MHP Group logo

Background

MHP Group is a communications group that has worked with clients in the fossil fuel industry and utilities, including SSE,1“Driving the clean energy transition,” SSE, 2025. Archived September 22, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog Siemens,2“Energy and Cleantech,” MHP Group, Accessed October 12, 2025. Archived October 12, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/mwCM2 the International Council on Mining and Metals,3“Register for 1st June 2024 – 30th September 2024,” PRCA, 2024. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog and Vitol.4“Register for 1st March 2020 – 31st May 2020,” PRCA, 2020. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog MHP Group also has worked for the meat and dairy and agrochemicals industry, with clients including the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef,5“Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef National Roundtable Minutes January 18, 2023,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, January 18, 2023. Archived July 21, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales),6“Register for 1st December 2020 – 28th February 2021,” PRCA, 2021. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog Arla,7“MHP Communications current client list,” Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog Müller,8“MHP Communications current client list (April to June 2025),” Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Oq4uG and Syngenta,9“Crisis & Risk,” MHP Group, 2023. Archived October 6, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog. as well as palm oil company Sime Derby Plantation Berhad (now SD Guthrie),10“Register for 1st September 2022 – 30th November 2022,” PRCA, 2022. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog whose products were banned from the US in 2020 following reports of forced labour.11Andrew Haffner. “Malaysian palm oil giant seeks to repair image after abuse claims,” Al Jazeera, May 25, 2022. Archived October 17, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/JzjEZ 

MHP Group has more than 200 staff between its London and San Francisco offices.12“MHP Group,” Next 15, Accessed July 23, 2025. Archived July 23, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/q1rDZ Before 2022, MHP and the creative agency Mischief were owned by Engine Group, operating as two distinct brands within a single agency known as MHP Mischief. In 2022, Next 15 Group acquired Engine Group UK and rebranded MHP Mischief as MHP Group.13“MHP Mischief Rebrands As MHP Group,” MENAFN, November 21, 2022. Archived October 17, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/vsjNt,14Ida Axling. “Next 15 acquires Engine Group UK for £77.5m,” Campaign, March 2, 2022. Archived July 23, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

Stance on Climate Change

MHP Group says on its website that “we also work hard to minimise our environmental footprint.”15“About,” MHP Group, Accessed October 17, 2025. Archived October 17, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/AAkrE

MHP Group works with clients “across the entire energy value chain,”16“Energy and Cleantech,” MHP Group, Accessed October 17, 2025. Archived October 17, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/mwCM2 and says that it supports organisations that are “driving change.”17“Sustainability,” MHP Group, Accessed October 17, 2025. Archived October 17, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/24GhP It also describes itself as “a leading food & drink communications agency.” It says that it works with its food and drinks clients, which include “three of the world’s top ten food & drink companies,” to help them “effectively communicate on critical issues like nutrition, innovation, sustainability, and social impact.” MHP Group acknowledges that this sector is “central” to climate change.18“Food & Drink,” MHP Group, Accessed October 17, 2025. Archived October 17, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/KxYdv

MHP Group’s parent company, Next 15 Group, has committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.19“Next 15 Carbon Reduction Plan,” Next 15, May 22, 2025. Archived June 21, 2025. Archive URL: http://archive.today/cHppV

Funding

According to a ranking of PR consultancies by trade magazine PR Week, MHP Group’s UK revenue in 2024 was £40 million.20“MHP names public affairs lead as Snowball moves in-house,” MHP Group, August 29, 2025. Archived October 13, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/gATZM

For the year ending January 31, 2025, MHP’s parent company, Next 15 Group, made £729.8m in revenue.21“Next 15 Group plc Annual Report 2025,” Next 15. Archived July 6, 2025. Archive URL: http://archive.today/4RENH

