Cogitamus

Mark’s strategic counsel blends advocacy, political lobbying, policy development, alliance-building and media communications in a potent and highly effective approach to public affairs for clients. This has been deployed successfully in a significant number of high profile campaigns, particularly in the transport industry, including:

• multiple projects in the highly competitive rail franchising market;

• the enactment of public, private and hybrid legislation supporting transport or environmental objectives;

• the devolution of transport powers from central to local government;

• inquiries by parliamentary committees or other statutory bodies;

• working for the promoters of or objectors to major planning applications in the maritime, aviation and rail sectors;

• applications for public funding of projects; and

• stakeholder consultation assignments.

Mark’s counsel has also proved highly effective in the industrial relations arena. Though an expert in transport industry politics – prior to consultancy Mark spent 18 years as an official with the NUR and its successor the RMT – his skills are deployed effectively across a broad range of industries and issues as highlighted by this quote from Kirk Calder, Director of Communications at the former Construction Confederation:

“Cogitamus has provided efficient and effective support for the Construction Confederation, supplementing our own public affairs capability at a time of intense activity.  We have always found Mark Walker and his team to be professional and quick to respond to our needs, providing an impressive bespoke service. Their excellent Westminster contacts and informed counsel have proved to be an invaluable resource.  We would have no hesitation in working with Cogitamus in the future or, indeed, in recommending their services to other organisations.”

In a personal capacity, Mark is Chair of the Campaign for Better Transport Incorporated Trust.