The wizz bang noise of the new government may be numbing some businesspeople's senses. It should'nt. The scene really is changing. Suddenly frontiers between disciplines are falling. If you need to reach government officialls or elected members, not to mention local government, the routes are wide open. There are few companies who will not feel the effects of government decision making yet so many sit back and hope that change will pass them by. Build relationships now and if you feel uncertain there are plenty of people, consultants and such like ready to help open doors and start the process. Nothing is the same as pre-election, the coalition really means it when they say we are moving into a new arena. Just as every company expects to have relationships with the press, the City or recruitment sources so they should expect to develop ongoing relationships with MPs, Council Leaders, opinion formers in their field at Universities. When you have a sales conference, or a customer event make sure reps from all these areas are invited. When did you last talk to the Leader of your council, your MEP and new MP, they are ready to be your friends. Don'y just complain teat them seriously and they will responde in kind.