FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
What makes Whitehouse Communications different from other public affairs agencies?
We are genuinely integrated. Policy intelligence, regulatory influencing, campaign strategy, and media relations - across the UK and EU - sit within one agency and one team, not bolted together from separate practices. That means the advice you receive is coherent, and the work we deliver is coordinated. After nearly thirty years in the industry, we also bring a depth of political and media relationships that other agencies cannot replicate.
Which sectors do you work in?
We work across sectors where policy, regulation, and public perception are mission or business-critical. That includes financial services, energy and environment, human rights, healthcare, food and drink, creative industries, education, tech, and professional services - among others.
What our clients tend to have in common is not their sector, but their situation: they are operating in a complex political or regulatory environment and need an agency that understands how to navigate it. If you are unsure whether we have relevant experience in your area, get in touch - chances are we do.
Do you work with organisations outside London?
Yes. We work across the UK and EU, with a particular expertise in Westminster and Brussels, as well as in the devolved nations. If your issue has a regional or devolved dimension, that is not a complication for us; it is something we plan for from the outset and have extensive experience in.
We are a trade association with a very specific policy ask. Can you help?
This is exactly the kind of brief we handle regularly. We work with trade associations, membership bodies and charities on everything from consultation responses and parliamentary engagement campaigns to government relations strategies, regulatory influencing activity, and secretariat services. We understand how organisations and associations operate - the need to represent diverse member interests, the governance considerations, the importance of credibility with policymakers - and we build our approach around that.
We are an SME. Are we the right fit for an agency like yours?
Absolutely. Some of our most rewarding work has been with SMEs operating in regulated sectors who need to punch above their weight politically and in the media. You do not need to be a large organisation to need public affairs support - in fact, the earlier you invest in it, the likelier you are to have a positive impact.
What does the onboarding process look like?
We start every new client relationship with a thorough briefing process - understanding your organisation, your objectives, your political and media environment, and what success will look like. From there we develop a strategy and agree a programme of work so that we can operate as a true extension of your in-house team
Can you handle a fast-moving or crisis situation?
Yes. Alongside our planned programme work, we provide rapid response support for clients facing urgent reputational, political, or media challenges. If you are facing a situation that cannot wait, contact us directly.
How do I know if I need public affairs support, PR support, or both?
Often both - and that is precisely where our integrated model adds value. In an initial consultation we will help you understand where the real leverage is: whether that is political engagement, media presence, navigating regulations, policy influencing, or a coordinated campaign. We will be direct about what we think you actually need, but we will also match your requirements.
How do you measure success?
We measure success against the objectives we agree with you at the outset, not against activity for its own sake. Depending on the brief, that might be a policy or regulatory outcome, a shift in how an issue is understood by decision-makers, coverage secured in the right places at the right time, or relationships built that did not exist before. We hold ourselves accountable for outcomes, and report against them clearly throughout an engagement.
