Simon James

Simon is an experienced communications professional specialising in public affairs. Originally a scientist, he has worked in public affairs and policy development in the political sphere for the over 20 years. He has worked across a wide range of policy issues including transport, energy, healthcare, planning, infrastructure development, defence and engineering. He has a deep knowledge of the energy industry and project finance having worked as Head of Public Affairs for the Nuclear Industry Association and UK Public Affairs Manager for Ireland’s Electricity Supply Board (ESB) for 10 years. At ESB Simon managed the communications around a complex project finance deal for a gas-fired power station. He has been a Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate and a councillor and a member of the Congress of the Council of Europe. As cabinet member for Planning and Transport on Kingston Council Simon successfully steered the development of an energy from waste plant for South West London through the planning system.