The book – authored by HACAN Chair John Stewart – describes the multi-stranded campaign of the communities affected by the proposed new runway which led ultimately to its cancellation earlier this year.

Cogitamus was retained by HACAN for two periods during the campaign, and was tasked in particular with mustering opposition the the proposed expansion within the Labour Government of the time. The book praises our achievements in helping to organise a significant rebellion amongst backbench Labour MPs, and in reaching out to the trades union movement.

The full text of John Stewart’s fascinating account may be downloaded from the HACAN website.

Cogitamus Limited today announced the signing of Garvan Walshe as its new Associate Consultant.

Garvan joins Cogitamus after establishing a distinguished track record as a Conservative Party thinker on environmental issues and foreign policy.  He has previously served on David Cameron’s policy review and as the Conservative Party’s National and International Security Policy Adviser.

Mark Walker, Managing Director of Cogitamus said: “We are delighted to welcome Garvan Walshe to our team.  Cogitamus and our clients are already benefiting from the insights that he is able to provide into modern Conservative philosophy and policy.  Garvan’s strong interest in environmental and sustainability issues also sits well with the kind of assignments undertaken by Cogitamus.”

Garvan began working with Cogitamus in May following the election to Parliament of former Cogitamus Senior Consultant Emma Reynolds.  This news release provides an opportunity for the Cogitamus team to wish Emma every success as Labour Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton North East.

Cogitamus Limited sponsored the Campaign for Better Transport fringe meeting at the 2009 Conservative Party Conference in Manchester.

The subject was ‘Local Transport We Can Be Proud Of”. Mark Walker, Managing Director of Cogitamus Limited, is pictured here with the three speakers (from left to right) Stephen Joseph, Executive Director of the Campaign for Better Transport, Councillor Guy McGregor, Portfolio Holder for Roads, Transport and Planning at Suffolk County Council, and Steve Norris, Board Member of Transport for London.

Formed earlier this year, UKCG’s vision is to be the leading trade body for the UK construction industry focussing on sector specific issues. It will endeavour to work along side the newly formed CBI Construction Council to deliver a more powerful voice for the UK contracting industry.

Cogitamus is one of three specialist agencies invited to join UKCG as an affiliate.  UKCG Director, Stephen Ratcliffe, said today:

“All three organisations have a well established track record in supporting the construction industry.  We have worked informally with them for some time and each has been able to add value to our operations.  We are delighted therefore to be able to formalise this relationship.”

Cogitamus Managing Director, Mark Walker, said today:

“UKCG has paid a great compliment to Cogitamus with the invitation to become an affiliate.  We look forward to continuing to provide the best possible public affairs advice to UK construction businesses, especially during the current challenging economic times for the industry.”

For further information on the UKCG, please visit http://www.ukcg.org.uk/

ENDS

Emma spent two years as Special Adviser to the Rt Hon Geoff Hoon MP, initially advising on the Government’s negotiations with other EU member states on the Lisbon Treaty while Mr. Hoon was Europe Minister.  Latterly she worked at the heart of government (in Downing Street) and co-ordinated political strategy to support Mr. Hoon in his role as Chief Whip. 

At the next General Election, Emma will contest the Wolverhampton North East seat on behalf of Labour.  

Prior to working in Westminster, Emma was based in Brussels as Political Adviser to the Party of European Socialists (advising Robin Cook and former Danish Prime Minister, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen).

Previously, Emma represented the concerns of British small businesses to EU decision-makers (Commission, MEPs and member state Governments) for Small Business Europe. 

Mark Walker, Managing Director of Cogitamus, said: “Emma’s appointment is great news for us and our clients.  She brings a very current perspective on the workings of Westminster and Whitehall and will further strengthen our European understanding and capability.”

Cogitamus Managing Director Mark Walker said of Kimberley, “We are delighted to be able to broaden our consultancy offering with someone of such exceptional talent, who will be of great value to our clients in stakeholder mapping and the management and ongoing evolution of MAGIC – our innovative knowledge management system.”