The partnership will provide bespoke profile-raising and reputation management services for Chinese companies looking to position themselves with European institutions, and national and regional regulators beyond. The new partnership will also look to assist international businesses with national and regional government and regulators in China.

SPC will utilise the skills and talents of both firms to support the growth and success of their clients in both China and Europe. Chinese firms will benefit from both the corporate responsibility and sustainability (CR&S) programmes that SS has perfected during its ongoing business development in the Middle East, as well as its unique level of international political understanding. SPC will also call on the substantial Chinese network grown by GAP to support project delivery on the ground and provide the key local knowledge that will help ensure success.

Announcing the partnership, Alan Donnelly, Sovereign Strategy Executive Chairman said:

“Our experiences in the Gulf region have shown us that there is a market for what we provide – reputation management and unrivalled political and media intelligence. This is allied to bespoke CR&S programmes that enable companies to demonstrate that they are truly world-class, bonded with an unmatched team of communications professionals that make sure the world knows that. There is no one I would rather have alongside Sovereign as we go into China than Karl Watkin and his partners.”

Karl E Watkin MBE, Chairman of GAP said:

“I have known Alan for many years, and respect what he has achieved with Sovereign. SS and GAP have developed world class and complimentary teams in their respective markets. Sovereign’s political and media intelligence in Europe is as focussed as ours is in China and The Far East. I know that both firms, and many present and future clients, both in China and in Europe, will benefit from this partnership.”

Kerri-Lyn Hauck, Managing Director, GAP, said:

“China is maturing at an exponential rate and its businesses are fast developing into global players with international ambitions. As they target new markets and cultures, they will need help and guidance, and SPC has the braintrust to deliver for them.

“We believe Chinese businesses are up to two years ahead of where the European media positions them. SPC can make sure the media and potential business partners know the real situation.”

Executive Chairman Alan Donnelly spoke about the launch of Sovereign Partners China, Sovereign Strategy’s new joint venture partnership with Green Atlantic Partners, about the political environment and about Sovereign Strategy’s plans to get more involved in the stewardship of the public affairs industry.

David Dimbleby spoke about the election fever that had gripped the country and gave the specially-invited audience of politicians, businessmen and representatives of the media the benefit of his thoughts on a gripping month in party politics. He then spoke about the charity set up in memory of his father, with the aim of improving the care of cancer victims. The charity has raised £10m in the 40 years since it was set-up.

Earlier in the evening, Alan had presented David with a cheque for £2000 as a donation to the charity.

It is the first time that Sovereign has been in the running for this high-profile award, and reflects the great client work that Michael Quigley and the team in Brussels have been delivering for the last year.

The winners will be announced at the 2007 Awards party which will be held at the Cafe Royal in Piccadilly, London, on Thursday July 5th.

Sovereign Strategy is also proud to sponsor the UK In-House Team of the Year award at the event.