Dr Stuart Thomson

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Learn to lobby

Learn to lobby

An East Finchley author has published a book revealing the secrets of getting your voice or your cause heard in public. Dr Stuart Thomson has co-written Public Affairs in Practice which argues that the power and importance of local people and local communities is growing.

Two recent campaigns in East Finchley have used the power of local people; firstly against a mobile phone mast at Holy Trinity church and secondly against Waitrose coming to the High Road.

Dr Thomson, of Manor Park Road, said: "These campaigns have shown how effective it is to mobilise local feeling and how strength in numbers can make a difference. Councils and companies alike are increasingly aware that they have to take notice of what local people say.

"Whether it is dealing with planning applications in the area or being part of a more nationally co-ordinated campaign such as a boycott, we all have more power. Government changes to the planning system mean that developers are under a duty to consult, and it is important to ensure that we make the most of this opportunity.

"Knowing the decision-making system you are dealing with, where the pressure points are, the timescales, and the relevant people you need to engage with are all important parts of being a lobbyist."

Dr Thomson, Senior Public Affairs Adviser at law firm and Parliamentary agency Bircham Dyson Bell, uses his book to explain the skills needed to be successful in public affairs and tells organisations how to engage with the Government, MPs, the Civil Service and other policy makers.

The Archer, December 2006