SAP widens Lewis remit to win work with public sector

Europe's largest software company, SAP, has taken on public affairs

support in a bid to win more business in the public sector.

The computer giant sees the sector as an area of growth. Lewis PR, its

existing technology agency, has had its tech PR contract extended to

include public affairs for the next year.

A key task for the Lewis team, led by head of PA Clive Booth, is to

promote SAP among local authorities.

Booth said: 'This is a three-pronged campaign: to develop a relationship

with parliamentarians, to maintain dialogue across the public sector,

and to promote SAP's global vision to them.'

Booth's team has already undertaken project work, with a view to

boosting SAP's profile in the public sector, since it was taken on as

its retained technology agency last year.

The SAP PA account was formerly handled by Golin/ Harris Ludgate, which

resigned the account in March, citing strategic differences.

Earlier this month Lewis's PA team enlisted Mark Field, Conservative MP

for the City of London and Westminster, to host business breakfasts

aimed at attracting new business. Lewis has also teamed up with tech

firm The Parity Group to offer MPs free computer courses.

The agency's research shows just 200 MPs have ever sent an e-mail.