Curtin&Co

Curtin&Co is a public relations and communications agency based in London, United Kingdom. Founded in 2008, the firm has focused its practice on the intersection of political engagement and community consultation, providing strategic communications counsel to clients operating in complex, stakeholder-rich environments. The agency's work is rooted in helping organizations navigate the often overlapping worlds of public policy, local community relations, and corporate reputation.

Core Services and Specialties

Given its stated focus on political engagement and community consultation, Curtin&Co's service offering is tailored to situations where public opinion, regulatory frameworks, and organizational goals meet. The agency typically assists clients with stakeholder mapping and analysis, helping to identify key influencers, decision-makers, and potential opponents in a given project or policy matter. This is often followed by the development of community consultation strategies, which may include public meetings, digital engagement platforms, and targeted outreach to ensure voices are heard and concerns are addressed.

On the political engagement side, Curtin&Co advises on navigating local and national government processes, from planning permissions to legislative advocacy. The firm is likely to offer media relations support focused on trade and local press, as well as crisis communications for situations where community or political backlash threatens a client's objectives. While specific service offerings were not detailed, based on its industry keywords, typical capabilities include:

• Strategic communications planning and counsel
• Political stakeholder mapping and engagement
• Community consultation and public affairs
• Media relations and press office support
• Crisis and issues management
• Corporate reputation management
• Digital and social media strategy for advocacy
• Public policy monitoring and analysis

Methodology and Approach

Curtin&Co's methodology is built around the principle that effective communications in the public sphere requires a deep understanding of both the political landscape and the human dynamics of a community. Rather than relying on broad-brush campaigns, the agency likely adopts a research-led approach, beginning each engagement with a thorough audit of the stakeholder environment. This involves understanding the history of a project, the concerns of local residents or interest groups, and the political priorities of elected officials. From there, the firm develops a tailored strategy that balances organizational goals with the need for transparency and meaningful dialogue. The emphasis is on proactive engagement—building relationships and trust before issues escalate—rather than reactive communications.

As of the latest update, Curtin&Co has undergone a restructure and now operates under the name Chess Engage. Clients seeking the services of the former Curtin&Co team should refer to this new entity for ongoing support. However, the legacy of Curtin&Co's work in London and across the United Kingdom remains relevant for organizations looking to understand how to effectively manage political and community stakeholder relationships.

Location and Client Fit

Based in London, United Kingdom, Curtin&Co has historically served clients ranging from developers and infrastructure firms to public sector bodies and non-profits. The agency is best suited for organizations that are undertaking projects with significant public interest or regulatory hurdles—such as new housing developments, transport infrastructure, or energy projects—where community buy-in and political navigation are critical to success. It is also a good fit for businesses facing reputational challenges linked to their social license to operate, or for advocacy groups seeking to influence policy. Because of its niche focus, Curtin&Co (now Chess Engage) is particularly valuable for clients who need more than just media coverage; they need a structured process for engaging with the public and policymakers in a way that builds support and mitigates risk. Organizations that value a consultative, strategic approach over high-volume media relations will find this agency's expertise well-aligned with their needs.