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Craig Cox MCIPR

Strategic Leader in Public Affairs and Policy

Last edited 167 days ago by Craig Cox

Apartment 1107, 9 Churchyard Row, London, SE11 4FF

Email:

craigcox.uk@icloud.com⁠

• Tel: +44 (0)77 6145 6558

LinkedIn:

www.linkedin.com/in/craigcoxuk⁠

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Education

The University of Nottingham

BA (Hons.) Modern History | September 2006 - June 2010

Achievements:

Awarded Honour Life Membership by the Students' Union for significant contributions to student welfare and university life.

Attained a First Class in the Dissertation Module, a commendable achievement reflecting rigorous academic research and analysis skills.

Elected as Education Officer, where he led initiatives to enhance the student experience, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to educational improvement.

A forward-thinking and results-oriented policy strategist, I have catalysed change and influenced high-level decisions within the political and corporate spheres. My career has been hallmarked by my role as a conduit between executive leadership and governmental agencies, achieving consensus and advancing policies that resonate with public interests. At KPMG, and later at The Better Growth Company, I have demonstrated a keen acumen for the media landscape, understanding its pivotal role in shaping public discourse. My expertise lies in steering entities through complex regulatory environments and crafting policies that underpin sustainable growth and innovation. I am now seeking to bring this wealth of experience to the BBC, to forge policies that not only adhere to but also elevate the broadcasting institution’s revered standing in this progressive digital era.

Core Competencies

Strategic Policy Development: Instrumental in developing KPMG’s national engagement strategy, resulting in enhanced corporate-political influence and improved stakeholder relationships.

Media Sector Acumen: Deep understanding of the interplay between policy and media, able to navigate the unique challenges of the broadcasting industry, and drive forward-thinking public engagement strategies.

Influential Leadership: Pioneered The Better Growth Company’s ascendancy, cultivating a workplace ethos of integrity and innovation, while mentoring teams to perform beyond their benchmarks.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Established and nurtured high-level connections across government and industry, influencing policy reforms and advocating for corporate governance excellence.

Diversity & Inclusion Champion: Proactively fostered inclusive practices and championed diversity, aligning with organisational objectives and societal values.

Crisis Management & Reputation Building: Demonstrated resilience and strategic foresight in managing reputational risk, ensuring brand integrity in times of public scrutiny.

Analytical & Research Excellence: Employed comprehensive analytical frameworks to inform policy positions, leveraging data-driven insights to support the corporate narrative.

Ethical Governance & Compliance: Maintained stringent adherence to regulatory standards, upholding ethical practices as a cornerstone of professional conduct.

The Better Growth Company Ltd

Position: Founder & Chief Executive

Duration: August 2021 - Present

Location: London, UK

Overview

In August 2021, Craig Cox embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by establishing The Better Growth Company Ltd, a consultancy firm dedicated to blending ethical business practices with strategic growth initiatives. The company focuses on providing insights and strategies that foster sustainable growth while maintaining a commitment to social responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Vision: Craig spearheaded the company's strategic direction, setting long-term goals and identifying opportunities for growth and expansion. He cultivated a company ethos centred on ethics and integrity, ensuring these principles guided all business practices.

Business Development: He was instrumental in identifying and forging strategic alliances with providers of monitoring, data insights, intelligence reporting, and other business services across the UK. This involved negotiating partnerships, understanding client needs, and creating tailored solutions that aligned with the company's ethical stance.

Policy Influence and Stakeholder Engagement: Craig took an active role in engaging with senior parliamentarians and policymakers, contributing to discussions on economic growth, housing, pensions, and taxation policy. His efforts aimed to influence policy development for the betterment of society and the economy.

Financial Management and Governance: He managed the company's financial strategy, including budget preparation, financial accounting, and statutory reporting. Craig ensured the company not only complied with legal requirements but also set a market-leading standard in corporate governance.

Achievements

Growth and Expansion: Under Craig's leadership, The Better Growth Company Ltd achieved a significant increase in its client base and revenue streams by over 20% through strategic partnerships, within its first year of operation.

Influencing Policy Development: Through collaborations with senior parliamentarians, Craig's work contributed to national discussions on key economic issues, showcasing his ability to influence policy and advocate for social change.

Financial Success: The first year-end trading accounts reflected a robust financial performance, with £22k revenue, £14k profit, 94% gross margin, and 65% net profit margin. These figures underscored Craig's financial acumen and strategic management skills.

