Mark Stephenson

Helping Organisations Influence, Engage & Communicate Nationally and Globally | Public & Corporate Affairs Leader | Business Owner

United Kingdom

About

Stephenson-Mohl Group (SMG) offers a unique blend of local and national public affairs, development consultancy, political appraisal and strategic counsel services to businesses across a range of sectors. SMG works with clients to navigate what is often a risky political and regulatory landscape in both local authority and parliamentary settings. The network, evidence and research that SMG delivers helps clients to secure new opportunities and grow no matter how competitive the marketplace. We work with many of the UK's leading house builders, energy and utilities providers, retail developers, transport and logistics hubs as well as throughout the commercial property sector. We have a growing healthcare client base and we also advise a range of globally based property investors. SMG is also proudly involved in efforts to raise awareness of various causes including re-wilding, climate protection and regional infrastructure needs. We continue also to campaign to highlight the great reasons to live and work in the North and North East of England.

Experience

  • Managing Director & Owner at Stephenson-Mohl Group
    Dec 2017 - Present · 8 yrs 7 mos

    Founder and Managing Director of SMG - a cross sector multi disciplinary communications agency working across areas as varied as development, defence, financial services, the third sector, health, education and energy. Our clients range from publicly listed corporates to family offices, non governmental organisations and sovereign wealth funds to name but a few. SMG has worked on projects that have generated circa £11bn in gross value added since the company’s inception.

  • Director at Open North Foundation
    Jul 2020 - Jan 2024 · 3 yrs 7 mos

    Fundraising and profile raising, working with businesses and high net worth organisations to raise funds and for ONF.

  • Head of Public Affairs & Head of England Office at Invicta Public Affairs
    May 2015 - Dec 2017 · 2 yrs 8 mos

    Head of Public Affairs for Invicta Public Affairs in England and across the UK. Assisting investors and businesses through challenging political and regulatory landscapes. A focus on investors and high net worth individuals involved in the energy, utilities, financial services, commercial & housing development, logistics and transport sectors helping projects through the decision making process. I also specialised in influencing the public public policy making process both in Whitehall and locally by building collaborations and evidence based research.

  • North East Chamber of Commerce (7 yrs)
    • Policy and Research Manager
      Jan 2013 - May 2015 · 2 yrs 5 mos

      Manager of NECC's policy team and a regional leader on key businesses priorities. Policy specialisms included: energy, transport & logistics, economic and fiscal policy. Also the creator and project Manager of '50 Great Reasons' to live, invest and work in the North East. An experienced public speaker and media spokesperson and the author of several industry led reports, I've also led initiatives aimed at improving the conditions for business across the North East and the UK as a whole.

    • Policy Adviser
      Jun 2008 - Jan 2013 · 4 yrs 8 mos

      Project management, lobbying, policy briefing, member services, public speaking and presenting.

  • Legal and Compliance Manager at Barclays Capital
    Jul 2007 - May 2008 · 11 mos

    Working within the Legal & Compliance team to assess, log and execute structured products contracts working alongside the Financial Services Authority and the London Stock Exchange.