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"It became very obvious when we first met with Maxim that they’re the people to talk to."

Matthew Arnold, Stagecoach South East

"Their approach and advice has been first class."

John Hendy, Hendy

"They're super approachable and fun to work with."

Cathy Beare, The Folkestone Leas Lift Company Charity

"Maxim has been an essential part of our communications response to the Covid-19 pandemic."

Tom Stevenson, NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group and Integrated Care System

"I regard them as part of my extended team."

Gail Lewin, London Array

"We have a close relationship with Maxim. In fact, we refer work to each other."

Alex Hicken, DHA Planning

"Maxim are professional and highly knowledgeable."

Clare Delap, Medway Clinical Commissioning Group

public affairs
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public affairs

Whether dealing with government at a national, regional or local level, with business leaders or the media at large, Maxim is well-positioned to help shape your message for key decision-makers. 

Working on a wide variety of projects over a period of years, we’ve grown to understand how local and national governments operate, and how they interact with each other and with organisations such as Local Enterprise Partnerships. 

Our track record

Along the way, we’ve notched up some considerable achievements, supporting investment projects worth in excess of £6 billion. These include:

  • Commercial property companies
  • Business and science parks
  • A regional airport and strategic freight interchange
  • Tourism
  • Further and higher education projects
  • NHS services
  • Major infrastructure projects

Our public affairs consultancy work has also been used to good effect in the power utilities and renewable energy sectors, covering:

  • Power stations
  • Offshore and onshore wind farms
  • Solar farms
  • Waste to energy plants

We have a team of experienced staff with the expertise, knowledge, connections, organisational skills and creative flair to ensure all the public affairs projects we undertake meet the objectives and expectations of our clients. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What makes effective public affairs?

Consideration needs to be given to how a proposed development might play out with the local community. Our role is to take into account the wider picture and provide clients with an insight into key local issues. This can be especially important for national companies who may not have any close connections to a local community.

We understand the importance of timing – for example, being proactive so that stakeholders are briefed before any opposition is mobilised to a contentious planning issue. We understand the planning process, election timetables and the politics involved. 

Framing the story and driving the narrative around a specific development is a prime public relations function and critical in getting stakeholders to a position of support and advocacy. It’s about helping politicians take brave decisions, often in the face of public opposition, and working with them to find positive outcomes.

Experience has taught us that social media can play its role in derailing projects – so it is vital to know what to say and when to say it.

We are proud of the role we continue to play in a public affairs capacity on our clients’ behalf, shaping the future prosperity of Kent and other areas across the south east of England.

Visit our portfolio for examples of our work in public affairs.

Click the map below to explore our stakeholder and community engagement projects. 

 

 

social media

Source and form opinion

Where projects have the potential to be controversial, if you are not using social media as a listening or opinion-forming tool, you are missing out.

From finding out what your local MP thinks about a certain issue to anticipating the reaction to a contentious planning proposal, the likes of Twitter and Facebook can provide an important barometer of public mood.

At the very least, they will allow you to find like-minded people, engage with them and, when required, correct any misconceptions that may have arisen.

In any area of public affairs, Maxim is well placed to help you source opinion and set the social media agenda. 

news & events

Maxim helps nail support for Ironmonger Yard

Securing planning permission for a prominent derelict site at the end of an historic high street is always going to be a challenge. Maxim was part of the team that recently saw a major residential scheme in Rochester gain approval from Medway Council’s Planning Committee.

November, 2024 more

Renewed interest in renewables from new Government

Labour came to power with a manifesto that said they will work with the private sector. We look at the plans to double onshore wind, triple solar power, and quadruple offshore wind by 2030 and consider what it might mean in terms of communications and community engagement.

October, 2024 more

Winners of the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards 2024 are announced

After a record number of entries, the best work of everyone involved in the media in Kent has been celebrated at an awards ceremony hosted by BBC news presenter Martine Croxall.

July, 2024 more

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