Scotland stands at a crossroads. Economic headwinds are strengthening, public budgets are tightening, and in less than nine months, voters will elect a new Scottish Parliament. In this volatile environment, the organisations that will succeed are those that influence the conversation now, before their competitors do.

Securing the outcomes your organisation needs, whether planning permission, funding, or policy change, requires more than strong business fundamentals. It demands early, sustained engagement with the people who influence your success: politicians, regulators, community leaders, and sector stakeholders. At Perceptive Communicators, we specialise in putting our clients at the heart of their industry’s sphere of influence - turning potential roadblocks, like securing planning permission, into growth opportunities.

As Scotland prepares for its next parliamentary election, the evolving political climate presents a unique opportunity to influence. We are approaching a critical juncture with just one year to go until the next Holyrood vote, whilst the new UK Labour Government will soon have had its first full year in office. 

They say a week is a long time in politics. For the Prime Minister that first year will have felt like an age, seeing his popularity plummet and his party’s lead in the polls disappear.

It is perhaps not surprising that a panel of people engrossed in housing in the UK would paint a stark picture of the situation we face. But there were certainly no punches being pulled in the Scottish Parliament this week. We’ve distilled some of the key facts and figures as well as panel opinions on how we can improve things here in Scotland.

As a female founder, it was a welcome opportunity to be a panellist at an event at the Scottish Parliament encouraging the diversity of contributions at Holyrood. Organised by Women's Enterprise Scotland and the Institute of Directors is event is part of a wider mission to ensure all voices are heard at the Scottish Parliament, including at Cross Party Groups (CPGs).

It sometimes feels like we have been in political turmoil in Scotland and the wider UK for years. But two referendums, countless elections, numerous Prime Ministers and party leaders later, the same parties remain in government in Holyrood and Westminster with strong enough majorities to govern.

Perceptive Communicators has made two specialist appointments, with Sophie Newington joining as Communications Consultant and Jack Hope appointed to a newly created Public Affairs and Public Relations Manager role.