Michael Prescott, Managing Director, Public Affairs

Michael is the former political editor of the Sunday Times. His expertise was built over 17 years of dealing with government and opposition front and backbenchers, and those inside Whitehall. He was headhunted from journalism by Weber Shandwick in 2001, in a move heralded by PR Week as “a major coup”.

Since joining Weber Shandwick, Michael has helped household name companies secure legislation and avert harmful regulation – a task which usually involves assisting clients in relating their objectives to the national interest. Companies which Michael has worked with or continues to work with include IKEA; British Nuclear Fuels Ltd; Balfour Beatty; and cable company Virgin Media.

The public affairs practice is managed by Michael, working closely with chairman Jon Mcleod. Their staff spans the political spectrum and includes former special advisors, election aides and election candidates, as well as the brightest and best graduates and student activists.

Jon McLeod, Chairman, Public Affairs

Jon McLeod went into public affairs in 1994, having spent six years in financial and legal journalism. His specialisms include: Parliamentary and lobbying campaigns, coalition building, national media relations, litigation and legal communications, and strategic counsel.

He has worked in a variety of industry sectors, including transport and infrastructure, financial services, food and agriculture, property and planning, legal and professional services, healthcare, the voluntary sector and information and communications technology.

Clients counselled include the Bar Council, Microsoft, the BBC, Shell, Coca Cola, the Meat & Livestock Commission, War Child, Barclays plc, Mars, Clifford Chance, Panasonic, ntl inc. and Volvo Car UK.

Jon has been a Board Member of the East Midlands Development Agency since 2000, with lead responsibility for communications, ICT, human resources and remuneration. He is a Council Member of the Nottinghamshire Learning & Skills Council.

Michael