Mayors, combined authorities, devolved regions and local government
Expertise across every level of government.
Many agencies operate in public affairs or work with mayors and local authorities. BakerBaird is one of the few UK consultancies with extensive experience working across combined authorities, local government and national government.
Our team understands how national, regional and local government interact to shape economic development, regeneration, devolution, investment and community engagement. We help organisations navigate complex political and stakeholder environments while building support for transformational projects.
What sets BakerBaird apart is first-hand experience at every level of government. Our staff have worked at the heart of national government, including within 10 Downing Street, alongside Secretaries of State, ministers and public sector leaders.
We have delivered high-profile national campaigns, including the award-winning Think! road safety programme.
Today, we apply that experience to help public and private sector clients deliver successful stakeholder engagement, public affairs, communications and place marketing programmes. Through an extensive network of policymakers, media contacts and regional leaders, we provide strategic advice and rapid delivery that achieves measurable impact.
- Public Affairs
- Devolution and Combined Authorities
- Local Government Communications
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Economic Development
- Regeneration Communications
- Place Marketing
- Political Communications
- Public Sector Campaigns
- Strategic Media Relations
Objective
Intervention
Outcome
FAQs
How do you influence public policy through communications?
We combine political engagement, stakeholder relations, evidence-led messaging and media outreach to ensure complex policy recommendations reach the audiences that matter most.
Why is stakeholder engagement important for policy campaigns?
Building consensus among government, business, academia and community leaders increases credibility and creates stronger momentum for policy change.
Can media relations support regional growth agendas?
Summary
BakerBaird supported the UK2070 Commission over a three-year period, helping transform complex research and evidence into compelling communications that informed national debate around levelling up and regional inequality.
Working closely with government departments, Metro Mayors, local authorities, universities and commercial partners, we developed a comprehensive political and stakeholder engagement programme designed to build support for the Commission’s recommendations.
Through Westminster engagement, thought leadership, stakeholder events and an integrated media strategy, we secured coverage in leading national publications including The Times, Financial Times, The Guardian and Local Government Chronicle. Reaching an estimated 25 million people, the campaign helped position the UK2070 Commission as one of the UK’s most influential voices on regional economic development, investment and levelling up.
Objective
Support the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) at UKREiiF 2025 by delivering a strategic communications campaign that raised the profile of the East Midlands, launched the region’s Vision for Growth, and showcased a unified regional proposition to investors, developers, policymakers and national media. The ambition was to demonstrate that the East Midlands was speaking with “One Region, One Vision, One Voice” and was ready to attract significant private and public sector investment.
Intervention
Strategic communications planning; stakeholder engagement; partner coordination; media relations; public affairs support; social media management; video production; event communications; investor messaging; executive briefings; content development; photography and digital campaign delivery. BakerBaird worked closely with EMCCA, Mayor Claire Ward, Areli Group and regional partners to create an integrated communications programme before, during and after UKREiiF.
Outcome
Delivered a coordinated regional presence at the UK’s largest investment and infrastructure event, helping launch the East Midlands Vision for Growth to national audiences. The campaign secured media coverage with an audience reach exceeding 1.5 million people, increased LinkedIn impressions by more than 240%, attracted over 4,300 video views and achieved engagement rates significantly above industry benchmarks. Coverage was secured across leading property, business and investment media, helping position the East Midlands as a major destination for investment and growth.
FAQs
How do you promote regions at major investment events?
Why is a unified regional communications strategy important?
Can communications support inward investment?
Summary
BakerBaird was commissioned by EMCCA to lead communications activity for UKREiiF 2025, one of the UK’s most influential events for investment, regeneration and infrastructure.
Working alongside EMCCA, Mayor Claire Ward, Areli Group and regional partners, we developed and delivered an integrated communications strategy designed to showcase the East Midlands as a leading investment destination. The programme included strategic planning, investor messaging, media engagement, video production, social media campaigns and stakeholder coordination.
A central focus was the launch of the East Midlands Vision for Growth, providing a bold long-term ambition for jobs, homes, infrastructure and inclusive growth across the region.
Through coordinated communications and strong regional collaboration, the campaign delivered significant national and regional exposure, strengthened the East Midlands’ investment proposition and reinforced its position as one of England’s most ambitious and investor-ready regions.
Objective
Intervention
Outcome
FAQs
How do you engage diverse stakeholders in policy development?
Why are ambassador networks effective?
Can engagement campaigns influence economic policy?
Summary
Objective
Create a coherent vision and secure stakeholder buy-in for EMDC’s mission to unlock the development potential of Toton & Chetwynd, Ratcliffe-on-Soar and East Midlands Freeport, attracting investment and driving long-term inclusive economic growth.
Intervention
Stakeholder mapping; “One Voice” narrative development; communications and engagement working group; political engagement; community consultation support; ministerial visits; media relations; thought leadership content; digital communications strategy.
Outcome
A unified regional voice, stronger relationships with local authorities and Whitehall, and increased confidence among investors and stakeholders. EMDC was successfully positioned as a credible vehicle for large-scale regeneration, infrastructure investment and economic growth across the East Midlands.
FAQs
How do you build support for major regeneration projects?
Why is stakeholder engagement important for development corporations?
What communications support do you provide?
Summary
The East Midlands Development Corporation was established to unlock three nationally significant development opportunities across the region. Operating without statutory powers, success depended on securing support from councils, government departments, investors, businesses and communities. BakerBaird delivered a comprehensive stakeholder engagement and communications strategy combining detailed stakeholder mapping, coordinated partner communications and high-profile engagement activity. Outputs included consultations, ministerial briefings, collaborative events, refreshed digital channels and shared communications resources. The programme strengthened stakeholder relationships, created a unified regional narrative and positioned EMDC as a trusted delivery vehicle for economic growth, investment and regeneration.
