Estate Matters

David Cope runs his own Consultancy called 600 Strategy and describes himself as a strategy and change adviser. Sustainability is his speciality, and his work includes helping estates, including the Duchy of Cornwall, to become carbon literate.

In this episode, David explains how estates can be "heroes" in the battle against climate change and how this has a "ripple" effect when communities are engaged with their work. 

George Eustice MP spent nine years at Defra, rising to become Secretary of State for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs in 2020, a position he held until 2022. He has been the Conservative MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle in Cornwall since 2010 but has said he will not stand in the next General Election, recently launching a consultancy business. 

In a remarkably frank and fascinating conversation, George lifts the lid on decisions made at the very top of rural politics – and has some predictions for farmers and estate owners about what might be just around the corner.

Athwenna Irons, Farming and Rural Affairs Editor of the Western Morning News – the only regional daily newspaper covering South West England – discusses the benefits of achieving coverage in traditional print media.

Athwenna has worked at the paper since graduating from university and has a contacts book which reflects her time in the industry. She has built invaluable relationships with those contacts, who trust her to tell their stories.

Together with KOR’s Senior Content Writer, and former Editor of the WMN, Philip Bowern, the pair discuss the challenges faced by the print sector in an increasingly digital world, and why they think there will always be a place for newspapers.

Moving from journalism into public relations, Philip shares his experience of the need to deliver print-ready copy to busy editors, like Athwenna. 

Steve Strang, the Executive Director of Estates and Sustainability at Exeter College discusses the importance of communication when masterplanning in an urban environment. 

Steve has worked at the college for 18 years and has played a fundamental role in the creation of the college's 20 year masterplan to redevelop its main campus in Exeter city centre. 

KOR's Public Affairs Consultant Andrew Howard explains to host Anna Byles why it is crucial to engage with local communities so they understand how they - and not just students - can benefit from the development of the college estate. 

Nicola Janus-Harris, Head of Agriculture and Rural Estates at international law firm Trowers and Hamlins, explains why ongoing reputation management is important to her clients. 

She tells podcast host Anna Byles how she has seen it go "horrifically wrong" for clients, when misinformation has spread on social media.  

Nicola says having a communications plan now forms part of her initial conversations with clients who are embarking on projects. 

Anthony Downs, Estate Director at Hatfield Park in Hertfordshire, and KOR's Managing Director Annette Richman, discuss the need for estates to engage with their local communities.

The word charrette is derived from old French to describe how students of architecture were invited to throw their ideas into a charrette, French for cart or chariot.  

Anthony, who has been at Hatfield Park for 24 years, helped to pioneer charrettes as a way of bringing communities together to debate and discuss local issues and identify opportunities to solve them collaboratively. 

Dr Liz Mattison, the Education and Environment Officer at Englefield Estate in Berkshire discusses the importance of estates embarking on a programme of proactive communications. 

Liz's role involves organising the Estate's annual Schools Days where more than 1500 local pupils visit the Estate. She also coordinates research activities, including work experience placements and field studies. 

Liz explains to host Anna Byles why it is so important for estates to share their work with local people and key stakeholders. 

Paul Osborne, Urban Design Director with LHC Design and Andrew Howard, KOR's Public Affairs specialist discuss how to communicate the vision for entire new communities. 

Paul has more than 20 years of experience in the industry and is passionate about sustainable placemaking and master planning. 

Leigh Rix, a consultant from Rix Rural and KOR's Managing Director Annette Richman discuss the importance of consistent communications and engagement when putting land forward for development. 

Leigh has more than 40 years experience working in the rural estates sector, spending three decades with the National Trust followed by twelve years as Head of Property and Land at Clinton Devon Estates.