Winner
WA Communications
Summary of work
We entered 2025 against the growing viewpoint that AI posed an existential threat to the communications consultancy model. We felt this was only half right; it wasn’t about killing the old model, it was about rewiring it.
2025 was the year WA Health turned a successful integrated offer into a future-ready strategic one. As Communiqué’s Public Affairs and Policy Consultancy of the Year, we entered from a position of strength. But the market had changed. A fledgling government, geopolitical upheaval, NHS pressures, tighter access debates and the abilities of AI meant clients needed un-replicable system insight and support.
We responded by evolving from integrated policy and communications to an Innovation-to-Implementation model, helping clients navigate challenges from HTA and market access through to NHS adoption. We moved closer to the system through creating the WA Health Leaders Forum and deepening our specialist expertise in HTA and market access.
The result was 17% fee revenue growth, with 87% of that coming from organic growth, due to strong retention across our existing client base. More importantly, we built a more resilient business and a stronger platform for deeper client impact in the years ahead.
Judges’ comments
WA Communications achieved commendable results in a turbulent year, and seemed to have a clear and deliberate plan which they achieved. They had an admirable approach to people and it was great to see so much investment in people training, as well as DEI and sustainability. Operationally the entry covered a broad range of topics, and the comprehensive client work submitted for review delivered a high level of coverage and results.
