The Motorcycle Industry Association is set to review its lobbying
contract with Citigate public affairs, an account the agency has held
since 1973.
The contract comes up for renewal at the end of the year and the trade
association’s new chief executive, Mark Foster, and his recently
expanded public affairs team are considering their options.
Association policy development officer Craig Carey-Clinch said: ’We’re
coming up to the year’s end and it’s wise to keep things under review.’
He added that he had not yet made any firm plans, such as inviting new
agencies to pitch.
Citigate’s brief has included helping the association communicate its
pre-driver age awareness programme - First Gear on Two Wheels - to
Government, managing its presence at the party conferences, and working
with local authorities to develop motorcycle transport plans in the wake
of the white paper on integrated transport.
Citigate public affairs managing director Warwick Smith said: ’Public
affairs is a crucial part of their offering to their members. Any
well-run organisation would want to test the market to make sure it has
the best support.’
The Motorcycle Industry Association represents motorcycle and accessory
manufacturers and importers. In the last year, it has brought on
Carey-Clinch as well as research officer Nich Brown.