Key People

Role20252024202320222021
Alex Bigg22“Alex Bigg,” G&S Business Communications, Accessed November 7, 2025. Archived November 7, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/2r09o CEOYYYYY
Nick Barron23“Nick Barron,” LinkedIn. Archived November 7, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmogDeputy CEOYYYY
Rachel Bower24Maja Pawinska Sims. “MHP Appoints Edelman Exec To Lead New Practice,” PRovoke Media, May 17, 2019. Archived November 7, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/mniG6 Head of Brand & ReputationYYYYY
Charlotte Brooks25“Charlotte Brooks,” LinkedIn. Archived November 7, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmogHead of MischiefYYYY
Pete Digger26“Pete Digger,” LinkedIn. Archived November 7, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmogHead of HealthYYY
Matthew Francis27“Matthew Francis,” LinkedIn. Archived November 7, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmogClient Managing DirectorYYYYY
Oliver Hughes28“Oliver Hughes,” LinkedIn. Archived November 7, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmogHead of Corporate Advisory & Capital MarketsYYYYY
James Kennedy29“James Kennedy,” MHP Group, Accessed November 7, 2025. Archived November 7, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/wZzZ0 Head of MHP TechnologyYY
Gemma Sawyer30“Gemma Sawyer,” LinkedIn. Archived November 7, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmogHead of Studio La PlageYYYYY
Raneisha Tarnai31“Raneisha Tarnai,” LinkedIn. Archived November 7, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmogFinance DirectorYY
Nick Woods32“Nick Woods,” LinkedIn. Archived November 7, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmogHead of Financial ServicesYYYYY
James Marshall33“MHP names public affairs lead as Snowball moves in-house,” MHP Group, August 29, 2025. Archived October 13, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/gATZMHead of Public AffairsY

MHP Group staff with connections to British politics

Clients

Fossil Fuels and Utilities

YearClientCampaignCitation
2025E.ON46“MHP Communications current client list (January to March 2025),” Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2025Siemens EnergyManaged the media relations for the appointment of the new UK & Ireland CEO47“Energy and Cleantech,” MHP Group, Accessed October 12, 2025. Archived October 12, 2025 /. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/mwCM2
2025SSE48“Driving the clean energy transition,” SSE, 2025. Archived September 22, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2024E.ON49“MHP Communications current client list,” Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2024the International Council on Mining and Metals50“Register for 1st June 2024 – 30th September 2024,” PRCA, 2024. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2024SSE51“Powering sustainable growth,” SSE, 2024. 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2023Energy Networks Association52“Register for 1st September 2024 – 30th December 2024,” PRCA, 2024. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2023E.ON53“MHP Communications current client list,” Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2023the International Council on Mining and Metals54“Register for 1st September 2024 – 30th December 2024,” PRCA, 2024. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2023SSE55“RIGHT ACTION. RIGHT NOW.,” SSE, 2025. Archived September 22, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog,56“SSE ISSUES NEW SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK,” SSE, August 23, 2023. Archived September 26, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/yLxFX
2022E.ON57“MHP Communications current client list,” Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2022SSE58“POWERING CHANGE TOGETHER,” SSE, 2025. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2021SSE59“SSE: Supporting clean energy investment,” MHP Group, Accessed August 11, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/C03YR,60“SSE Plc – SSE’S Net Zero Acceleration Programme,” James Sharp & Co, 17 November, 2021. Archived August 11, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Ssi3y
2020E.ON61“Register for 1st March 2020 – 31st May 2020,” PRCA, 2020. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2020SSE62“Register for 1st March 2020 – 31st May 2020,” PRCA, 2020. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2020Vitol63“Register for 1st March 2020 – 31st May 2020,” PRCA, 2020. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2019Vitol64“Register for 1st June 2019 – 31st August 2019,” PRCA, 2024. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2015EDF Energy65“MHP Communications current client list,” Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

