Who's Who in External Affairs
Brian Berry - Director of External Affairs
Brian Berry has been Director of External Affairs at the FMB since May 2007, where he has responsibility for UK and EU policy, public affairs and media relations. Prior to his appointment Brian was Head of UK Public Policy at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). During his time at the RICS Brian was seconded to Brussels to set up the RICS European Policy Unit. Brian was born and educated in Devon and has two degrees in History and European policy. He started his career as a teacher at The Charterhouse Square School in central London and was made a Freeman of the City of London in 1989.
Peter O'Connell - Policy Manager
Peter O'Connell joined the FMB in April 2005, and has been Manager of Policy since May 2006. In his current position, Peter has responsibility for FMB policy development and advocacy across a wide range of issues impacting upon the construction industry, from housing to health and safety. Peter was born in London and has a degree in politics. Following graduation, he gained considerable experience of Whitehall and the government decision making process from time spent on assignments at the Cabinet office, the office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and in the Private Office of the former the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith.
Jayne Runacres - Media and Communications Manager
Jayne has been Media and Communications Manager at the FMB since March 2008. Jayne is responsible for increasing the awareness of the FMB and its campaigns in the press and media as well as all other external and internal communications. Jayne Joins the FMB from a computer and video games company, Mercury Games, where she was Public Relations Manager. Prior to that Jayne worked for a marketing agency, MICE Group. Jayne has a degree in film, radio and television studies from Christchurch University in Canterbury. She is also a CIPR member and Accredited Practitioner following the successful completion of the CIPR Diploma.
Beatrice Orchard - Public Affairs Officer
Beatrice joined the FMB as Public Affairs Officer in September 2010. Beatrice is responsible for coordinating all FMB public affairs activity and maintaining the FMB's relationship with Government and Parliament. Beatrice also looks after the Cross-Industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force, and the FMB’s apprenticeships and training policy portfolio. Beatrice has a degree from Warwick University in English and French, and has recently completed a MSc in European Public Policy. She joins the FMB from the political communication firm Dods, and has previously worked for two Labour MPs.
