Philip Collins Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerPhilip Collins

Columnist at The Times, Writer-in-Chief at the writing agency The Draft, and Tutor in Rhetoric at the Blavatnik School, University of Oxford

Philip Collins is a columnist on The Times, the Writer-in-Chief at the writing agency The Draft and a tutor in rhetoric at the Blavatnik School, University of Oxford. He has written for almost all of the major publications in British journalism. In addition to The Times he has been a... Read more

Biography

Philip Collins is a columnist on The Times, the Writer-in-Chief at the writing agency The Draft and a tutor in rhetoric at the Blavatnik School, University of Oxford. He has written for almost all of the major publications in British journalism. In addition to The Times he has been a columnist for the New Statesman and the Evening Standard. He is a specialist in British politics and communication.

For ten years Mr Collins was on the staff of The Times, where he was the Chief Leader Writer, responsible for the newspaper’s position on all the big issues of the day. Between 2004 and 2007 he was the Chief Speech Writer and Special Adviser on Culture, Media and Sport, for the Prime Minister, Tony Blair. He has also written speeches for Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition. As the writer-in-chief and founder of The Draft. Mr Collins has written for and worked with many international leaders, in the private and the charitable sectors. He is also responsible for training large cohorts of executives in communication, many of them from large corporations but also in central banks and the British civil service.

Before entering Downing Street, Mr Collins was the Director of the think-tank, the Social Market Foundation. He has also spent a decade more recently as the Chair of Trustees of the think-tank Demos. Mr. Collins has also been an investment banker, at Dresdner Kleinwort Benson and HSBC.

Mr Collins is the author of two novels and four books. One of those books, Start Again, is about the future of British politics and the other three, The Art of Speeches and Presentations, When They Go Low We Go High and To Be Clear, are about language and communication.

Popular Talks by Philip Collins

  • The Politics of The Day

    As a political columnist, Philip can survey the latest on the political scene and offer thoughts on where we might be heading. This will be a year in which half the world’s population will go to the polls in democratic elections. In Britain, the United States, and India, the future…
  • The Labour Government

    It is very likely that, within a year, there will be a Labour government. As a close confidante of the senior people in the Labour Party, Philip can explain to the business world the threats and opportunities that lie on the horizon.

  • The Orator Leader

    Communicating well has never been so important for the business leader and, in this talk, Philip will explain why rhetoric and strategy are the same thing, what leaders today can learn from the sophists and some tips for how to say exactly what you mean, nothing more nor less.

How to book Philip Collins as a keynote speaker

How do I book Philip Collins for a keynote speech?

You can book Philip Collins through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Philip's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Philip Collins's speaking fees?

Philip Collins's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Philip tailored to your event.

What topics does Philip Collins speak about?

Philip Collins speaks on Brexit, Government & Politics, Leadership. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Philip to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Philip Collins available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Philip Collins for events worldwide, subject to Philip's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Philip Collins deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Philip Collins is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Philip Collins?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Philip can accommodate.

Can Philip Collins tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Philip Collins on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Philip can offer.

What languages does Philip Collins present in?

Philip Collins delivers keynotes in English. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Philip Collins a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Philip Collins's areas of expertise include Brexit, Government & Politics, Leadership. To get a clear sense of Philip's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Philip Collins speak at?

Philip Collins can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Brexit, Government & Politics, Leadership is relevant. Details of Philip's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Philip Collins offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Philip Collins is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Philip Collins?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Philip Collins, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Philip's current availability for your dates.