What was going on?
Hope Cement Works is one of the region’s largest employers and a cornerstone of the local economy. However, in 2042, after more than 100 years of operations, quarrying permissions will expire, marking the anticipated end of quarrying activity.
Breedon wanted to make sure the future of Hope Works has a lasting positive impact and turned to us to get it right.
Through the power of early engagement, it was an opportunity for us to create excitement about the site’s future and involve the community from the very beginning.
How we helped
Our approach? A hybrid engagement strategy, to reach as many people as possible, well ahead of the quarrying permission expiry date. Informing and engaging early meant the community could understand the process, get invested in the future, and be part of the transformational journey.
At the core of the engagement strategy was a suite of digital tools built for accessibility and inclusivity. We launched a mass comms campaign, including social media adverts, stakeholder emails, press releases, and a leaflet distribution to over 3,000 local households.
We also hand delivered leaflets and posters to local businesses that enabled one-to-one dialogue and increasing awareness of the engagement exercise. Physical consultation events and virtual drop-in sessions offered further avenues for two-way dialogue with the community.
By combining digital solutions with fieldwork, we ensured not only were the communities informed about the sites future but given a real opportunity to shape and define it.
Engagement Strategy
Trust Through Transparency
We heard from over 500 unique responses and engaged more than 5,000 people. Conversations and feedback uncovered a wealth of insights and diverse perspectives which shaped a more inclusive and clearer vision for the site.
To enable openness throughout the process, we shared the engagement results with the public and parish councillors, making feedback accessible to everyone.
By engaging early and transparently, we built trust amongst the community and stakeholders, fostering shared ownership throughout the process.
Strategic Surveys
Controlling Open Ended Questions
Open ended questions spark creative ideas, but without structure they risk breaching the realms of reality. They can make participants believe their scope of influence over the outcome is bigger than it is, and part of engaging a community is to set realistic expectations from the outset.
To guide feedback, we first explained the context by sharing the site’s history and its regional benefits. Then, we introduced clear themes at the heart of the strategic narrative.
Taking readers through the logical story, we could keep ideas focused on what is actually possible for the future, whilst maintaining flexibility for proper community input.
Gathering a diverse evidence base
5,000+ Individuals Engaged
500 Individual Respondents
24/7 Accessible Engagement
