We help our clients develop and implement effective regulatory strategies. We help them anticipate, shape and respond to regulatory developments, build well-functioning regulatory teams and cultivate effective relationships with their regulators and competition authorities.
For companies subject to economic regulation, regulatory engagement is an ongoing requirement. Companies with an effective regulatory strategy know how regulators and competition authorities think, anticipate future developments and understand the policy and political motivations behind regulatory decisions. They also connect those factors to their own corporate strategy.
A coherent regulatory strategy is also increasingly important for companies operating at the edge of the regulatory perimeter, or that may be captured by wider competition and regulatory developments in sectors where they operate or where they are looking to expand.
We help our clients develop and implement effective regulatory strategies that support wider corporate objectives. We also help them build effective engagement strategies based on a thorough understanding of the DNA of the different regulatory agencies and the views and approaches of key individuals.
Flint’s approach
We work with companies and investors to help them navigate and shape the regulatory and competition policy environment.
Understanding future developments
We specialise in getting under the skin of regulatory and competition policy announcements, while also identifying risks, opportunities, evidence gaps and scope to influence.
Evaluation of strategic options
We identify the best approaches for regulatory engagement either on a single issue or across the full range of a regulators activities.
Linking regulation to wider corporate strategy
We identify the impact both of regulation on corporate strategy and of strategic choices of future generations.
Effective engagement
We get the right information on the right people at the right time - both within regulators and more widely, while constantly learning from each encounter.
Case studies
Regulatory support for a large water company
Regulatory support for a large water company
A major water company was struggling to influence policy and regulatory debates in the sector, following years of poor performance. It was also considering whether to appeal its PR19 price control settlement and understand the reputational consequences. Once it decided to appeal, it sought our assistance during the appeal process and subsequently on both detailed regulatory issues and its ability to engage in wider policy debates.
Produced several reports to help it advance policy positions with government and regulatory stakeholders on issues critical to its future commercial success.
Provided strategic advice on the decision to appeal, and supported the company’s CMA referral for PR19. This included strategic and technical regulatory advice, development of the overall appeal narrative and alignment with wider public policy engagement.
Provide ongoing support on regulatory issues as the company prepares for PR24. This includes early strategic advice on the structure of the PR24 business plan and deep dives into early drafts of the plan.
Provided tailored economic regulation training to the senior leadership of the company.
Produced several reports to help it advance policy positions with government and regulatory stakeholders on issues critical to its future commercial success.
Provided strategic advice on the decision to appeal, and supported the company’s CMA referral for PR19. This included strategic and technical regulatory advice, development of the overall appeal narrative and alignment with wider public policy engagement.
Provide ongoing support on regulatory issues as the company prepares for PR24. This includes early strategic advice on the structure of the PR24 business plan and deep dives into early drafts of the plan.
Provided tailored economic regulation training to the senior leadership of the company.
A new digital competition regime for the UK
A new digital competition regime for the UK
A large tech company sought our support in developing its position in relation to proposals for a new digital competition regime in the UK.
Advised on substance and positioning of the client’s consultation responses.
Prepared detailed plans for political and regulatory engagement, including engagement with the CMA, regulators, government officials, MPs and third parties.
Drafted engagement materials such as written briefings and advised on how to tailor the client’s core position according to different audiences.
The client has deployed clear narratives and put forward constructive proposals on key digital policy issues, which have strengthened its profile and ensured its arguments are given proper consideration.
The client has developed and maintained positive relationships with senior policymakers.
Regulatory advice to a leading European mobile network operator
Regulatory advice to a leading European mobile network operator
The client wanted to put forward a persuasive case for reform of the UK telecoms market in the context of major reviews of UK mobile telecoms regulation and policy.
Synthesised and simplified the client’s asks into a series of key priorities.
Reviewed the client’s existing material, to identify evidence to support specific regulatory changes and to develop a narrative to highlight the need to act.
Developed “cases for change” for various areas of change in telecoms regulation and policy, including competition, public investment and procurement, consumer regulation and spectrum policy.
Built a compelling tailor-made narrative for stakeholders by relating these asks to wider political and policy priorities, such as driving widespread 5G connectivity, promoting trade, and reducing regional inequality.
Client’s needs-case for desired policy and regulatory change resonated with policymakers and helped it advance the delivery of its commercial objectives.
Client deepened relationships with key stakeholders, building a reputation as a trustworthy interlocutor.
Flint supports companies at the heart of the energy transition to navigate the rapidly changing policy and regulatory environment that impacts investment and commercial plans.
Flint helps financial services institutions, from established players to growing fintechs, navigate an ever-more complex regulatory and policy landscape and understand the broader political context in which these events take place.
Flint works with major players in the media, sports and entertainment sectors to provide strategic advice at a time where policy and regulation is seeking to adapt to rapid developments in technology and societal expectations.
Flint helps telecommunications providers and investors navigate a complex and ever-changing competition, policy and regulatory landscape drawing on our deep sector knowledge and extensive senior level industry experience.
Flint helps companies and investors navigate the UK water sector, and the complex – and evolving – political, policy and regulatory environment in which it operates.
A late change to an incoming prudential regime resulted in a client’s international operations being brought in scope, meaning the client would be required to hold significant additional capital. The client needed support to consider the options and make a decision about how best to mitigate the impact of this.
What Flint Did
Outcome
Flint advises international businesses and investors on policy, politics, regulation and competition.