Other Energy Industry

YearClientCampaignIncome, if availableCitation
2025Carbon Data Open Protocol (CDOP)Global launch of CDOP66“Energy and Cleantech,” MHP Group, Accessed October 12, 2025. Archived October 12, 2025 /. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/mwCM2
2025Ceres Power Holdings67“Ceres Power Holdings plc: Interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2025,” Design Portfolio, September 26, 2025. Archived October 9, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2025Sylvera68“Energy and Cleantech,” MHP Group, Accessed October 12, 2025. Archived October 12, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/mwCM2
2024Ceres Power Holdings69“Ceres Power Holdings plc: Final results for the year ended 31 December 2024,” Ceres Power Holdings, March 21, 2025. Archived October 9, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2024Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (UK)Great British Nuclear (GBN) communications programme£100,00070“Communications Phase 2,” Contracts Finder, November 1, 2023. Archived October 10, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/5VvKi
2024Cleantech Summit2024 Breakthrough Energy Summit in London71“Energy and Cleantech,” MHP Group, Accessed October 12, 2025. Archived October 12, 2025 /. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/mwCM2
2023Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (UK)Great British Nuclear (GBN) communications programme£100,00072“Communications Phase 2,” Contracts Finder, November 1, 2023. Archived October 10, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/5VvKi
2023Sylvera73“ACX and Sylvera partner to broaden access to high-quality carbon credit investment and trading,” ACX, December 6, 2023. Archived October 12, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/gAsaC
2015Renewable Energy Association74“MHP Communications current client list,” Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

Meat and Dairy

YearCountryRegionClientIncome, if availableCitation
2025UK & IrelandEuropeMüller UK & Ireland75“MHP Communications current client list (April to June 2025),” Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Oq4uG
2024UK & IrelandEuropeMüller76“Müller: Preparing for change under a Labour Government,” MHP Group, September 20, 2024. Archived September 20, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2023GlobalGlobal Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB)77“Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef National Roundtable Minutes January 18, 2023,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, January 18, 2023. Archived July 21, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2022GlobalGlobal Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB)£6000 per month78“Minutes Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Executive Committee Meeting February 8, 2022,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, February 8, 2022. Archived August 7, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog,79“Minutes Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Board of Directors June 22, 2022,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Archived June 14, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2021AB Agri80“Skye Buttenshaw,” LinkedIn. Accessed September 30, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2021GlobalGlobal Roundtable for Sustainable Beef81“MHP + GRSB: Audience Engagement Framework,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, 2021. Archived June 12, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2021Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales)82“Register for 1st December 2020 – 28th February 2021,” PRCA, 2021. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2020AB Agri83“Skye Buttenshaw,” LinkedIn. Accessed September 30, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2020GlobalGlobal Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB)84Arvind Hickman. “MHP chosen as global agency of record for sustainable beef initiative,” PR Week, July 29, 2020. Archived July 20, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2020Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales)85“Register for 1st December 2020 – 28th February 2021,” PRCA, 2021. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2019AB Agri86“Skye Buttenshaw,” LinkedIn. Accessed September 30, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2018Arla Foods UK Ltd87“MHP Communications current client list,” Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2017Arla Foods UK Ltd88“MHP Communications current client list,” Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2016Arla Foods UK Ltd89“MHP Communications current client list,” Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2015Arla Foods UK Ltd90“MHP Communications current client list,” Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog.

Agrochemicals

YearClientCitation
2023Syngenta91“Crisis & Risk,” MHP Group, 2023. Archived October 6, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2022Syngenta92“Internship,” MHP Mischief, 2022. Archived October 6, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2020Syngenta93Arvind Hickman. “MHP chosen as global agency of record for sustainable beef initiative,” PR Week, July 29, 2020. Archived July 20, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog,94“Register for 1st March 2020 – 31st May 2020,” PRCA, 2020. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

