Adapting and growing: a new chapter
Six months into a renewed energy and focus on building the business, Craigview Strategies stands as a testament to managed growth and adaptability, having navigated challenges and embraced opportunities. Emerging as a trusted and influential player in the political consultancy environment in Scotland, Craigview has undergone significant transformation since its humble beginnings.
Fuelled by resilience and adaptability, we've diversified our services, expanding beyond mere political insights, to become a multifaceted consultancy catering to a broad array of clients and varied needs.
Following the recalibration of our focus in the wake of Labour's election setback in 2019, Craigview's new partnerships are beginning to bear fruit, with ongoing projects pushing the boundaries of conventional approaches to public affairs and communications. Our key partnership with Stratcom UK has deepened, with a portfolio of projects spanning fundraising, campaigns, research and engagement, extending our influence across various sectors and geographies, including the US, Canada, Gibraltar and South Africa.
Reflecting on the journey so far, it's important to acknowledge the invaluable experiences gained during my time working with the Scottish Police Authority (SPA). Leading on the oversight of strategic transformational change within the policing system in Scotland, my role encompassed a diverse range of responsibilities, maintaining positive stakeholder relationships and driving cultural change in communications.
During that time I led a significant and transformative project in digital platform modernisation and brand renewal for the Scottish Police Authority. This initiative demanded meticulous planning, extensive collaboration with various stakeholders, and strategic allocation of resources. Culminating in the successful launch of a Scottish Government-compliant website for the Scottish Police Authority (www.spa.police.uk), as well as modernising their corporate brand entirely.
I was also delighted to gain recognised qualifications in Programme Management, as well as Managing Risk and Benefits: Always a constant demand in navigating the complexities of Scottish politics. This experience sharpened my leadership skills and deepened my understanding of strategic assessment and budget management, providing a solid foundation for Craigview's continued success.
Craigview was also privileged to play a leading part in the development and delivery of Michael Marra MSP’s Injury Time campaign (www.injury-time.com) which seeks to have brain injuries in football recognised as an industrial injury. Our efforts led to the campaign being supported by Sir Alex Ferguson, along with three other ex-Scotland managers, and countless ex-professionals. The success of this campaign, so far, has been widely recognised, and I intend to blog separately on its progress soon.
Looking ahead, our focus remains on continued growth and innovation, as we seek to expand our reach and impact further. As part of this journey, I will provide political and parliamentary support to Mark Griffin MSP, offering comprehensive guidance on various parliamentary matters, with a particular focus on Local Government and Housing. Using my experience of the Scottish legislative process, I will help navigate political complexities and advise on effective engagement with stakeholders, committees, and other parliamentarians. This involvement underscores Craigview's commitment to driving positive change and making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
As we chart our course ahead, we extend heartfelt gratitude to our partners, clients, and supporters, who have been instrumental in our success. Together, we look forward to shaping the political landscape and driving positive change for years to come.
Brian Roy
Founding Director