Clarity. Creativity. Credibility.
After more than three decades working across government, media, corporate, politics and the charity sector, I am now creating my own consultancy — helping individuals and organisations communicate with clarity, creativity and credibility.
I bring experience of high-stakes environments, media pressure and public scrutiny. I’ve advised Cabinet Ministers, Boards, CEOs and third sector organisations under fire. Whether it’s shaping messages, promoting a new initiative, navigating a tough moment or building trust with the audiences who matter — I offer sound judgement, calm support and practical help.
"Mark brings deep experience and calm, thoughtful leadership to every project....if you are looking for experienced, grounded, trusted comms or public affairs support, Mark is your person." - Katie Macaulay, Managing Director, AB
How I help
I offer strategic advice and hands-on support across the full range of communications disciplines — always tailored to your context, and delivered with discretion, focus and care. I've worked for high profile individuals including former Cabinet minister Jack Straw, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the Web and Baroness Valerie Amos, former Leader of the House of Lords.
"Mark balances strategic thinking and clarity with a human touch, having an ability to unpack complex, technical or sensitive issues in a simple, and engaging way. Whether a narrative, oped, speech or longer piece, he writes beautifully, avoiding cliches and soundbytes so copy feels genuinely fresh and new. He’s also a fantastic team leader, creating an environment where colleagues feel valued, supported, and empowered, even in high pressure circumstances."
Natalie Whitty, Group Corporate Affairs Director, Legal and General
My services include:
Crisis communications and media handling Strategic messaging and narrative development Public affairs and stakeholder engagement Communications strategy and delivery Internal communications expertise High-trust support for leaders under pressure Speech and copywriting
Experience and expertise
My career spans the media, politics, government, charities, business and NGOs.
I've worked at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, BBC, Post Office Ltd, Refugee Council, Ministry of Justice, Rethink Mental Illness, World Wide Web Foundation, Cabinet Office, House of Lords, House of Commons, CNN, Liverpool Echo, Liverpool Daily Post and the Teesside Evening Gazette.
My policy experience spans issues as diverse as mental health, post-war reconstruction in Iraq, asylum and immigration, digital inclusion, European Union finance negotiations, prisons, sentencing and criminal justice and constitutional reform.
I've written for the Guardian, Daily Express, Mirror, Newcastle Chronicle, Newcastle Journal, BBC, Teesside Evening Gazette and Daily Telegraph. I've ghostwritten articles for the Daily Mail, New York Times and many others.
I have appeared on the BBC, ITN, GB News, Sky News, the BBC Today Programme, Five Live and Times Radio.
My book A Love Letter to Football was published by Pitch Publishing in 2023. I am a co-founder of the Power Test and No Sacred Cows podcasts.