At the APPC Extraordinary General Meeting in the evening of 8th October, supervised by Electoral Reform Services, APPC member firms voted to merge with the PRCA.
Paul Bristow Chair of the APPC said: "I am pleased to announce that after a vote of the APPC's membership tonight, the APPC will be merging with the PRCA. 57% of our members voted in favour of merger on a turnout of over 90%. This is an historic night for the lobbying industry in the UK. By combining forces with the PRCA we not only elevate the voice of lobbying in the UK, but we have the opportunity to offer much greater support to our members. The APPC was formed in the wake of direct challenges and threats facing our industry. Almost a quarter of a century on our members face new, albeit different, threats from the growth of regulation. By merging with the PRCA we will can now offer our members a stronger and more united voice. What has become absolutely clear over recent months - whatever side of the debate people are on - is that lobbyists care deeply about making sure that we have a representative body which can speak up in defence of public affairs powerfully and passionately. Our membership has decided that merging with the PRCA is the best way to achieve this. I hope our industry can unite behind the APPC as we embrace a new and exciting future in partnership with the PRCA. The APPC's Management Committee will be meeting early next week to begin the process of transition."