Communicating with politicians
Client
BT Corporate
Challenges
Business becomes more regulated by politicians every day, and at the same time, public interest and participation in politics declines. In many countries, electoral turn-outs continue to fall; many countries now have Non Governmental Organisations with more members than the political party in power.
The EU becomes responsible for more legislative and regulatory issues, but there remain well over 10,000 elected and appointed law-makerswithin the EU’s 27 parliaments. If a company has something important to say, how do they do it? And how do they differentiate their company from others in dealings with politicians?
As a large utility, BT’s activities affected every politician and every consumer in the UK and elsewhere. How could public affairs be used to educate so many politicians?
Activity
A series of visits to operational centres in politicians’ constituencies was organised, usually on Fridays when politicians were away from Westminster. This enabled the company to educate political figures at some distance from the stresses of Parliament. Those explaining the company’s role were local employees – and potential voters for the politician. Some pre-selection was undertaken. They also created long-standing relationships which were to bear fruit as politicians climbed their own party and governmental hierarchies.
Results
This approach proved much more beneficial than briefings held in London.
Investment of time and effort created effective argumentation and established relationships and potential alliances with key individuals.
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