Other Food Industry

YearClientCampaign/briefCitation
2025Benchmark HoldingsFinancial communications brief95“Benchmark Holdings plc – Last day of trading,” EURONEXT, August 15, 2025. Archived October 3, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/35E3Q
2025Coca-Cola“The Bosses”96Ryan Tallent-Moore. “FIVE THINGS WE LOVE: AUGUST 2025,” Keane, August 31, 2025. Archived October 9, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/XRvJ1
2024Benchmark HoldingsFinancial communications brief97“Second Quarter and Half Year results for the six months ended 31 March 2024,” Benchmark Holdings, April 4, 2023. Archived Archived October 3. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2024Impossible Foods98“MHP Communications current client list,” Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2023Benchmark HoldingsFinancial communications brief99“Second Quarter and Interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2023,” Benchmark Holdings, November 6, 2023. Archived October 3, 2025 . Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2023Impossible Foods100“MHP Communications current client list,” Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2022Benchmark HoldingsFinancial communications brief101“Second Quarter and Interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2022,” Benchmark Holdings, May 18, 2022. Archived Archived October 3. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2022Sime Darby Plantation Berhad (now SD Guthrie)102“Register for 1st September 2022 – 30th November 2022,” PRCA, 2022. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2021Benchmark HoldingsFinancial communications brief103“Total Voting Rights,” Stockopedia, December 31, 2021. Archived October 3, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/4yhQ4
2020Benchmark HoldingsFinancial communications brief104Arvind Hickman. “MHP chosen as global agency of record for sustainable beef initiative,” PR Week, July 29, 2020. Archived July 20, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2019Benchmark HoldingsFinancial communications brief105“Benchmark Holdings plc Annual Report 2019,” Benchmark Holdings, 2019. Archived October 3. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2019Dawnfresh106“Register for 1st June 2019 – 31st August 2019,” PRCA, 2024. Archived September 26, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2018Benchmark HoldingsFinancial communications brief107Solomon Radley. “Benchmark Holdings hands financial comms brief to MHP,” Gorkana, January 25, 2018. Archived October 3. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/iVLNR

Other Clients of Interest

YearClientCitation
2025Wizz Air108“WIZZ AIR HOLDINGS PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS F25,” Wizz Air, 2025. Archived October 9, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog
2021Pollination (a climate change investment and advisory firm)109“Pollination: Nature positive investment,” MHP Group, Accessed October 12, 2025. Archived October 12, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/WCJNV

Actions

2025

MHP Group managed the media relations for the appointment of the new UK & Ireland CEO of Siemens Energy.110“Energy and Cleantech,” MHP Group, Accessed October 12, 2025. Archived October 12, 2025 /. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/mwCM2 Siemens Energy provides energy technology, including for oil and gas.111“Helping secure a sustainable future for oil and gas,” Siemens Energy, Accessed October 12, 2025. Archived October 12, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/gWIba

2024

MHP Group’s public affairs team conducted “a detailed policy and regulatory risk audit to map the leading challenges and opportunities arising from the evolving political landscape” to prepare for the UK’s new Labour government and the potential “commercial implications for Müller.”112“Müller: Preparing for change under a Labour Government,” MHP Group, September 20, 2024. Archived September 20, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog Müller was the fifteenth-largest dairy company globally in 2024 based on revenue.113Robert McHugh. “Top 20 Dairy Companies In The World,” European Supermarket Magazine, September 9, 2024. Archived September 13, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/390Ef

MHP Group said that to conduct the research, it utilised its “extensive in-house knowledge of the food and drink sector” and interviewed industry experts, including policymakers, trade associations, and trade unions. MHP used its findings to design a programme of engagement with government and leading decision-makers. The stated aim of this engagement programme was to build relationships with “leading stakeholders” and “recruiting advocates who can be called on when the time arises.”114“Müller: Preparing for change under a Labour Government,” MHP Group, September 20, 2024. Archived September 20, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

December 7, 2023

MHP Group attended a meeting to discuss industrial decarbonisation with Lord Martin Callanan, then Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance) at the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.115“Ministerial meetings October-December 2023,” gov.uk, Accessed October 9, 2025. Archived October 9, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog,116“Lord Callanan,” .gov.uk, Accessed October 9, 2025. Archived October 9, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/P9aVT

