From our conversations across multiple sectors, one thing is clear: organisations are investing in policy professionals and public affairs experts like never before.

COVID-19 exposed a Weakness

During COVID, businesses of all sizes discovered how vulnerable they were to sudden regulatory and policy changes. Take a local pub, for example: lockdowns can hit revenue overnight. The only guidance came from trade associations, but that help was limited. They could offer advice or lobby on behalf of members, but they couldn’t respond in real time to the pub’s specific challenges.Now think about that at scale. Multi-site hospitality groups, manufacturers, and utilities couldn’t rely solely on trade associations. A delay in understanding new regulations or missing opportunities to influence government decisions could mean millions lost or permanent reputational damage. This is where policy and public affairs professionals make a tangible difference: they turn uncertainty into actionable strategies, helping organisations prepare, respond, and influence policy before it’s too late.

The Current Economic Context Makes This Urgent

It’s been a few years since the pandemic; however, the economy remains volatile. Rising costs, supply chain pressures, and fast-changing regulations mean organisations cannot afford to be reactive. Businesses are hiring policy experts and public affairs specialists because they recognise that waiting for government guidance or relying on broad advice is simply too risky.
What We’re Seeing in the Sector
From our conversations, demand is rising across multiple industries, not just those directly affected by pandemic restrictions. Utilities, construction, healthcare, and hospitality are all actively seeking professionals who can:

• Monitor and interpret policy changes in real time.
• Engage with policymakers to influence outcomes.
• Translate complex regulations into business decisions.

This isn’t confined to one sector. Hospitality, manufacturing, energy, utilities, and healthcare are all actively investing in these roles. The underlying trend is the same: no organisation wants to be caught unprepared again.

We Invite Your Perspective

These conclusions come from talking to people across the sector, but every business has a unique experience. We want to hear yours. Are you seeing the same demand for policy professionals and public affairs experts? Are there sectors where organisations are taking a different approach? Sharing these insights strengthens understanding and ensures we all adapt faster.

At Murray McIntosh, we connect organisations with professionals who can navigate complex policy landscapes and turn uncertainty into strategy. In today’s environment, securing the right policy and public affairs talent is critical.

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