COUNTER CONTEXT CONVERSATIONS
Stay Informed with Up-to-Date Industry News and Expert Insights
Local Government Reorganisation: Paused, But Far From Resolved
The Government’s decision to pause local government reorganisation has introduced fresh uncertainty for those working in planning, development and regeneration. With proposed changes to council boundaries and planning responsibilities now on hold, Harriet Knowles explores what this shift means for the East Midlands and why understanding the changing political landscape remains critical to bringing forward successful development.
An International Perspective on a Very British Conversation
Our summer intern, Daria Zheludkova, reflects on the Government’s proposed reforms to the NSIP regime as shares her international perspective.
What Turns a Long-Term Vision Into a Credible Investment Proposition?
In John’s latest article, he explores how Hull's City Centre Vision is transforming a long-term regeneration strategy into a credible investment proposition by combining technical expertise with meaningful stakeholder engagement. It demonstrates why the strongest place visions are built on compelling, community-informed stories that give investors confidence, align partners around shared priorities and create a clear route from ambition to delivery.
Roundtable Summary: A Northern Perspective on Planning Reform, Infrastructure Delivery and the Path to Net Zero
This position piece outlines the key takeaways and recommendations for industry and decision-makers, based on insights from the roundtable discussion.
Rethinking How We Engage on Net Zero
Heather Blackburn shares her thoughts on why the future success of the UK’s clean energy transition may depend less on broad Net Zero messaging and more on how meaningfully renewable energy projects engage with local communities.
Local Elections, Local Mood.
Leigh Bramall’s latest article argues that increasingly fragmented and volatile local politics — especially the rise of no overall control councils — are reshaping how infrastructure projects must approach consultation and engagement.
Pride in Place: Turning Local Insight into Visible Change
In this article, Flora Barsby and John Prendergast share their thoughts on The Government’s Pride in Place initiative.
Beyond the Tick Box: Community Engagement After Planning Reform
A timely reflection from Matt Addy on how planning reform shifts responsibility back to developers and communications leaders to move beyond 'tick-box' consultation and deliver flexible, well-timed, and genuinely meaningful community engagement that builds trust and supports long-term project delivery.
In an Increasingly Polarised Age, Consultation Can’t Sit on the Fence
In this article, Leigh Bramall explains why it’s important for consultation to rebuild trust rather than erode it.
Roundtable Summary: A Northern Perspective on Policy, Practice and the Path to Net Zero
This position piece outlines the key takeaways and recommendations for industry and decision-makers, based on insights from the roundtable discussion.
Building Trust Will Be Key to Delivering Transformative Housing
This blog, written by Ian Thompson, shares how new developments that involve potential residents and neighbours at the onset have the potential to thrive.
Regeneration Driving Fresh Optimism Across Yorkshire’s Towns and Cities
A comment-piece written by Harriet Knowles, Director of Regeneration, explains how several regional Development-Update events this year - hosted by Place - have shone a spotlight on the breadth of investment opportunities and development activity across South Yorkshire.
Regenerating our town and city centres: the more voices the better
Our most recent blog, written by Ian Thompson, talks about how commitment to openness and partnership is the common thread in successful placemaking projects.
Understanding and Supporting Dyslexia to Align Personal and Organisational Development
In recognition of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, our Director of Operations, Jessica Jenkins, has shared her thoughts and experience of managing and understanding Dyslexia within the workplace. Jess also details why preparing future generations for Industry 5.0 requires a shift in educational approaches.
Why Transport Infrastructure Matters More Than Ever in Today's World
Our most recent blog, written by Leigh Bramall, Director of Transport and Sustainability, looks at the importance of building Britain a transport infrastructure that genuinely works for people.
Six Considerations to Ensure Long-Term Success for Sporting Facilities
Planning and constructing sports stadiums is a complex endeavour that significantly impacts urban development, community engagement and economic growth.
The Power of Plain English
This week, Senior Account Executive John Prendergast asks how we can make sure public consultations can be understood by everyone and considers the principles of writing in Plain English.
Active Neighbourhood Schemes: Why Consulting the Community is Crucial
Our most recent blog, written by Maya Lubczynskyj, Senior Account Executive, looks at the importance of consulting the community in Active Neighbourhood Schemes.
The journey to net zero and true sustainability – Thoughts about small and growing businesses.
Our Managing Director, Alexis Krachai, gives his opinion as he delves into the critical issues of sustainability, the climate crisis, and Counter Context's journey towards achieving net zero.
Unlocking the potential of engagement and consultation: six important roles in property and regeneration
Jade Anderson highlights the importance of engagement and consultation in the property and regeneration industry in her latest blog post.