Expertise: public affairs

Supporting UK plc

Virgin Trains

We devised a strategy to enable Virgin Trains to demonstrate its contribution to UK plc, gaining recognition from political and media stakeholders

"FH has successfully positioned Virgin Trains as a key player in the transport, environment and economic development debate by carefully planning and implementing a long-term strategy and providing innovative thinking to develop strong relationships outside the rail industry." Arthur Leathley, Communications Director

The challenge

Virgin Trains is highly regarded as the operator of the West Coast Mainline, but the company's contribution to economic growth, regional competitiveness and views on the environment are not always understood by policy makers and stakeholders.   

Our response

We have advised Virgin Trains since 1999 on communications strategy, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, media relations and corporate responsibility consulting. Central to our approach is prioritising engagement with local and regional stakeholders, as well as national policy makers. 

As part of our public affairs and stakeholder work we have undertaken perception audits for the company, developed thought leadership programmes, advised on select committee inquiries and organised contact and briefing programmes.

Our PR work has included media relations programmes and communications planning.  We have also developed a corporate responsibility strategy for the company.

The results

Virgin Trains is now positioned as not just a leading rail operator, but a respected, authoritative voice with influence across key policy debates.