The company was founded by Simon Danczuk in 1999 together with the then Big Issue in the North publishers Ruth Turner and Anne McNamara. In 2005 both left the company and sold their shares to Danczuk. Turner subsequently became Tony Blair’s director of government relations where she later became embroiled in the ‘cash for honours’ affair.

V21 has recently moved to larger premises on Deansgate in Manchester and is expanding its specialist public affairs communications team.

The company has worked on a number of public consultation projects for clients including Tesco, Liverpool Land Development Company, Miller Homes, trade union Amicus and the National Children’s Bureau.

It has recently been commissioned by the Centre for Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University to conduct what is claimed to be the biggest ever health survey of people living in the North West.
 
The research will take in 5000 North West households and will explore areas such as smoking, alcohol intake, eating habits and physical activity. The North West has one of worst records in the country for poor health linked to deprived lifestyle.

Founder Danczuk, although still involved with the company, decided to step aside in May this year as he is now in the running to be the next MP for Rochdale after securing the support of his local Labour Party. He will be trying to overturn the seat from the Liberal Democrats who won with a majority of just 444 at the last election. He faces a tough challenge as Rochdale, with the Cyril Smith era still keenly remembered, has strong Liberal connections.

Danczuk is convinced however he can win the seat back.

Carley and Lee

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