Trademark and Compliance: He independently researched, prepared, and submitted a now-approved trademark to the Intellectual Property Office, demonstrating initiative and saving approximately £4k in legal fees. Additionally, Craig designed and implemented a corporate governance regime that ensured market-leading compliance with statutory and voluntary reporting requirements.

Skills Developed

Entrepreneurial Leadership: Craig honed his ability to lead and grow a start-up, navigating the challenges of establishing a new business in a competitive landscape.

Strategic Planning and Execution: He developed a keen sense for strategic planning, focusing on sustainable growth and ethical business practices.

Policy Advocacy and Engagement: This role enhanced Craig's skills in policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement, enabling him to effectively influence public policy discussions.

Financial Stewardship: Craig's role demanded rigorous financial management, from budgeting and accounting to ensuring profitability and legal compliance, further solidifying his financial leadership capabilities.

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KPMG UK LLP

Position: Head of Government & Political Affairs

Duration: May 2017 - July 2021

Location: London, UK

Overview

During his tenure at KPMG UK LLP, one of the world's leading professional services firms, Craig Cox held the pivotal role of Head of Government & Political Affairs. In this capacity, Craig was instrumental in developing and executing comprehensive strategies that bridged the gap between the firm's business objectives and the complex political and regulatory landscape of the UK. His leadership not only enhanced KPMG's standing in governmental circles but also positioned the firm as a thought leader in financial and political discourse post-Covid-19.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Development: Craig spearheaded the creation and implementation of a national engagement strategy that fostered robust relationships between KPMG, government entities, regulators, and external organizations. This strategy was pivotal in navigating the firm through the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving political and regulatory environment.

Senior Leadership Advisory: Serving as a strategic advisor, Craig provided invaluable insights and guidance to senior leadership on matters affecting the business landscape and political climate. His expertise enabled KPMG's leadership to make informed decisions and stay ahead of emerging trends.

Risk Management and Compliance: Craig was responsible for managing risks associated with political engagement and ensuring compliance with lobbying legislation across multiple jurisdictions. His efforts in this area safeguarded the firm's reputation and ensured adherence to ethical standards and legal requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrating exceptional skills in stakeholder management, Craig successfully managed internal and external stakeholders' expectations, facilitating effective communication and collaboration across diverse groups. His ability to engage with senior external figures and train staff in navigating government and public sector dynamics was critical to KPMG's success.

Innovation in Engagement: Craig implemented a digital system to capture the firm-wide external engagement, a move that not only complied with lobbying legislation but also set a new industry standard for political compliance. His forward-thinking approach in leveraging technology enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the firm's engagement strategies.

Achievements

Financial System Recapitalisation: Played a pivotal role in the firm's efforts to recapitalise the UK financial system post-Covid, leading communication and collaboration efforts that were crucial in navigating the financial sector through unprecedented challenges.

Enhanced Corporate Political Engagement: Under Craig's leadership, KPMG significantly improved its Corporate Political Engagement Index rating, moving from the bottom band to Band C. This achievement not only highlighted the firm's commitment to ethical political engagement but also positioned KPMG in the top 20% of the index, ahead of its Big 4 competitors.

Thought Leadership: Craig's strategic initiatives positioned KPMG as a thought leader in the policy-making process, enhancing the firm's influence and reputation in critical discussions around financial policies and regulations.

Skills Developed

Strategic Planning and Execution: Enhanced ability to develop and implement complex strategies in a corporate setting.

Advisory and Consultancy: Refined skills in providing strategic advice and consultancy to top-tier leadership on political and business matters.

Stakeholder Management: Advanced expertise in managing relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and internal teams.

Innovative Problem-Solving: Developed innovative solutions to address challenges in political engagement and compliance, leveraging technology to set new standards in the industry.

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Voluntary Experience

Referee

The Football Association (FA) | January 2002 - Present

Role Introduction: Officiating semi-professional football matches.

Responsibilities: Managing on-field conflicts and ensuring fair play.

Achievements: Demonstrated exceptional decision-making and conflict resolution skills.

Council Member

London FA | September 2014 - September 2018

Role Introduction: Contributed to governance reform and safeguarding in football.

Responsibilities: Engaged in policy formulation and implementation to enhance the sport.

Achievements: Played a key role in reforming governance structures and improving player safety.