Henson's Consulting designs and runs stakeholder engagement strategies for organisations whose success depends on policymakers, regulators, trade associations, NGOs, investors and media. We map who really influences the outcome, build a narrative they can support, and engage them with purpose — building trust grounded in shared understanding and mutual value.
When clients call us
- A decision that matters depends on people you don't yet have relationships with.
- Your engagement is reactive and transactional, and it is not building lasting trust.
- Critical stakeholders see you as part of the problem, and you need a route back into the conversation to become part of the solution.
- Allies exist but are neither aligned nor mobilised, and a coalition is needed.
What we do
Stakeholder mapping & prioritisation
We identify the actors who shape outcomes, what matters to them and how they connect — so effort goes where it changes results.
Engagement strategy & narrative
We build an engagement plan and a narrative grounded in shared interests, with clear owners and sequencing across your organisation.
Coalition building
We align partners with different interests behind one position. We keep coalitions active, turning alignment into visible momentum and sustained influence.
Rebuilding relationships with critical stakeholders
We replace defensive postures with credibility-first engagement, systematically re-engaging legislators, media and industry stakeholders.
Engagement with policymakers is often part of a wider public affairs programme; engagement with investors is covered in capital markets & financial communications.
Proof: selected work
Heineken EuropeHow a High-Intensity Campaign Defeated an EU-Wide Sports Sponsorship Ban
Diageo GermanyFrom Persona Non Grata to Trusted Voice: Rebuilding Diageo Germany in Berlin
“Marco combines strategic thinking with an ability to bring clarity to complexity. He quickly grasps new concepts and perspectives, integrating them into coherent approaches that move work forward. Beyond his strong judgement, he is highly effective at building trusted relationships and creating a genuine sense of team among diverse stakeholders. What I particularly value is the thoughtfulness he brings to every challenge, carefully weighing options before identifying the most effective path forward.”
John MahonyFounder · Reputation Inc. Strategic Consultancy
Your advisers
Every engagement is led by our co-founders, who have worked alongside each other for over 20 years.
20+ years of senior corporate affairs in highly regulated consumer goods, including executive roles at Diageo and Heineken across Europe and Africa.
Profile →
25+ years in corporate and financial communications; led communications and investor relations at Thule Group for 14 years, including its Nasdaq listing.
Profile →Frequently asked questions
What is a stakeholder engagement strategy?
A stakeholder engagement strategy sets out who influences your objectives, what each group needs from you, what you want from them, and how and when you will engage. It turns ad-hoc outreach into a planned programme that builds trust over time.
What is the difference between stakeholder mapping and stakeholder engagement?
Mapping identifies and prioritises the people and organisations that matter. Engagement is what you then do: the narrative, the conversations, the coalitions and the follow-through. We do both, and keep the map current as the landscape shifts.
How do you engage stakeholders who are hostile to us?
By leading with credibility rather than rebuttal: acknowledging legitimate concerns, taking visible action and re-engaging systematically. In Diageo Germany this approach turned political isolation into a trusted industry voice within three years.
How do you measure success?
By what actually changes — a decision, a vote, renewed access to policymakers or a stronger relationship — rather than by the volume of activity or the weight of a report.