Founded by Philip Collins, formerly chief speechwriter to Tony Blair, we are writers who are experts in rhetoric: the art of argument and persuasion.
We’ve worked with FTSE stalwarts and fast-growing start-ups, leading charities and on political campaigns - always and only on arguments we wish to advance.
We have written for the world’s greatest stages and in almost every major newspaper. When you need to speak or to publish, we make your case in clear, engaging and persuasive prose.
When you know you need a better argument, we help you find it: researching the debates you are engaged in, the position you should take, and the means by which you should do so.
What we practise, we also teach. When you want your organisation and its people to communicate better, we give them the tools and training they need to improve.
Phil was chief speechwriter to Tony Blair in 10 Downing Street, and writes a weekly column in The Times. He is the author of six books and has previously been Chair of Trustees at Demos, the Director of the Social Market Foundation, a visiting fellow at the University of Oxford and an investment banker.
Razi is a senior communications and government relations expert and former political adviser to Tony Blair in 10 Downing Street. He has advised CEOs and led complex client accounts in the UK, EMEA and Asia. He brings to the role extensive management experience in business strategy, finance, team management and employee development. Razi has previously founded a start-up and overseen the successful sale and integration of another. He began his career as a corporate and litigation lawyer.
Claudia is a research and policy expert with 20 years’ experience in think tanks and third sector organisations, and was previously Director of the UK think tank Demos. She has written widely for UK newspapers, been an expert witness at UK Parliament Select Committees, and is the author of over 50 policy reports.
Alex is a former reporter and feature writer for the Evening Standard and Independent. He has written for a number of titles, on topics ranging from politics to the arts. He has written extensively for financial services firms, with regular articles in the financial press.
Formerly a speechwriter for the CBI, Alice has written for some of the UK's most senior CEOs and industry leaders on issues ranging from education and technology to climate change, mental health, and trust in business.
Lizzie is a former academic and literary editor with a PhD in modernist fiction and has extensive experience teaching and writing at all levels. She has also worked as a freelance researcher in economics and public policy and in the Violence Against Women and Girls sector.
Cameron is a former political strategist in the Civil Service and has worked as a speechwriter, editor, researcher and communications consultant in both the UK and the US. He has taught classes on rhetoric and writing to audiences including prisoners, under-served school children, undergraduates and professionals, most recently at the University of Pennsylvania.
Antonia is an international journalist, editor, researcher and translator between Russian and English. Her features and investigations can be found in The Guardian, The New European, Prospect Magazine and more. She has also worked extensively with refugees and in the Violence Against Women and Girls sector.
Ed leads The Draft’s work in the United States from Washington DC. A former journalist, Ed was an adviser and speechwriter to the UK’s Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary for eight years before taking on a series of leadership roles for organizations in healthcare, justice and education. Ed has particular expertise across media and stakeholder communications, and is a regular commentator on current affairs.
Nick leads The Draft’s work in Australia and Southeast Asia. Nick advised Tony Blair on climate issues for two years, playing a vital role before the 2005 G8 meeting and helping initiate the seminal Stern Review. Nick has taught Public Policy at the London School of Economics and the University of Sydney and has been an advisor on climate change to senior business people.
Linda manages the finance, accounting and payroll functions at The Draft. She prepares all contractual agreements with suppliers and is the contact for all compliance questions. Linda is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (ACMA / CGMA).
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If you would like to work with us, or for us, get in touch: info@thedraftwriters.com