As Reform UK’s political stock rises, a new set of stakeholders enters the room: British businesses seeking early influence, despite reputational risks.
Corporate Britain is abuzz with anticipation ahead of Reform UK’s annual conference, which has emerged as a surprising but significant date in the political calendar. For lobbyists and business leaders, the event presents a unique opportunity to engage with the party’s figurehead, Nigel Farage, a man as polarising as he is influential. Despite lingering apprehension surrounding Farage’s public image, Reform UK’s rising prominence in national polling and local elections is drawing serious attention from Britain’s corporate and lobbying circles.
The party’s September conference, set to take place at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre, will mark a departure from the more traditional political gatherings hosted by the main parties. Sharing venue space with a Vtuber convention, the event reflects Reform’s unconventional approach and outsider brand. According to Ian Silvera of SEC Newgate, there is genuine and growing interest among businesses in understanding Reform UK’s policy direction and engaging directly with its leading figures. For corporate delegates more accustomed to the polished platforms of Labour or the Conservatives, this requires a notable shift in tone and expectations.
As Reform’s support grows at the grassroots level, public affairs professionals are beginning to acknowledge the strategic importance of building relationships with the party’s emerging local councillors. One anonymous consultant noted that while these councillors may not yet hold national influence, they represent a potential pipeline of future decision-makers. This marks a subtle but important evolution in how lobbying firms are approaching their political engagement strategies.
Despite reluctance from some businesses to align openly with Farage due to reputational concerns, Reform UK is actively offering corporate sponsorship packages for its conference. These packages provide access to networking opportunities and brand visibility among party insiders and supporters. While some firms remain cautious, choosing instead to focus lobbying efforts on Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, others view early engagement with Reform as a chance to help shape the party’s policy agenda from the ground up.
Gawain Towler, a senior adviser at Bradshaw Advisory and a former Brexit Party spokesperson, recognises the risks but also the rewards. He argues that early adopters may gain substantial influence in shaping Reform’s still-developing policy platform. With the party’s popularity outpacing the speed of its policy development, businesses willing to step in now may help fill key gaps and establish lasting influence.
Matthew MacKinnon reinforces this view, highlighting the long-term value of engaging early. Building relationships during this phase could lay the groundwork for future partnerships as the political landscape continues to shift. Nick King of Henham Strategy echoes this sentiment, advising corporate clients to stay flexible and take advantage of opportunities for engagement during the conference.
In today’s volatile political climate, where public sentiment and party fortunes can change quickly, the evolving relationship between Corporate Britain and Reform UK reflects a broader trend. Businesses are increasingly willing to explore new political alliances, particularly where traditional parties seem uncertain or slow to adapt. The interaction between commercial interests and political movements continues to underscore the delicate but powerful interplay of influence, timing, and strategic foresight in British politics.
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