Corporate Affairs: A Snapshot of the Current Landscape
by Mia Singleton, Consultant
As we close out the year, the corporate affairs industry in the UK and Europe is navigating a unique set of challenges and opportunities. From post-election shifts to strategic trends across sectors, here’s a roundup of insights for those watching these evolving fields.
UK Public Affairs: Post-Election Movement
The summer election has stirred the industry, with hiring activity only now picking up post-election and a busy conference season.
Clients were waiting to see which political figures would emerge and which movements would be made, impacting hiring decisions. Some waited until the dust had settled and the talent pool had shifted before actively hiring, and equally, some agencies announced major hires to bolster their teams.
Naturally, with the new Labour government, there's a lower appetite for candidates with strong Conservative connections, however this is more apparent with agencies than in-house.
EU Public Affairs: Shifting Priorities
The EU elections maintain Ursula von der Leyen in her role as President, with her focus areas likely influencing the priorities of Brussels-based agencies. The current agenda is focused on sustainability, digital policy and healthcare. Candidates with expertise in these areas will be in high demand.
The question now is how sustainability can be integrated into all EU policies without harming industries or economies. The Green Deal, while a priority, could impact this competitiveness, particularly as it trickles down to smaller industries.
Corporate Communications: A Strategic, Data-Driven Approach
Growth in the corporate communications sector has been steady but not expansive, with most firms focused on maintaining stability and making selective, high-calibre hires.
Strategy is increasingly underpinned by data, with offering’s like Instinctif’s ‘Truth’, and Penta’s (formerly Hume Brophy) data-driven approach. Agencies are increasingly using data to drive campaigns and win briefs.
Both agency and in-house roles are showing a preference for candidates with digital skills, particularly in LinkedIn and Meta, though there’s less emphasis on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
The role of a Creative Director is becoming more prominent in corporate communications, as firms look to blend creativity with strategic thinking.
Sectors Performing Well
Technology is seeing increasing movement and demand from agency side at the Account Manager level. Cybersecurity continues to gain traction as a sub-sector within tech, with some agencies seeking candidates with specific expertise in this area. Candidates increasingly want to engage in creative roles, indicating a trend towards blending digital expertise with creative input.
The built environment, energy and infrastructure sectors have been busy hiring; Labour’s commitment to building homes and improving planning processes has reignited interest in this space.
Financial PR: Move towards private markets
The financial PR market remains somewhat quiet, with limited movement across all levels. Although still an option for deals, private equity’s high debt costs have made those transactions few and far between.
Overall Market Outlook: Financial Resilience and Client Budget-Tightening
Across sectors, clients are tightening their purse strings. There is reduced enthusiasm for speculative hires and longer lead-in periods for gaining sign off for new hires. Equally from the candidate side, there is an element of the uncertain that often leads to higher salary expectations when making job moves.
This trend suggests a challenging landscape ahead, particularly for smaller firms. However, for nimble teams willing to adapt, there’s potential for a strong end to the year and start to 2025.
MadlinHanna Consulting is a recruitment consultancy specialising in public affairs, corporate communications and financial PR. Contact us in London on +44 (0) 20 8088 4102 or in Brussels on +32 (0) 2 586 38 98 for more information or a confidential conversation about these services and more.