James Hawkins
James joined the BBPA as Director of Communications & External Affairs in August 2023, having worked for 20 years in different public affairs and corporate communications roles in-house and for agencies in the UK and overseas, as well as an adviser in Parliament and for the Conservative Party. Since joining the BBPA, James has led the BBPA’s engagement with government, press and the media at key set pieces such as the 2023 and 2024 Budgets, as well as successfully developing and conveying messaging which have won high profile government support for the sector during the 2024 general election and wider policy debates. In addition, James oversees the BBPA’s successful consumer focussed Long Live the Local campaign which has seen a 20% increase in supporters along with wider comms and social media engagement.
Sessions
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Regulatory relief: What would actually help pubs?31-Mar-2026Pub - The Drop Inn