EurActiv survey shows increase in Brussels-based corporate communications

The survey revealed that a majority of companies are increasing the size of their Brussels staff, with a deliberate emphasis on public affairs and communication. As most companies also recognize the special skill sets of consultants, many plan to continue relying on the latter, in the area of public relations in particular. 

• Most respondents said that they are focusing more staff resources on the PA and Communication functions than they did 5 years ago. 
• Strong to moderate growth in PA staff is predicted by 72% of respondents. 
• 57% of the respondents said they use different consultants for each corporate affairs function. 

[See related news in EurActiv's Public Affairs Section: "EurActiv survey confirms the increase in Brussels-based communication resources"]

Christophe Leclercq ,  EurActiv Publisher, said: "after NGOs, companies now also recognise that policy decisions are often shaped by public opinion, not just through classical lobbying efforts." 

Andrew Hawkins , Chief Executive of CommunicateResearch Ltd, who contributed technical expertise and data analysis, commented: "for those of you working in PA, you can expect that your skills will be in high demand over the coming few years: none of the survey respondents expect any sort of decline in PA!" 

Philip A. Springuel ,  EurActiv's Senior Public Affairs Manager adds "consultancies with integrated skills and a particular expertise in PR will see continued demand for their services." 

To discuss implications of the Survey for public affairs professionals in Brussels, contact Philip on publicaffairs@euractiv.com, or call +32 2 226 58 17. 

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Media contacts:  

Christophe Leclercq: Publisher T +32 2 226 5813 E publisher@euractiv.com 

Willy De Backer : Editor in Chief T +32 2 788 3664 E editor-in-chief@euractiv.com 

Julian Oliver : Secretary General T + 322 226 5825 E  secgen@euractiv.com  

Philip Springuel : Senior Public  Affairs Manager T + 322 226 5817 E  publicaffairs@euractiv.com