Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson CBE joins Tarleton as Public Affairs Lead
Tarleton Communications, a specialist science and technology public relations agency based in Leeds, has announced the appointment of the Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson CBE as the agency’s Public Affairs Lead.
Andrew served as a UK Government Minister continuously from 2017 to 2024 in several roles, including as Minister of State for Health and Secondary Care, Minister of State for Transport, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Business and Industry and Minister of State for Africa and International Development. He is a member of His Majesty’s Privy Council and was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2023 for political and public service.
Tarleton works with some of the UK’s leading universities to help them commercialise intellectual property and manages the reputation and profile-raising activity for some of the country’s fastest growing businesses, which include companies working across life sciences, technology, advanced manufacturing, professional services and more .
Innovation-led businesses often operate in sectors where industry insight and strategic engagement with government is vital. With a new party in power and major public sector reforms underway, now is the time for business leaders to ensure they are well placed to communicate effectively with these audiences. Andrew will be working across Tarleton’s key sectors, fusing years of ministerial experience in health, transport, business and foreign affairs with the commercial and industry experience already within the team.
This appointment expands the firm’s public affairs capacity, enabling UK and international clients to better understand and navigate complex and regulated markets. It comes after King’s College London researcher Nick Massouh joined in January to lead on the agency’s biotechnology work.
Thomas Averre, Founder and Managing Director at Tarleton, said “Andrew has experience operating at the highest levels across several government departments. To make the best decisions, businesses need expert insight and considered advice, which he provides in spades. I’m thrilled he is joining Tarleton as we expand the agency to provide our clients with the tools to help them to scale.”
Rt Hon Andrew Stephenson CBE, Public Affairs Lead at Tarleton, said “I am delighted to become the latest addition to Tarleton's team. Drawing on my 14 year’s experience as an MP and 7 years as a Minister, I hope to be able to help Tarleton's clients navigate rapidly changing markets. I've been greatly impressed by the team’s talent and commitment and look forward to getting to work”.