About CalComms
Founded in 2015 and based in Millbank Tower, CalComms is a public affairs agency providing political counsel, analysis and insight at the heart of Westminster. We work across local, devolved and central government to help clients achieve the outcomes that matter most to them.
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Our consultants bring deep and varied policy experience, allowing us to build bespoke teams around each client’s needs. Organisations across Westminster and Whitehall rely on our intelligence, networks, regulatory expertise and strategic guidance to advance their ambitions.
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Beyond Westminster, we partner with local authorities and devolved governments to secure support for community infrastructure projects and deliver meaningful local impact.
Antony Calvert
Managing Director
Antony is the Managing Director of CalComms and is responsible for the overall strategic direction of projects across the business. He provides senior oversight, ensures alignment with client objectives, and brings extensive experience in guiding complex programmes to successful delivery. Antony plays a key role in shaping strategy, supporting teams, and maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.
Allan Andrews
Associate Director, West Midlands
Allan is a public affairs and policy adviser with over 20 years’ experience across politics, government, and business. He has advised senior leaders, including as Senior Adviser to the West Midlands Mayor. He spent a decade as a Coventry City Councillor, serving on Planning and Licensing Committees, giving him strong insight into decision-making at all levels. His experience includes roles with Cadent and the University of Cambridge, Judge Business School, and advising business leaders on engagement with Whitehall, the NHS, and investors.
Walaa Idris
Associate Director ​
Walaa is passionate about business, politics, and public service. With an entrepreneurial background that includes running a high-end property business in the UK and leading social improvement projects in Africa, she brings a diverse and impactful perspective to her work.
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With a keen eye for spatial design and a deep commitment to community well-being, she contributes to the cohesive development of neighbourhoods that thrive economically, socially, and ecologically.
Dr Stuart Thomson
Associate Director ​
Stuart is a communications and political engagement specialist with over 25 years’
experience of advising Boards and senior leadership teams.
He advises clients on all aspects of their political and corporate communications, and reputation management.
He has also worked on a number of high profile media relations and crisis communications programmes
Clare Golby
Associate Director ​
Clare Golby brings a wealth of experience in public affairs and public sector communications. Her career includes senior roles in both local and regional government, complemented by extensive private sector expertise in information technology operations and relationship management. Clare excels at navigating complex negotiations and problem-solving, skilfully engaging diverse stakeholders and steering multi-faceted projects to successful outcomes, benefiting both commercial interests and local communities.
Rob Gledhill
Associate Director ​
Rob has worked in local government for over 30 years and has served both as an officer and elected member.
Having worked and led a number of engagement projects with residents and other stakeholders on a wide variety of subject matters, including local plans, Rob bring expertise of not only forming consultations, but also delivering and implementing their findings
Esme Roberts
Consultant
Esme Roberts is a communications consultant with over ten years’ experience advising organisations and leadership teams on corporate reputation, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications.
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Esme has worked across housing, regeneration, infrastructure and energy, supporting clients including The Crown Estate, King’s Cross Group, L&Q, and M&G Real Estate.
Matthew Detzler
Senior Account Director
Matt is an experienced in Local Government Engagement professional, providing strategic direction through stakeholder engagement, business development, and tailored strategies to navigate complex political landscapes.
He has worked closely with councils, combined authorities, and local partners to build consensus, unlock opportunities, and deliver meaningful outcomes. Matt helps clients strengthen relationships, manage risk, and position their projects for success.
James Jones
Senior Account Executive
James is an experienced former elected councillor who has held key leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Planning Committee. At CalComms he manages high-profile client accounts in Westminster and at a local level.
Before entering public affairs, James successfully directed multiple winning electoral campaigns for a major political party
Zoé Belison
Junior Account Executive
Zoé supports the firm’s public affairs and communications portfolios, with a focus on parliamentary engagement.
Drawing on her experience with the International Crisis Group and Lignaverda, she brings expertise in political monitoring, high-level copywriting, and strategic social media management.
Ben Shepherd
IT Consultant
Ben is a results-driven IT Consultant working with Pickl IT Ltd who have a strong track record of helping small businesses optimise their technology infrastructure, improve efficiency, and drive digital transformation.
With expertise across systems integration, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and IT strategy, Pickl has delivered tailored solutions that align with CalComms' business goals.
Testimonials
“CalComms demonstrated immediate acumen in political communications following instruction, with a substantive knowledge of the inner workings of the UK Government, expert political engagement at all levels of Parliament and UK Government as well as extensive policy knowledge.”
Gino Martini | CEO | Precision Health Technologies Accelerator