ENGAGEMENT AND CONSULTATION
Engagement is key to creating a community site
The Next Phase team is experienced with engaging with market traders, chefs, small/micro business owners and key stakeholders involved in projects. We understand their concerns and vision for their businesses, and can help sooth difficult decisions and explain processes.
We understand that a successful project requires insight into the local community and are experienced in gathering essential insights into the community's desires and concerns, using this insight to help shape developments that are not only welcomed but wholeheartedly embraced by the community.
Because we prioritise meaningful community engagement for larger projects we collaborate closely with engagement specialists Matt Baker and Laura Bell from Reimagine Place to truly get under the skin of a place. This partnership enables us to deeply understand the specific needs and opportunities of each community we serve. Matt and Laura bring their expertise in fostering open, inclusive dialogues between stakeholders, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered.
Through workshops, surveys, and public consultations, we ensure that our projects reflect the true spirit and needs of the people they are designed for. This robust engagement strategy guarantees that our schemes are not just physically integrated into their surroundings, but are also a vibrant and integral part of community life, contributing positively to the area's social and economic fabric.
Matt is an award-winning consultant with over 20 years of experience in high street and regeneration projects. He's a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Place Management, co-author of four Grimsey Reviews, and a Local Government Association Economic Growth adviser.
His work spans advising former high-level government officials and local authorities on town centre regeneration, including economic recovery and transforming spaces into community hubs. Matt has contributed to parliamentary groups, led training for councillors, and specialises in stakeholder engagement and behavioural change, collaborating with the Cabinet Office’s Behavioural Insights Team.
Laura is a highly skilled marketing, communications and consultation professional with over a decade’s experience across sectors including construction, education, charities and local government following six-years as an award-winning journalist.
Previously the communications manager for South Lakeland District Council in Cumbria, Laura has considerable expertise in crisis management, strategic planning and managing media. She is also highly experienced at managing consultations and has been involved in engagement activities on many local authority regeneration projects.