September 2023

The UK’s Department for Energy Security & Net Zero awarded a contract to MHP Group to deliver a communications programme for Great British Nuclear (GBN) from September 22, 2023, to March 31, 2024.117“Communications Phase 2,” Contracts Finder, November 1, 2023. Archived October 10, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/5VvKi,118“SHORT FORM CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY OF GOODS AND/OR SERVICES,” Contracts Finder, September 22, 2023. Archived October 10, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

March 23, 2023

MHP Group participated in an agritech roundtable with the then Minister of State in the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, Lord Dominic Johnson. The purpose of this roundtable was to discuss investment in agritech.119“DBT’s ministerial meetings, February to March 2023,” Department for Business & Trade, July 20, 2023. Archived October 9, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog,120“Lord Johnson,” .gov.uk, Accessed October 9, 2025. Archived October 9, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog Other participants included MHP Group client Syngenta,121“Crisis & Risk,” MHP Group, 2023. Archived October 6, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog in addition to other major agricultural industry players such as Bayer and BASF.122“DBT’s ministerial meetings, February to March 2023,” Department for Business & Trade, July 20, 2023. Archived October 9, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

2022

In February 2022, the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) extended its contract with MHP. Under the renewed agreement, MHP was to be paid £6,000 per month for its ongoing work.123“Minutes Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Executive Committee Meeting February 8, 2022,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, February 8, 2022. Archived August 7, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog GRSB is a membership organization that represents stakeholders across the entire beef supply chain. Its stated mission is “to advance, support, and communicate continuous improvement in sustainability of the global beef value chain” with a vision for “a world where beef is a trusted part of a thriving food system.”124“Who We Are,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Archived June 25, 2025. Archive URL: http://archive.today/ml5wR

As part of its remit, GRSB requested that MHP map major industry events in 2022 to “help GRSB identify and increase potential speaking opportunities and member attendance.”125“Minutes Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Executive Committee Meeting February 8, 2022,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, February 8, 2022. Archived August 7, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog MHP also provided language for the “Who We Are” section of GRSB’s website126“Minutes Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Executive Meeting Minutes March 8, 2022,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, March 8, 2022. Archived August 9, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog and contributed to the GRSB’s Beef Carbon Footprint Guideline, which was published in February 2022 to set out standardized rules for measuring greenhouse gas emissions from beef cattle supply chains.127“Minutes Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Board of Directors April 27, 2022,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, April 27, 2022. Archived August 7, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog,128“Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Annual Report 2022,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Archived July 23, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

MHP’s Mischief supported GRSB in launching its global goals to the media and key stakeholders in markets such as the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and Latin America. It also secured interviews with media outlets, announced new members of the GRSB, and profiled businesses within the GRSB.129“Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Annual Report 2022,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Archived July 23, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog MHP’s Engine also supported the GRSB in its preparations for its Global Conference and COP27,130“Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Annual Report 2022,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Archived July 23, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog launching a communications campaign in September in advance of the conferences.131“Minutes Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Board of Directors June 22, 2022,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Archived June 14, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

April 14-15, 2021

Skye Buttenshaw, a Director at Engine MHP,132“Communicating Sustainability [now removed],” Vimeo video uploaded by user GRSB, April 23, 2021. Archived July 21, 2025. Archived transcript available at DeSmog delivered a session on the topic of “communicating sustainability” at GRSB’s Global Conference on Sustainable Beef.133“2021 April 14-15 – Virtual – Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Archived April 18, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

