About

Carl is an MBA and CIMA qualified executive leader with experience leading teams and driving growth in SME and global corporate environments. His career has spanned consultancy roles advising global brands before transitioning to corporate positions where he has held board director and C-Suite positions.

Since joining Cavendish in 2017, and taking over as CEO in 2022, he has played a key role in successfully tripling the size of the company and broadening its offer both organically and through strategic acquisitions. A leader with a passion for cultural transformation he has helped businesses win several employee engagement and Best Place to Work awards.

Sam is an award-winning communications strategist with a track record of advising high-profile clients for over 20 years. Her expertise lies in developing integrated communications strategies that capture attention, initiate discussions, and influence behavioural change. She strongly believes in the power of storytelling and brand, and collaborates closely with her clients to craft impactful narratives that establish connections between audiences and brands.

Gareth has a deep understanding of UK politics and media and extensive experience in helping businesses leverage policy opportunities or minimize risks to operations and brand reputation. He has over 20 years of experience providing strategic counsel to multinational clients including Starbucks, Google, Infosys and Amex GBT. A specialist in Labour politics he is a veteran of numerous internal selection battles and election campaigns. Gareth is responsible for Government Relations and Corporate Communications work within Cavendish.

Max has a deep understanding of the political process in local and regional government. He is one of the leading communications professionals in the built environment, providing expert advice and insight on the intersection between politics, community, and media within the planning process. With over 15 years experience in planning communications and community engagement, he has worked with the Berkeley Group, British Land and McDonalds, as well as large public sector bodies on some of the UK’s most high-profile and complex projects. Max was previously a political advisor to a London borough and is responsible for the delivery of planning communications and community engagement for all our clients across the UK.

Steven has over 20 years experience working in the Public Affairs and Communications environment and is one of Scotland’s leading specialists in the politics of planning in the built environment sector. Having represented a diverse mix of clients and sectors, Steven’s vast experience coupled with his knowledge and understanding of the political landscape, provides clients with unrivalled strategic guidance and support ensuring that their investments and commercial aspirations are robustly looked after. Steven is responsible for all client projects across Scotland and Ireland.

Stephen is a seasoned strategist with 30 years of experience in corporate, political, and government relations across diverse sectors. He has advised FTSE companies, CEOs, and boards, and spearheaded award-winning campaigns. A staunch advocate for corporate social responsibility, Stephen has made notable contributions to many UK and Global charities. His leadership and business acumen transformed his company into the UK’s leading public affairs provider. As he transitions to work with a new CEO and leadership team, his passion for brand management, organisational change, team building, and innovation will continue to support the company’s journey.

Richard qualified as a chartered accountant and corporate treasurer with what is now PwC, and has 16 years experience as a non-executive director of professional services and technology companies including 10 years at Cavendish.  He is a Board level advisor and ‘sounding board’ on commercial matters, advises on strategy and performance, and works with the executive team to support all aspects of Cavendish’s development including its organic growth, financing and acquisition strategy.

Rhodri has extensive experience advising major business and consumer facing organisations in the UK and globally. His track record includes leading and co-owning an award-winning agency and sitting on the board as London Deputy MD of a global agency. Career highlights include launching host of hot tech fast growth brands in the UK, developing global initiatives and integrated campaigns and advising on messaging, issues and crisis for many blue chips across of technology and healthcare. Equally at home directing international brand campaigns or advising a UK start-up.

A proven global communications leader with deep expertise in technology, Steph has represented some of the world’s most iconic brands, held board-level roles at international networks and co-owned an award-winning agency. She creates transformative strategies that demystify innovations like AI, cybersecurity, SaaS, and networking, empowering businesses to harness technology for growth. By bridging innovation and application, she enables clients to effectively engage key audiences from CEOs and investors to IT managers, employees and customers. She also sits on the board of the UK’s Technology Industry Forum.

Verity is an award-winning corporate communications and PR specialist, passionate about engaging audiences and driving change through impactful and influential communications. Working across both the public and private sectors, she has 20 years’ experience of developing and delivering integrated strategic and creative campaigns that directly meet business objectives and deliver measurable results. Verity leads our national corporate communications team and is also an experienced trainer able to lead media training and crisis management workshops.

Creative Director Charli is a published creative and influential content contributor for The Drum. With extensive experience working in both in-house and agency environments for over 18 years, she is a creative leader who inspires and moves audiences to action. She has also written for a variety of design magazines and featured as a Getty Photographer. A skilled mentor, Charli is passionate about future talent through partnerships with local universities.

