Smiths Group plc is a multinational engineering company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with a significant presence in the European Union through its Brussels office. Since registering with the EU Transparency Register in September 2011, Smiths Group has established itself as a leading in-house lobbying entity, focusing on the development and application of advanced technologies across several sectors, including security, medical devices, energy, communications, and engineered components. The company operates five main divisions: John Crane, Smiths Medical, Smiths Detection, Smiths Interconnect, and Flex-Tek, serving a diverse clientele ranging from government agencies and hospitals to petrochemical companies and equipment manufacturers worldwide.
Smiths Group’s lobbying activities in the EU are centered on influencing policy and regulatory frameworks that impact its business operations and technological innovation. The firm targets a wide array of EU policy files, such as aviation, land, urban, and maritime security; European defense; customs equipment; medical device regulation; standardization; climate change and energy policies; trade agreements; chemicals; data protection and cybersecurity; and EU data and artificial intelligence strategies. The group is an active participant in EU-level expert groups, notably as a member of the European Commission’s “Competitiveness of the Rail Supply Industry” group.
The company’s approach to lobbying is characterized by transparency and compliance, with dedicated resources for ethics and compliance training, antitrust policy updates, and rigorous due diligence processes for distributors and agents. Smiths Group also maintains a robust internal governance system, including regular forums for employee engagement and feedback on strategic direction.
Smiths Group’s lobbying efforts are supported by a team of in-house lobbyists, with a declared full-time equivalent (FTE) of 3.75, and two lobbyists holding European Parliament accreditation as of the latest reporting period. The group is affiliated with several industry and trade associations, such as MedTech Europe, the European Organisation for Security, ADS Group, the British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium, UNIFE, and the European Sealing Association, enhancing its networking and advocacy capabilities within the EU policy landscape.
Financially, Smiths Group’s declared lobbying expenditure for the financial year August 2018 to July 2019 was €350,0001. The group has consistently reported its lobbying costs and activities in line with EU transparency requirements, demonstrating a commitment to openness in its interactions with EU institutions.
Smiths Group’s engagement with EU institutions is evidenced by a series of high-level meetings with European Commission officials, focusing on topics such as customs reform, security, and digital and industrial policy. These meetings reflect the group’s proactive approach to shaping policies that align with its business interests and technological leadership.
