Alex Challoner

Linkedin X-twitter

Areas of expertise

My policy and specialisms include:

  • The built environment, property, and development.
  • Transport infrastructure.
  • Trade associations.
  • Industrial strategy, productivity and the power of people through investment in skills, education and infrastructure.
  • Leadership and counsel.

Built environment and property

My experience comes from a diverse background across housing, retail, leisure, and logistics. I have curated an extensive track record of planning consents and impactful campaigns to introduce innovative new policies. For example, the introduction of the ‘Agent of Change’ principle to protect buildings by incumbent Mayor Sadiq Khan, is a notable project I am proud to have developed.

Transport infrastructure

I have provided public affairs support for gaining government approval of 2nd terminal at Luton Airport & independent communications advice to Southend Airport

Trade associations

I have provided strategic advice to a number of trade associations over the last 30 years. Many have seen a significant increase in membership as a result of my counsel on public affairs, whilst a number have implemented award-winning campaigns.

Industrial strategy

With a new government, comes a new industrial strategy. You need to know about what certain policies and decisions mean for you and your business. Before the general election, I was pleased to work with a client to devise and deliver a novel thought-leadership piece aimed explicitly at an incoming Labour Government. This platform was included within a think tank report and was tailored to reflect the priorities and political sensitivities to a potential Starmer Administration.

Leadership and counsel

Having built and sold an agency from scratch, I now offer advice and strategic counsel to other founders and C-suite leaders. My primary focus is on the development of agency culture, growth and generating new business, with clients ranging from start-ups to well-established businesses and senior in-house teams.

My approach

I am well-positioned to identify solutions to help you. I am able to work seamlessly alongside the client and its in-house and agency team, to fashion a policy response and political support into something that is well received by those at the top of government. This is based on careful consideration and analysis of what the client is offering and how that mirrors the Government’s direction of travel. By aligning both of these, the client can be assured of achieving a successful outcome.

My projects

If you would like to discuss any details on case studies or references from my background, please contact me.

Built environment and property

  • Planning consents for some of the most iconic buildings in the UK including the Great Court Roof of the British Museum, in addition to a number of campaigns to save a number of high street brands.
  • I am particularly proud of my role in securing planning consents for the Shard, now the tallest building in London and a huge contribution to our city’s skyline.
  • Clients include Foster & Partners, Wates Homes, and Sellar Properties.

Trade associations

  • Regular guest speaker as a political strategist for Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).
  • Independent adviser on public affairs and communications.

Government and non-profits

  • Cultivated international support and coalition building for a country seeking EU and NATO ties. 
  • I am especially proud of my role in the creation of the Canal and River Trust, now the UK’s third largest charity, formerly British Waterways. I obtained support from the Labour Government in 2010 and the charity was introduced as a non-profit organisation as part of the ‘Big Society’ programme under the Coalition Government.
  • Secured £20m in funding towards a campus in Thurrock to provide backstage support for the local creative arts sector.
  • Clients include the National Forest, and the National & Creative Sector Skills Council.

Industrial strategy

  • Defended a nationally renowned retail brand against internal and external pressure to demutualise.

Leadership and counsel

  • Ongoing support for a growing brand to help develop its public affairs offer.
  • Specific project work for a well-established agency to boost motivation, create incentives and to achieve high profile retention.
  • Growth mapping and discussion for a newly established international strategic communication brand.
  • Workshopping for a senior in-house global motor manufacturer.