As the overseer of strategic creative for Cavendish, Charli delivers insightful strategy and innovative solutions. Her experience working with an international client base across diverse industries including automotive, financial, television, and sports allows her to deliver, campaigns that matter.

Sarah has extensive experience in developing stakeholder engagement and public affairs strategies for clients within the Built Environment. With nearly 10 years’ experience, Sarah has worked across all tiers of government, and across different consenting regimes, advising clients such as Unibail Rodamco Westfield, Crest Nicholson and National Grid.

Laura is an experienced planning communications and public affairs specialist having worked in the built environment industry for over 15 years’. Leading our team across the South, Laura has experience across numerous sectors including infrastructure, retail, retirement and residential working with clients such as McDonald’s, Southampton Airport, AGS Group, McCarthy Stone and Lovell.

Kevin has a deep understanding of the politics of planning having specialised in political advocacy, community consultation and campaigning for clients across the built environment over the last 13 years.

Leading our team across the North & Midlands, he has experience across the property, energy and infrastructure sectors, supporting clients including Aldi, BAM, CEMEX, Miller Homes, National Grid, Peel and Uniper. He works with local communities and their elected representatives to understand the need for and build acceptance of change to our built environment.

Leading our team in NI, Dawn has over 15 years corporate communications experience at large independent firms, global agencies and small owner-managed PR boutiques. She works with clients in the property, tourism, professional services and FMCG sectors; delivering sound media strategy and creative integrated communications and engagement campaigns. She has experience running UK-wide and global accounts. She is comfortable running multi-discipline teams, providing strategic direction, creative solutions and driving impactful results for clients aligned to commercial objectives.

With over 18 years of operational, commercial and HR experience spanning financial services, broadcast media and sports technology, Amy oversees our Human Resource department, and is responsible for designing and driving the transformative people agenda across the group. Specialising in Employment Law, she provides strategy and counsel, with a particular focus on retention and reward, D&I and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Ash is a Fellow Chartered and Certified Accountant with over 10 years industry experience in finance working in various roles across multiple sectors. He has extensive commercial and accounting experience in improving financial performance. Ash joined Cavendish in 2022 and heads up the Finance Department overseeing all the finance functions. Outside of work, Ash enjoys running where he took part in the Great South Run in 2016 and likes travelling around the world to experience new things.

Emma is a highly accomplished B2B marketing professional with an extensive multi sector background spanning over two decades.

Emma’s exceptional expertise has earned her recognition as a Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and their Construction Industry Group. Her outstanding achievements include winning CIM awards for Best Digital Campaign, Best Campaign over £25K, and Best Use of Website.

As Head of Group Marketing, Emma is responsible for the Group brands, sponsorships, and marketing initiatives across the Group.

James is a seasoned integrated communications specialist with over 15 years in corporate and public affairs. He has worked with leading businesses across the UK and internationally winning numerous awards. James is responsible for leading both the Government Relations team and the Innovation and Insights team, spearheading the delivery of our Group’s cutting-edge products and services. He is also responsible for our AI rollout.

Cathy Owens previously worked as a Special Adviser at the Welsh Government, and played leading roles in the Carwyn Jones leadership campaign as well as the successful Yes for Wales campaign in the 2011 powers referendum. She has been a government relations specialist in Wales for over 17 years and advises senior blue chip corporate clients. 

Jo’s career reflects a deep engagement with Welsh politics and media, contributing significantly to policy development and political strategy in Wales. She is a specialist in policy delivery, legislation, and inter-governmental relations from her time as Senior SpAd to two First Ministers of Wales. Jo is also part of our crisis comms team having served as a senior journalist and presenter for the BBC and as Political Editor of ITV Wales for over a decade.  

Matthew creates impactful communications strategies that generate excitement and engage target audiences. He has advised the public, private and third sector for over a decade, devising campaigns, managing reputations, securing planning consents and reducing risk for clients.

Combining in-house and agency experience spanning the property, infrastructure and energy sector he has an in-depth understanding of TCPA, DCO and Welsh PAC consultations, with clients including Aldi, National Highways, RES, Serco and United Utilities. Matthew leads our North team in Manchester.