A video recording of this session was posted on Vimeo, a video-sharing platform, by the GRSB.134“Communicating Sustainability [now removed],” Vimeo video uploaded by user GRSB, April 23, 2021. Archived July 21, 2025. Archived transcript available at DeSmog In the video, Daisy Hayward, a senior account manager at MHP, describes how MHP would support GRSB in meeting the strategic priority to “communicate to ensure that beef is a trusted part of a thriving food system.” She outlines MHP’s approach as to position “GRSB as a trusted source of information, as an unbiased facilitator of information about sustainability, about the beef market, and a really balanced organisation.” She adds, “Our ambition is to increase awareness of beef sustainability by positioning GRSB as a powerful platform for this conversation.” Skye Buttenshaw also emphasizes the importance of “building faith in the notion of sustainable beef.”135“Communicating Sustainability [now removed],” Vimeo video uploaded by user GRSB, April 23, 2021. Archived July 21, 2025. Archived transcript available at DeSmog

Slide from a session on "communicating sustainability" delivered by MHP Engine at the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef's Global Conference on Sustainable Beef.
Source: Vimeo.136“Communicating Sustainability [now removed],” Vimeo video uploaded by user GRSB, April 23, 2021. Archived July 21, 2025. Archived transcript available at DeSmog

The MHP presenters highlight the work they carried out in 2020 (see images below). This work included research, such as social listening, to identify key learning and develop resources, including a refreshed narrative for GRSB. They also outline their upcoming plans, including identifying common “myths” about beef, collaborating with an academic partner to create messaging that addresses those myths, and producing social media content under the theme “the beef behind the beef.”137“Communicating Sustainability [now removed],” Vimeo video uploaded by user GRSB, April 23, 2021. Archived July 21, 2025. Archived transcript available at DeSmog

Slide from a session on "communicating sustainability" delivered by MHP Engine at the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef's Global Conference on Sustainable Beef.
Source: Vimeo.138“Communicating Sustainability [now removed],” Vimeo video uploaded by user GRSB, April 23, 2021. Archived July 21, 2025. Archived transcript available at DeSmog
Slide from a session on "communicating sustainability" delivered by MHP Engine at the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef's Global Conference on Sustainable Beef.
Source: Vimeo.139“Communicating Sustainability [now removed],” Vimeo video uploaded by user GRSB, April 23, 2021. Archived July 21, 2025. Archived transcript available at DeSmog 
Slide from a session on "communicating sustainability" delivered by MHP Engine at the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef's Global Conference on Sustainable Beef.
Source: Vimeo.140“Communicating Sustainability [now removed],” Vimeo video uploaded by user GRSB, April 23, 2021. Archived July 21, 2025. Archived transcript available at DeSmog

The recording was removed from Vimeo at some point after July 21, 2025. A DeSmog investigation was published on August 6, 2025, highlighting the role MHP played in developing the GRSB’s efforts to persuade people to “feel better” about eating beef.

2021

MHP, in partnership with its client, the GRSB, published an audience engagement framework to guide communication strategies across a range of stakeholder groups.141“MHP + GRSB: Audience Engagement Framework,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, 2021. Archived June 12, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

The framework identifies three key audience segments:142“MHP + GRSB: Audience Engagement Framework,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, 2021. Archived June 12, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

  • Primary Audience 1: External stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, and investors.
  • Primary Audience 2: Current and prospective GRSB members.
  • Secondary Audience: Consumers.

MHP addresses each group with tailored messaging. Key messages include:143“MHP + GRSB: Audience Engagement Framework,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, 2021. Archived June 12, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

  • Emphasising the value of the industry.
  • Positioning the beef industry as motivated to become more sustainable, with GRSB being a leader in this space. For example, “GRSB powers progress in sustainable beef by setting ambitious goals around reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving land use and animal welfare.”
  • “The world relies on beef.”
  • “Beef is part of a vital food system. It is a natural and nutritious source of iron and protein.”

