News

Turley hires two political experts to grow Strategic Communications team

Our Strategic Communications team has strengthened its political expertise with two senior appointments, including the former special advisor to Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.

Rich Durber joins as an Associate Director, having spent four years working as the most senior adviser to the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor.

During his time there, Rich provided communications, policy and political advice across a portfolio including economic growth, transport, housing, spatial planning and the region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Previous roles include managing several northern MP’s offices, as well as spells working in the UK and European Parliaments.

As an Associate Director, Rich will be responsible for developing our political offer in the North West.

Meanwhile in our Dublin office, we have hired Karen Power as Associate Director.

Karen joins following a role with the Minister of State for the Department of Community and Rural Development, to expand our services in Ireland.

Our Strategic Communications team works with clients, which include house builders, developers and local authorities, to improve communication between them and local communities during the planning process.

Both appointments are part of the long term investment in the team to ensure full coverage across the UK and Ireland and across all facets of strategic communications in the development sector.

Speaking about his appointment, Rich said: “Having spent more than a decade in political communications, I understand the risk and the cost of delays that arise from community objections, so finding effective ways to engage with communities and politicians during the planning process is key.

“Turley’s Strategic Communications service is growing at pace – there are a broad range of skills within the team who are increasingly demonstrating that they understand how to get to the heart of communities and engage with them positively, and ultimately achieve success for clients.”

Nick Jones, Head of Strategic Communications, said: “Communities are becoming increasingly alive to the developments that are happening around them, so making sure the benefits of proposed schemes are communicated clearly and in the right way to people is key for the success of any planning application.

“Rich and Karen’s political background is a huge asset to the team as we continue to grow our client base, and I look forward to seeing how they help shape our Strategic Communications service moving forward.” 

12 July 2021