Getting Out and About
1st Apr 2011
"In an age of evidence-based policymaking research is at the centre of the 21st century public affairs approach, but this does not mean we can ignore the importance of traditional relationship building.
In a busy agency it is easy to become chained to your desk and miss conferences, receptions and seminars because you ‘have work to do’, but this disregards the fact that events and networking are a valuable part of public affairs and can offer new insights for our clients.
It goes without saying that policy events offer a change to air a client’s voice in political debate and build useful contacts. However, the untold value of networking opportunities can often be in the information you find out unexpectedly, the aside remark that elucidates an opportunity or gets you deep, off the record intelligence.
High quality research and in-depth analysis is essential to public affairs work, yet getting out and about in politics and business can highlight interesting new angles for client work. It allows a fresh space to think creatively about key issues. As an agency we recognise the value of this integrated approach."