Grasshopper appoints new political monitoring lead

Daniel Bevan - Editor

Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.

Cardiff-based stakeholder and political engagement consultancy Grasshopper Communications has appointed a new specialist to lead its expanded political monitoring service.

The recently B Corp Certified agency has recruited political intelligence specialist Max McKeown as political monitoring manager, where he will oversee the day-to-day delivery of all monitoring services.

The appointment comes as Grasshopper launches an expanded suite of sector-focused political monitoring, centred on energy and infrastructure, and health and wellbeing.

Grasshopper has been active across Wales and England for the past decade, providing political insight and strategic advice to businesses, charities and organisations operating in sectors including energy, infrastructure, environment, placemaking and health.

Founding Director, Clare Jones, said: “The political landscape is becoming increasingly fragmented and complex, so meaningful insight and analysis is essential to help shape campaigns that have both purpose and impact.

“Max’s appointment ensures we can meet the needs of our growing portfolio of clients, providing timely and targeted information that can drive real impact and influence.”

Grasshopper’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Craig Lawton, added: “Polling suggests there will be significant changes coming at the Senedd election in Wales and Local Government elections in parts of England.

“2026 is therefore going to be crucial for businesses and charities as they work to stay on the front foot, understand how government plans affect them, and ensure their projects and causes are heard and understood by politicians and decision makers.”

As well as delivering its specialist, sector-specific weekly reports, Grasshopper’s Senedd Daily Digest service will offer an overview of all the latest and most important updates from Welsh politics.

Max McKeown said: “I’m looking forward to bringing my monitoring experience to Grasshopper to deliver not only timely information, but also bespoke advice and proposed next steps for our energy and health clients.

“Knowing what is happening in politics only gets you so far. At Grasshopper we are using our extensive insight and sector knowledge to ensure our clients get the right advice on what political announcements and news means for them, as well as what they should be doing next in order to progress their campaigns.”