Who we are
The Brief are experts in politics, policy and regulation.
Our founding partners are Philip Collins, Ian Moss and Razi Rahman. They have worked in politics at 10 Downing Street under the Prime Minister Tony Blair, at the Treasury and other government departments and in opposition for Keir Starmer and other members of the shadow cabinet. They also have extensive experience of think tanks, trade bodies and the national media.
All businesses and organisations are affected by the political climate and all are subject to public scrutiny. We provide policy and political communications advice to leaders of FTSE stalwarts, fast-growing start-ups and trade associations, as well as to political parties, leading charities, and campaign groups.
Our role is not to make decisions for you or to speak on your behalf, but to equip you with the clearest analysis, the best advice and the most convincing arguments, so you can do that yourself.
What we do
Analysis
Our approach starts with getting to know your organisation and understanding its objectives.
We research the policy issues that could impact you, now and in the future, and we find out what politicians really think of you. Based on all this, we assess the opportunities and political risks that lie ahead. We have particular insight into the Labour Party and its policy platform and approach in Government. But we have always worked cross-party and aim to be objective in our advice.
Advice
Our partners have been trusted advisers to Prime Ministers, Opposition Leaders, CEOs and company boards.
For leaders tackling difficult problems, making critical business decisions and dealing with crisis situations, we provide an impartial but expert perspective. Challenging corporate consensus and received wisdom, we help you to plot the course of action which is right for you, your goals, and the problem at hand.
Argument
We are experts at presenting information concisely and advancing persuasive arguments.
Whether you are making a keynote speech, facing a challenging select committee hearing, or attending an important meeting with a government minister, we will prepare you to communicate as effectively as you can.
The Team
Philip Collins was speechwriter to Tony Blair in 10 Downing Street, and for Keir Starmer as Leader of the Opposition. He has been a political columnist on The Times, The Evening Standard and The New Statesman.
He is the author of six books and has previously been Chair of Trustees at Demos, the Director of the Social Market Foundation, a visiting fellow at the University of Oxford and an investment banker.
Philip Collins / Partner
Ian Moss / Partner
Ian Moss was a senior civil servant and worked in HM Treasury, the Cabinet Office, the Department of Work and Pensions, the Ministry of Justice and Oftel.
After leaving the civil service he was CEO of two trade associations in the creative industries and Director of Public affairs in the music industry. Ian started out in Labour Party politics, as Vice President of NUS and then as a researcher to the Labour Party Home Affairs team. He has a masters degree in economics, specialising in competition and regulation.
Razi Rahman / Partner
Razi Rahman was Assistant Political Secretary to Prime Minister Tony Blair, with responsibility for liaising with MPs, engaging with external stakeholders, and as a political appointee working closely with Labour HQ.
Since leaving government he has been a leading political communications consultant supporting organisations achieve their strategic objectives. Before working in government, he started his career as a Solicitor at law firms Slaughter and May, and Harbottle & Lewis.
James Carroll / Senior Consultant
James Carroll joined The Brief after working on Keir Starmer’s pro-business reset and has 10 years' experience in business, politics, and culture. He has coached and written for some of the world's top chief executives and leaders in the UK and US including at the Clinton Foundation and the Labour Party.
As executive director of broadcast at a London talent agency he provided strategic counsel and day-to-day management for clients, and helped to create books, television, brand campaigns, live tours and podcasts. He has a masters degree in politics and international studies with a focus on political communications strategy.
Alice Elliott / Senior Consultant
Alice Elliott joined from the Confederation of British Industry. She has worked as a consultant to some of the UK's most senior CEOs and industry leaders on issues ranging from education and technology to climate change, mental health, and trust in business.
Claudia Wood / Research Director
Claudia Wood is a research and policy expert with 20 years’ experience in think tanks and third sector organisations, and was previously Director of the UK think tank Demos. She has written widely for UK newspapers, been an expert witness at UK Parliament Select Committees, and is the author of over 50 policy reports.
Lizzie Hibbert / Consultant
Lizzie Hibbert is a former academic and literary editor with a PhD in modernist fiction and has extensive experience teaching and writing at all levels. She has also worked as a freelance researcher in economics and public policy and in the Violence Against Women and Girls sector.