCs such as Bellway Homes to industry associations such as British Berry Growers and Liquid Gas UK. He is responsible for the day to day management and delivery of client activity programmes.

Emma is an experienced Account Director working with a variety of B2B and B2C clients. Whether on a regional or national level, she is skilled at translating messages into engaging and creative integrated communications campaigns that build brand recognition and reputation. With over 10 years of experience, Emma has worked on a number of property brands including Lifestory, Vistry and Cala. She is passionate about developing strong client relationships and delivering results against objectives.

John has extensive experience in delivering print, digital and social campaigns from inception to completion. He has a track record of first-class client management, connecting with clients and managing accounts while also developing excellent client relationships. He has worked with many blue-chip clients John is responsible for supporting client accounts to create, drive and help execute strategic marketing plans.

Alex has a detailed knowledge of the planning process across multiple consenting regimes, having worked across some of the UK’s biggest infrastructure projects over the past five years. His experience includes working on offshore wind, nuclear, highways and electricity transmission DCO projects, along with TCPA schemes ranging from hotels and smaller residential developments through to plans for major new settlements. Alex is therefore skilled in the development of comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies, along with the delivery of challenging policy-compliant consultations.

As part of our Midlands team, Alex has an acute understanding of the challenges facing developers across the region, particularly in rural areas. He specialises in delivering communications on major infrastructure and energy projects, supporting Vattenfall’s 1.8GW Norfolk Vanguard wind farm, various National Highways schemes, HS2 Ltd, National Grid and JBM Solar.

Alex provides developers with expert advice on how best to engage these sensitive and often tight-knit localities, relishing the opportunity to meet communities, relay information and change perceptions.

Charlie has been in frontline politics for over a decade, both in Government and within the Conservative Party – bringing a wealth of political insight and expertise. He was a Special Adviser at the Cabinet Office, Department for Levelling Up and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Prior to this, he was a communications specialist at CCHQ and worked on the successful 2015, 2017 and 2019 general election campaigns. He has also worked both in Westminster and the European Parliament and was a local councillor. He can now often be seen commentating on politics, news, current and international affairs for BBC, Sky News, GB News, Times Radio, Talk TV and LBC.