Jim Murphy’s lobbying company is in business
The significant increase in income is due to the fact that Keir Starmer’s victory in the next general election is becoming increasingly likely.
The former MP’s company, which recently set up a labor directorate, promises UK-based and global corporate clients “unrivaled insights into labor policies, priorities and personalities”.
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Although Arden is impartial, Mr Murphy remained close to the party and recently attended a weekend away for candidates selected for the next election, where he shared a stage with Sir Keir.
The accounts show that Arden Strategies had £643,627 in the bank and owed £342,175 from debtors for work carried out in the year ended 31 October 2021. Less the £342,058 owed to creditors, this resulted in net working capital of £661,744.
In the year to 31 October 2022 they had £1,039,060 in the bank and £782,193 due from debtors giving them net working capital of £1,362,124 after deducting the £459,199 owed to creditors.
It’s a remarkable turnaround for the company, founded by Mr Murphy in October 2015, shortly after he led the Scottish Labor Party to its worst election result ever. The party lost 40 of its 41 constituencies, including East Renfrewshire, which it had held since 1997.
We reported that in 2017 Arden had net working capital of just £3,792.
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The increase in business is due to the company continuing to recruit high caliber workers. Former Holyrood chairman Ken Macintosh, former Better Together strategist Blair McDougall and former Transport Secretary Tom Harris are all part of Mr Murphy’s team.
The company’s website states that it can offer “proven expertise in management consulting with our team’s combined understanding of the way Labor works and thinks”.
Services offered include “high-level strategy sessions” to help clients “understand how the Labor Party works, what influences it has and what its political priorities are”.
They also promise “unrivaled expertise on the workings and dynamics of Labor to help you understand how to interact with Labor politicians, including in local government, Metro mayors and devolved governments.”
Companies can also be provided with an ‘analysis of politicians’ and consultants’ perceptions’ about their business and ‘recommendations for improving perceptions’.
Arden also says they can “provide a full package of support for companies attending the Labor Party conference, including arranging meetings and side events, helping to set up a booth and providing briefings and insights ahead of specific business events.”
Arden Strategies has been contacted for comment.
