Services by sector
- Medium-sized businesses
- Industry sectors and their councils/associations
- Local authorities (individually and collectively)
- Government agencies
- Overseas regions’ governments and agencies
- Partner consultants
Medium-sized businesses
Companies need to safeguard their areas of work against unfavourable changes in government or EU policy. They may also wish to advise UK or overseas governments or the EU on changes to policy or practice that will help them operate more effectively.
Companies do have the power to influence such things, though they may not realise it. Often it is left to industry sector associations, or business groups to do it on a more generic level, thus missing the detail that can be vital to a particular company’s success or survival. They may also lack experience or confidence in managing and handling inward or outward international visits. Companies outside North East England may need the help of a single co-ordinating point in the region to handle arrangements with several clients across several sectors. Contact me to discuss your needs.
Industry sectors
Numerous influencing and lobbying organisations represent sectors of industry and groupings of authorities or organisations. Some have dedicated offices in London and Brussels through which to channel their efforts. Others don’t, and I will help fill that gap in the market by providing some of the detailed work that goes into creating, running and managing an advice campaign or profile raising effort. Others work in a specific region or local authority area, and are not experienced in operating in London or Brussels. Call me to explore possible ways I can help.
Local authorities
The regional assemblies in England ceased to exist in March 2009, and while certain activities are now being undertaken by regional development agencies, local authority associations and the new Local Authority Leaders’ Boards, no separate provision has generally been made for the work that regional assemblies did on European and government liaison. I was previously Europe and Government Liaison Manager at the North East Assembly, and chair of the English Regions Network Europe Group. North East England’s regional European Strategy Group - for which I previously acted as secretary - is considering the form and function needed for such work; other English regions have mostly done so. I can offer, through co-operation with the European Consular and Commercial Office (ECCO), a consultancy service to run those aspects of the work that regions will not pick up internally.
This service is available to local authorities and their associations in all English regions, and can include:
- Secretariat support for regional strategy development;
- Briefing for councillors on the EU Committee of the Regions;
- Member selection and appointment management for CoR members;
- Member support for Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities;
- Management of foreign region-to-region partnership agreements; and
- Support for regional and UK national sessions of the European Youth Parliament.
Government agencies
As a facilitator and trainer, I can work with established training providers to develop a bespoke package course for government departments, agencies and regional offices. Events can be delivered locally as a one-off or repeated for wider coverage, and can be tailored to reflect your own organisation’s areas of work and priorities. Training providers to work with include Westminster Explained, the National School of Government and the European Institute of Public Administration, as well as similar bodies in other countries.
I can offer advice and guidance on policy development and on engagement and liaison with central government and parliament.
Overseas regions’ governments and agencies
Work I have undertaken for North East England has included:
- Liaison with Gyeonggi Provincial Government of South Korea;
- Management of the co-operation agreement with the Czech region of Moravia-Silesia;
- Hosting a bi-annual 4-month secondment under the Romanian Young Professionals Scheme; and
- Liaising with British embassies abroad to highlight opportunities for North East England.
- I also have knowledge and experience of governance in the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands and their specific relationship with the UK government, the EU and the Commonwealth.
Contact me to discuss options for representation, partnership-building or networking with potential partners in North East England.
EU meetings
In the second half of 2005, the UK held the Presidency of the Council of the EU. During that time, two meetings were held in North East England. The Informal Ministerial meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers took place in Newcastle, and a meeting of the EU Committee of the Regions Education and Culture Commission took place in Durham.
Regions wishing to attract a Presidency meeting need to begin the process well in advance, and talk to the right people in the right government departments. There is inevitably a cost involved, but the value can be great in raising the region’s profile and establishing it as a serious player in national and EU policy development.
For advice on the processes to be followed and to discuss options and outcomes, contact me.
European Consular and Commercial Office
Newcastle and North East England are home to the honorary consuls of 14 foreign countries. The consular corps in the region is supported by the European Consular and Commercial Office, headed by the French Honorary Consul, Dr Andrew Robinson. ECCO works to develop and support a range of activities and opportunities, particularly in the areas of freedom, security and justice.
ECCO is involved in the North East Fraud Forum, the EU-funded r4egov project, and ongoing work with the French embassy in London and the Jean Monnet Centre at Leeds University on biometrics. I was closely involved in planning for recent work to link the science sector in North East England with the French government and companies through the British Embassy in Paris. Contact me to discuss how I can work with partners to take forward your policies and projects.
Allancia and Partners4Business
Allancia, based in Washington, runs a system akin to ‘speed dating’ for conference delegates. Allancia has also developed the Partners4Business Network, which operates as an 'on-line' directory and b2b networking club. It provides low cost but effective introductions to new business contacts - locally, nationally and internationally. In parallel with these services, Aidan Stradling Consultancy can help provide policy content and speaker selection for conferences, seminars, shows and events. Contact me to discuss options and see also the Allancia website.
