MESSAGE MATTERS - Key Persons
Alison has over 16 years' experience working in politics and public policy. She has worked as a Press Officer for a Member of Parliament, spent several years running a busy constituency office, trained political parties overseas on policy and campaigns, and has most recently worked with Scottish-based think tanks on public policy development.
Andy has 20 years of experience in political campaigns, professional services PR and, since co-founding Message Matters, in consultancy. His expertise is in strategic communications, helped by long-standing relationships across the political spectrum and throughout the media. He is also a regular independent political commentator on the BBC and STV, and in the press.
Chris is a former journalist and regional newspaper editor. With 20 years of experience in the media industry, he has worked in frontline news, on content planning and strategy as well as leading editorial teams working across print, online and social media on award-winning titles. He uses that experience to work with a wide range of organisations across all areas of PR and strategic communications.
Before joining Message Matters Chris spent several years producing agenda-setting radio news programmes for BBC Scotland. Before that he spent time at BBC Radio 5live and BBC London, and so has a clear understanding of the political and media landscapes of Scotland, the UK and further afield.
Clare has over ten years experience working in Scottish and UK public affairs and communications, starting her career in the Edinburgh base of an international communications agency before spending seven years leading the political strategy and public affairs output of the National Farmers' Union of Scotland. Clare is Vice Chair of CIPR Scotland, and sits on the Executive Committee for Women in Public Affairs (WiPA) Scotland.
Hollie has experience working in politics, journalism and communications. She started her career in communications working for a life sciences software company where she was responsible for developing the digital marketing and social media strategy. Previously, she worked for DC Thomson Media and was a book reviewer for their Features magazine for five years.
Louise has over twenty years' experience as a journalist, PR and public affairs professional working at a UK and devolved level. Louise has spent the majority of her career in the third sector where she has a proven track record as an effective campaigner and influencer in both the press and in the political arena.
With over 25 years of business and campaigns experience, Peter has a long-standing track record in corporate communications strategy and positioning. A former MP, he helps clients understand the political and public policy environment, and helps them navigate it. He is a regular contributor providing independent analysis of the political landscape across the UK.
Rebecca has over ten years of experience in broadcast journalism. She has worked in local, national and international newsrooms, in both television and radio, including Sky News and the BBC. A former Communications Officer in the Scottish Parliament for a party leader, she has strong editorial skills and a good understanding of how to reach media and political audiences.