Adam has a track record of delivering effective and engaging communication campaigns. He understands the Midlands political landscape and has a well-established network of contacts, from MPs to councillors and council leaders. He has over 10 years of experience working within political communications and local government. He has advised some of the UK’s biggest brands including Aldi, McDonald’s, and St. Modwen Homes. Adam leads our Midlands region, heading up teams operating out of our Birmingham and Nottingham offices.

Symon has in depth understanding of the media and communications landscape. With more than 20 years experience as a consultant and journalist, he has delivered strategic communications, reputation management and corporate affairs services to clients in a range of sectors. He was a business journalist for nearly 15 years, working across print, digital and broadcast media for the likes of the BBC, Dow Jones Newswires and the Belfast Telegraph. Symon leads corporate communications activity for clients in Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Olivia is passionate about delivering engagement to communities and stakeholder impacted by infrastructure projects. She has an in-depth understanding of various consents processes having worked on multiple public and private schemes, including A303 Stonehenge, Lake Lothing Third Crossing, Thameslink Programme and Bradwell B nuclear power station. She has over 10 years experience in developing comprehensive communications strategies which support a project’s development in a meaningful and coherent way. Olivia fosters effective relationships with local and regional stakeholders, helping to build awareness, support and involvement in complex projects.

Krystian has a decade of experience in planning communications and has substantial insight into the local, regional and national political dynamics that impact the built environment. He has led multiple high-profile engagement programmes for property, energy and infrastructure clients including EDF Energy, DLUHC, Homes England, Newlands Developments, Supermarket Income REIT, L&G and several major housebuilders and strategic land promoters. Krystian drives Cavendish’s growth across the UK, whilst continuing to deliver strategic planning communications advice for clients.

Nick has a wealth of experience in most aspects of development including prime residential, major commercial and corporate developments, large strategic land allocations and energy infrastructure. He has a 20-year track record successfully advising high-profile clients across the development sector, drawing on a background at both the Westminster parliamentary and local government levels to inform his counsel. Nick was formerly a local councillor in Guildford, serving 12 years on the planning committee and three years as a Cabinet Member in roles covering the environment and planning.

Mark’s passion for video stemmed from an early age – turning from a hobby to a full-time profession. Now, with over 13 years of professional experience, he has worked with many sector leading companies such B&Q, Kingfisher, IBM and United Utilities. Mark is responsible for leading our video team, innovating our services and delivering meaningful and impactful content for our clients.

With an in-depth digital, technical knowledge, Marcio has over 10 years’ experience across a broad number of programmes and platforms, allowing him to ensure a smooth planning phase, including user journey mapping, wire-framing and interface prototyping; and high-quality technical development to ensure digital engagement is maximised. Focused on providing a memorable user experience, Marcio keeps the end user front of mind, through the planning, design, and development process. Responsible for overseeing all technology and digital developments, Marcio combines a great mix of commercial and technical experience.

Tom has advised some of the UK’s leading organisations and businesses, helping them to achieve real cut-through with Government and regulators. He has extensive experience in working with highly regulated businesses, with particular expertise in the energy sector. Prior to entering consultancy, Tom worked in both Westminster and Brussels, providing policy advice to Conservative MPs and MEPs. A Conservative Party parliamentary candidate at the last election, Tom has an extensive network within Westminster and the regions.

Ali is a political and communications professional with 15 years experience in Labour Party politics across the country. His career working for the Party saw him organising in the North East, North West, Scotland and London, where he finished as Deputy Director for London Labour Party. Since leaving in 2019, he has remained closely involved, working for Morgan McSweeney (now Keir Starmer’s campaign chief) and on Keir Starmer’s leadership campaign. He remains a key figure in national Labour politics and has been advising clients about how to engage with the party at a national, regional and local level.

Steven has worked in public affairs for the last decade, establishing himself as a leading expert in planning communications in Scotland. In addition, Stevens strong analytical skills, combined with his political awareness, ensures he is well placed to advise clients on how best to navigate the regulatory and policy landscape in Scotland, crucially lifting barriers to assist clients with their investment. Steven has worked extensively on projects throughout Scotland across many sectors including energy, renewables, house building, retail, commercial property, logistics, domestic manufacturing, waste wood recycling, health and science & technology. Steven leads the Glasgow office and operates throughout Scotland.

Michael has worked in planning communications for more than a decade, having switched from running successful election campaigns for the Labour Party to campaigning for votes on planning committees for clients’ applications.

He is skilled in providing long-term strategic political advice through to ‘on the ground’ community contact and aims to engage and motivate those people who are too often marginalised by the planning process.