The multi-millionaire PR guru who goes on beach holidays with the Camerons
SIR Alan Parker is a remarkably wellconnected PR mogul who can claim allegiances across the political divide.
The son of a former British Rail chairman, he is reputed to be worth £130 million thanks to the success of Brunswick, the UK’s biggest financial PR firm, which he founded in 1987.
Before turning his hand to public relations, Sir Alan worked on an oil rig and managed rock bands.
A rebellious teenager, his anti-Establishment attitude meant he was denied a place at Oxford despite an excellent academic record. His unconventional approach to business is said to persist in his tendency to kick off his shoes during meetings.
Sir Alan, 6 , started Brunswick in his parents’ front room in 1987, but the firm now boasts many high-profile clients, including EMI, Pearson, Reuters and Time Warner. It is thought to have advised more than a quarter of FTSE 100 listed firms.
Said to be a natural Labour supporter, Sir Alan was involved in attempts to rebrand Gordon Brown’s public image during his ailing premiership. Mr Brown is godfather to Sir Alan’s son, William.
But the PR guru has also holidayed with David Cameron. He and the former Tory leader were pictured hitting the beach together in South Africa. Samantha Cameron is an ambassador for Save the Children.
Sir Alan later lent one of his properties – a £16.8 million seven-bedroom townhouse in Holland Park – to Mr Cameron and his family after they left Downing Street.
The PR mogul was among business leaders who accompanied Mr Cameron on a trade mission to China in
013 before being knighted for services to business, charitable giving and philanthropy.
In 001, Sir Alan’s 4-year marriage to Caroline, an artist, ended in divorce. In 007, he married Jane Hardman, who had worked at Brunswick. Both Mr Cameron and Mr Brown were guests at the wedding.
One of Sir Alan’s siblings is Nathaniel Parker, the actor best known for playing Inspector Lynley in the BBC crime series. His other brother Oliver is a respected director.
He is said to have use of a chauffeured Bentley and collects art by Sir Henry Moore as well as rare books. A keen angler, he owns half a £1.8million salmon beat – a stretch of river with fishing rights – on the Tay in Scotland.
‘Knighted for services to business and charity’