About North Head

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About North Head

East Asian markets, particularly China, are drivers of global economic growth. Businesses operating in the region are largely successful with good profitability. Opportunities are more abundant than elsewhere.

Continued success is not assured in these dynamic markets, however. All face challenges and risks in the future to their reputations in the face of increasing competition, evolving regulations, and wide spread public scrutiny.

For multinational companies, success needs customized methods for building reputations with external groups such as business partners, governments, the media and local communities. And not to forget employees.

Companies from China and elsewhere in the region are also under pressure to adapt and change. This is particularly so for those that wish to fulfill their ambitions internationally in the face of hurdles and push-back. For such companies and organizations, North Head is well equipped to meet your needs…

North Head is...

An independent strategic communications and public affairs consultancy with a clear China focus.
Specialized in partnering with either multinational companies operating in this dynamic but challenging market or supporting Chinese companies extending their reach globally. We also work with trade associations, governments, NGOs and educational institutions.
Focused on a research and knowledge based approach. Architects of landmark thinking and insights on integrating stakeholder relations and reputation management.
Strong media and government relations in China, with an extension to major Asia cities.
Experienced team led by senior PR and PA veterans, acknowledged as the best agency for issues and crisis management in 2011 and Consultancy of the Year 2013, 2015, and 2017 by Public Affairs Asia.
Providing a full range of integrated services across multiple industries. Particularly strong in B2B communications, especially Pharmaceutics, Agriculture and Bio-technology, Information and Technology, Chemicals.
A strategic partner to the Global Times.
Our Client Experience

We Work With
Great Companies and Institutions

Our clients include many local and international leading companies that are start-ups, middle-sized organizations as well as more than ten Fortune 500 companies.

Science and Technology

Advancement in technology is the driving force for progress in the 21st Century. While some technology companies have already entered into market competition; others, especially those in strategic emerging industries, have experienced varying degrees of restricted market access. In China, technology companies face a wide range of challenges, including a rapidly changing market, homogenous competition, R&D and innovation bottlenecks and the protection of intellectual property rights.

Based on the development stage, scale and service type, market complexity may vary greatly between technology companies. North Head has strong experience in in working with multinational technology companies. Regardless of whether it is helping new companies build reputation to take a leading position in the market; or assisting SMEs establish a professional communications framework and meet sales targets; or maintaining the reputation of established multinationals, we have the experience, expertise and knowledge to meet your needs.

Pulp and Paper

As a core industry of the national economy, the pulp and paper industry is an important supplier for various industries across the economic spectrum and is an irreplaceable piece of the industry chain. However, non-symmetrical to its position in the industry, public awareness of the pulp and paper industry’s social and economic contributions remains quite low. In addition to economic factors such as domestic or external demand, the development of Chinese pulp and paper companies face many restrictions and challenges, including green barriers to the export market, public misunderstandings about the modern papermaking industry in terms of environmental friendliness, and the influence of environmental NGOs in guiding public discourse.

With over seven years of experience, North Head believes that with the media’s rekindled interest in the pulp and paper industry, reshaping the image of the industry and leading the transformation of the Chinese pulp and paper industry is both the obligation of companies and the most important way for companies to stand out among competitors. At the same time, companies should find tactful ways to respond to green barriers set up by developed markets, establish alliances with other Asian markets to provide an Asian-centric industry voice and balance with the West to influence prevailing industry practices.

Industrial and Manufacturing

For industrial and manufacturing companies, the days of silent production may be long gone. In recent years, industrial and manufacturing companies have found themselves having to establish a presence on social media to build exposure and attract media interest for effective B2B outreach. Industrial and manufacturing companies are intimately linked with the economic and social development of China and must deal with issues related to government policies, industry standards, industrial restructuring, land usage, environmental protection, labor relations and community relations. As a result of this wide range of issues, resource and policy sensitive companies can easily run into trouble or trigger crises.

North Head supports companies meet business targets by creating a focused communications strategy to connect with the government, industry associations, media, key customers and other key stakeholders. We also help companies establish comprehensive communications, brand protection and crisis management systems to identify and engage crises as they emerge. We monitor government policies as they come out and gauge the pulse of public discourse to allow brands to lead business development.

Healthcare

At North Head, we believe that the success of healthcare companies in China is strongly rooted in having a deep understanding of China’s policy and regulatory environment. By aligning business objectives with government agendas, healthcare companies can comfortably conduct public relations campaigns and lobbying activities to ensure smooth business operations in China. To assist companies achieve strategic goals, North Head has a dedicated team that closely tracks healthcare policies affecting the overall healthcare environment, especially when it comes to key “licenses to operate” issues, such as registration, pricing, reimbursement, bidding and public hospital reform.

With an analytical, research-based approach, and building on a fundamental understanding of Chinese government priorities, we work with our clients to address pressing issues and strategically approach key stakeholders. Effective planning, media reputation building and public affairs activities are underpinned by clear objectives and tangible measurements.

Governments and Associations

For companies, the importance of government and association outreach goes without saying. To convey organization positions and interests, governments and associations also have their own communication needs. Facing the complex and rapidly changing China market, foreign governments need insight into the local political, economic and social conditions. For Chinese government agencies and companies wanting to go abroad, finding the best way to communicate the organization’s position and background is essential for finding success overseas.

Employees at North Head have educational and professional backgrounds in international relations and politics, as well as a deep understanding about how governments work and how to influence the policymaking process. We help foreign government agencies monitor Chinese policies and market trends and industry associations enhance their influence on the international stage. We also provide key assistance for local Chinese government organizations wanting to expand their presence on the international stage.

Agriculture

With an increasing emphasis on grain security and food safety, the development of China’s agricultural sector is arguably affected by the macro-environment more than any other industry. Grain security, genetically modified crops and land reform are no longer just topics isolated to industry circles, but are becoming major public policy issues and receive strong attention from the public. As a result, industry development trends are strongly affected by government policies and cannot escape the constraints of public opinion. For agricultural companies, especially multinational agricultural companies, a comprehensive understanding of the complex and rapidly changing market and adjusting accordingly to these changes is essential for long-term, stable development in China.

Facing China’s complex, rapidly changing and competitive agricultural sector, North Head believes that in order to create solid footing in the market and achieve long-term success, agricultural companies must establish an accurate position in the industry and control key influencers relevant to business development. From understanding government policy trends to mapping out stakeholder interests, helping companies establish a strategic market position and analyzing specific issues, North Head can assist agricultural clients better navigate the rapidly changing Chinese market and stand out from the competition.

Science and Technology

Pulp and Paper

Industrial and Manufacturing

Healthcare

Governments and Associations

Agriculture