The framework sets out tailored objectives for each audience segment. For example, its communications with investors aim to “generate increased interest and consideration for investment in the sustainable beef industry.” For consumers, the primary goal is “to help them feel better about eating beef—if not every day, then at least occasionally—and to increase awareness of the industry’s efforts to protect the planet and drive progress.”144“MHP + GRSB: Audience Engagement Framework,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, 2021. Archived June 12, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

To reach these audiences, the framework suggests various potential carriers for their messages. These include global bodies such as the UN, researchers/academics, environmental partners/groups, and food influencers, among others.145“MHP + GRSB: Audience Engagement Framework,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, 2021. Archived June 12, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

The framework also recommends a wide range of communication channels, including the GRSB website, social media channels, emails, events, and national, trade, and business media.146“MHP + GRSB: Audience Engagement Framework,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, 2021. Archived June 12, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

Minutes from GRSB Board of Directors meetings summarise some of the other work MHP conducted for GRSB in 2021. This MHP work for GRSB included “drafting various GRSB materials and Beef Narrative, 72 publication pieces, seven interviews in seven key markets mostly in Europe, Australia, and North America.”147“Minutes Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Board of Directors January 26, 2022,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Archived September 12, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog MHP also mapped major industry events for GRSB.148“Minutes Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Executive Committee Meeting February 8, 2022,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, February 8, 2022. Archived August 7, 2024. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

2021

SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy), hired MHP to position the company as “the UK’s clean energy champion.”149“SSE: Supporting clean energy investment,” MHP Group, Accessed August 11, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog,150“SSE Plc – SSE’s Net Zero Acceleration Programme,” James Sharp & Co, November 17, 2021. Archived August 11, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Ssi3y SSE is the second largest energy supplier in the UK151Ian Wright. “Who Are The Big Six Business Energy Suppliers?,” Business Energy UK, January 24, 2024. Archived August 11, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog and as of 2025 retains 14 gas-fired power stations,152“Our technologies,” SSE, Accessed August 11, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/d5Xwo including a station at Petershead that, according to Friends of the Earth Scotland, was Scotland’s single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions each year between 2018 and 2023.153“Peterhead expansion plan would worsen Scotland’s biggest climate polluter,” Friends of the Earth Scotland, November 14, 2023. Archived August 15, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/XlCAf In 2025, Scottish news organisation The Ferret reported that the Petershead station may remain open to 2040,154Paul Dobson. “Plans to keep gas plant open could ‘“blow hole’” in climate targets,” The Ferret, July 6, 2025. Archived August 15, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/43G3Z despite SSE having reportedly said in 2023 that it “could not foresee” it remaining open beyond 2030.155Paul Dobson. “New Peterhead gas plant could run at same time as old, energy giant admits,” The Ferret, March 30, 2023. Archived August 15, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/nRTIh#selection-1335.0-1335.74

MHP Group says on its website that SSE hired it in the context of a demand for a windfall tax on energy companies and a move by an activist investor in SSE to push for a separation of SSE’s renewable assets from the rest of the business.156“SSE: Supporting clean energy investment,” MHP Group, Accessed August 11, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/C03YR,157Jillian Ambrose. “SSE could face pressure from activist hedge fund to break up energy business,” The Guardian, September 14, 2021. Archived August 15, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/yIQaD MHP Group defended against a windfall tax by emphasising “the threat it posed to long-term net zero investment.” MHP also built an advocacy programme to protect against the activist investor.158“SSE: Supporting clean energy investment,” MHP Group, Accessed August 11, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/C03YR

MHP also launched a £24bn Net Zero Acceleration Plan (“NZAP”) for SSE.159“SSE: Supporting clean energy investment,” MHP Group, Accessed August 11, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/C03YR This included a plan to invest £12.5 billion by 2026 and targets to increase the outputs from renewables by 2031.160“SSE Plc – SSE’S Net Zero Acceleration Programme,” James Sharp & Co, November 17, 2021. Archived August 11, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Ssi3y In addition, MHP “delivered a long-running media and stakeholder campaign to position the company as ‘the UK’s clean energy champion’.”161“SSE: Supporting clean energy investment,” MHP Group, Accessed August 11, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/C03YR

