Mark Burr leads the Public Affairs team at Hawthorn, covering government relations, political engagement and campaigns, policy development and messaging, and regulation. He advises individuals and corporates on how to achieve positive policy outcomes and navigate and understand the political climate, putting this insight to effective use on behalf of clients.
Mark uses political intelligence, insights, and his extensive networks to develop and drive political strategies. He builds effective and creative campaigns and enjoys using a variety of political and media techniques.
Prior to joining Hawthorn, Mark worked at another consultancy, and before that, he ran News Corp and News UK’s EU and UK public affairs and government engagement.
Mark has a keen interest in understanding what motivates people to change their minds and how the media and technology are transforming the world.
Outside of work, Mark loves cycling, running, and tennis, and he is an avid reader of crime and spy novels.
James Cowling is a Senior Consultant in the Political Advisory team.
He’s worked with several blue-chip companies to deliver political engagement campaigns, with a focus on financial services and tech sectors.
Before working in advocacy, James worked as a Parliamentary Researcher to a Secretary of State and former Pensions Minister Guy Opperman. He graduated from the University of Newcastle with an BSc Hons in Pharmacology, and an MSc in Management at Durham University.
James is the founder of Next Gen Tories, a Conservative campaign group calling for the party to tackle the policy priorities of the under 45s and is on the Conservative candidates list. He runs a community chess club in Greenwich in his spare time.
Holly supports clients on both political engagement and strategic communications, focusing on delivering a range of creative, strategic campaigns. With a particular interest in the technology, science and energy sectors, Holly helps clients raise their profile, both in parliament and the media, and effectively supports the day-to-day running of accounts.
Prior to joining Hawthorn, Holly worked at an NHS organisation where she was part of the internal and corporate communications team.
Grace works primarily on political advisory, supporting clients with their stakeholder relations, policy development and managing complex political challenges. She uses her several years of experience working for the Labour Party, a trade union and in the UK Parliament to advise clients on navigating Westminster.
Grace also has corporate communications and lobbying experience from her two years working for a national trade body. Here, she developed her skills in strategic communications and stakeholder management, building media-integrated advocacy campaigns during what was a turbulent period for the industry.
In her spare time, you will find Grace passionately supporting Liverpool FC and cheering on the England national team in tournaments of all sports.
Dan Patten is a Director at Hawthorn, specialising in political advisory and international campaigns. He advises clients, including (U)HNWIs and major corporations, on government relations, regulatory affairs, and crisis communications.
With expertise spanning various sectors such as financial services, technology, defence, health, and litigation, Dan leads political and regulatory campaigns that aim to enhance the reputation of his clients, whether they are individuals or large corporations.
Before joining Hawthorn, Dan worked in Public Affairs at FTI Consulting, where he advised Nasdaq and FTSE100 corporations, chief executives, cultural institutions, and trade bodies. His work encompassed a diverse range of campaigns and reputational strategies.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dan managed crisis campaigns for multiple clients across various industries and facilitated their participation in government and industry advisory groups.
Dan’s career also includes serving as a Parliamentary Researcher in the UK Parliament, where he managed the parliamentary relations of a successful Conservative leadership campaign candidate.
Outside of his professional life, Dan enjoys cycling and playing tennis.
Alice joined Hawthorn in 2023 and helps deliver political engagement for a variety of clients across different sectors.
Prior to joining Hawthorn, Alice worked as a Parliamentary Researcher for a Conservative MP at the House of Commons for two years. She provided a range of support and advice and regularly produced research and briefings, including on Treasury Select Committee meetings. She also wrote a successful policy proposal on the roll-out of specialist Sexual Offence Courts across England that was published by the Ministry of Justice.
Alice graduated from the University of Andrews with a degree in International Relations and spent time studying in Germany.
She grew up in Sydney and London and rowed to a nationally-competitive level. Outside of work, Alice still enjoys team sports and plays in a weekly netball league.
