Fusion appoints former Minister Trudy Harrison as Senior Advisor

Fusion Media, the leading public affairs and communications agency specialising in cycling and active travel, has appointed former Government Minister Trudy Harrison as a Senior Advisor. This comes as part of a wider rapid expansion of the agency’s Public Affairs department. 

Trudy Harrison was previously the Member of Parliament for Copeland since 2017, and a Minister in both the Transport and Environment (Defra) departments. She brings a wealth of experience, and her appointment reflects Fusion Media’s commitment to delivering unparalleled insight and strategic advice to its clients. As a former minister, her appointment has been considered by the Parliamentary Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, and she will start immediately. 

Harrison is respected across the political spectrum and served as the former Prime Minister’s Parliamentary Private Secretary at the time when Gear Change, recognised as one of the key developments in active travel in recent years, was developed under the Johnson government. Harrison was the minister responsible for active travel at the time of the formation of Active Travel England.

This comes as Fusion’s Public Affairs department continues to expand. The agency has recently started working with The Bikeability Trust on a retained basis, providing support on strategy, policy, and Parliamentary engagement.

This follows several years of working with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cycling and Walking which was recently marked by the delivery of a well-attended reception for Members of Parliament. The event was supported by Lime and Forest, and held in partnership with the Walking and Cycling Alliance (WACA). Speakers included Dame Sarah Storey, Ed Clancy OBE, Chris Boardman OBE, Catherine Woodhead, Rezina Chowdury and the Minister for Active Travel, Simon Lightwood MP. 

Fusion Media has also bolstered its Public Affairs team with the appointment of former Parliamentary staffer Mathew Porter as Public Affairs Account Executive. Matthew’s experience in both the cycling industry and Parliament will play a key role in further strengthening the agency’s ability to provide high-impact strategic communications and public affairs services to its growing client base.

Trudy Harrison, Senior Advisor, said: “Getting more people active is a mission that I’m really passionate about and I was fortunate enough to be able to progress this in Government. After standing down at the last election, working with Fusion to help get more people cycling, walking and wheeling is a brilliant opportunity to continue to make a difference.”

Jack Mayorcas, Public Affairs Lead at Fusion Media: “This is an exciting time for Fusion Media as we deepen our expertise and broaden our reach in the public affairs landscape. With a new Government in place and growing momentum around active travel, we are well-positioned to help shape the future of transport policy, and make cycling, walking and wheeling more accessible for everyone.’’