MHP says on its website that its work led to “sustained political support at Cabinet level” for SSE, and “a step-change in business media sentiment, including from the most prominent commentators in the nationals.”162“SSE: Supporting clean energy investment,” MHP Group, Accessed August 11, 2025. Archived August 11, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/C03YR

December 2020

An email from the director of the GRSB shows that Next 15 subsidiary MHP would be communicating GRSB’s messaging around the sustainability of beef in the lead-up to the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit.163“Executive Director’s Message December 15, 2020,” Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Archived July 23, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

July 2020

Engine, a MHP subsidiary, won a global communications brief from the GRSB.164Arvind Hickman. “MHP chosen as global agency of record for sustainable beef initiative,” PR Week, July 29, 2020. Archived July 20, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

Nick Barron, the deputy CEO of MHP, told PR Week that “The agricultural sector is brimming with innovative ideas to reduce human impact on the planet and it is an honour to work with an organisation that plays a central role in enhancing animal welfare and human rights, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and improving stewardship of Earth’s natural resources.”165Arvind Hickman. “MHP chosen as global agency of record for sustainable beef initiative,” PR Week, July 29, 2020. Archived July 20, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog In its 2020 annual report, GRSB said that hiring MHP was a step towards GRSB’s goal of “communicating continuous improvement around the globe.”166“2020 Annual Report,” Global Roundtable on Sustainable Beef, 2020. Archived July 23, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

MHP’s remit included narrative development, stakeholder engagement, digital strategy, and media relations. The GRSB’s 2020 annual report details some of this strategy. For example, the report says that MHP believes “who you are is as important as what you do.” A figure in the report, pictured below, shows MHP developing a new narrative for GRSB:167“2020 Annual Report,” Global Roundtable on Sustainable Beef, 2020. Archived July 23, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef annual report 2020.
Source: Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef annual report 2020.168“2020 Annual Report,” Global Roundtable on Sustainable Beef, 2020. Archived July 23, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

The GRSB 2020 annual report said that MHP’s other clients at the time included aquaculture and agriculture producers, groups “that help to set and enforce standards in industry,” other membership groups, and “some of the world’s largest buyers of agricultural produce.”169“2020 Annual Report,” Global Roundtable on Sustainable Beef, 2020. Archived July 23, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog

MHP Group’s specialist teams:

  • MHP Accord is a specialized consultancy unit within MHP Group that helps its clients “anticipate, manage and resolve the threat of polarization to their business.” Accord has an advisory board comprised of experts in depolarisation drawn from academia, business, and international relations.170“New consultancy Accord launches, uniting scientists and reputation experts to help leaders navigate growing divides,” MHP Group, May 11, 2022. Archived October 13, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/QOZfe
  • MHP Group’s Mischief is a full-service communications agency,171Mischief,” LinkedIn. Archived October 13, 2025. Archived .pdf available at DeSmog. offering its clients a comprehensive range of marketing, advertising, public relations (PR), and digital communication services.172“What is a full-service agency?,” Davies Mayer, Accessed October 13, 2025. Archived October 13, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/moiKm
  • Studio La Plage is an in-house team that offers the following services: Conceptualising and developing campaigns, brand strategy and positioning, video production, design and illustration, and digital and social strategy.173“Studio La Plage,” MHP Group, Accessed October 13, 2025. Archived October 13, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/o57x1
  • MHP Technology is a specialist unit focusing on communications for the technology industry, including cleantech.174“Technology,” MHP Group, Accessed October 13, 2025. Archived October 13, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/F2g8X
  • In addition to Accord, Mischief, and La Plage, MHP Group also has an internal brand called MHP.175“MHP Group,” Next 15 Group, Accessed October 13, 2025. Archived October 13, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/q1rDZ

Contact & Address

60 Great Portland Street
London, W1W 7RT
United Kingdom

020 3334 8147
[email protected]176“Contact Us,” MHP Group, Accessed October 13, 2025. Archived October 13, 2025. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/NgCIg

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