right place, right time

Be inspired by Tom Stannard, CEO, Manchester City Council’s musings on ‘Manchesterism’, Good Growth, the power of regeneration and being place-led. Tom reflects on his 27-year career in local government, his role as Chair of the Institute of Economic Development, his views on Manchester and what it does well, future priorities for the city, thoughts on really embedding devolution and what’s next in the world of place. This is a fascinating listen; a podcast packed with reflection, ideas and provocation.

Why a Strategic Authority still needs a place story: the Devon and Torbay exemplar have a listen to Sean Anstee, CBE, Director of Operations for the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority as he outlines why one of the organisation’s first priorities was to listen to their stakeholders and create a place led story for their geography. He outlines the astonishing (and often surprising!) assets of the region, what the story is used for and why it isn’t to the detriment of places within Devon and Torbay.

Enjoy listening to the passion and ambition of Councillor Adrian Moss, the Leader of Chichester District Council on why Local Government Reorganisation is exactly the right time to ensure the Chichester voice is heard far and wide. Creating a narrative for a city and area has unleashed a wonderful collaboration of the asset organisations of this astounding yet undiscovered place; University, Chamber, Cathedral, Festival Theatre, Goodwood and many more, this is a story that will run and run.

An absolutely fascinating conversation with Tarah Gear, Director of Brand and Place Futures (cue rock n roll job title!) at Milligan who revitalise towns and cities through creativity, innovation, curiosity and imagination. 

In this episode we consider the importance of storytelling and brand in place creation, tapping into the DNA of places, always listening and how the story of a place constantly evolves. We hear about great examples of story driven coastal regeneration, how it is deliverable and why culture, heritage and sport are the placemaking pillars of the future.

Episode 32 of 'right place, right time' Podcast is now live.... hear from
Rachel Bayley, Burnley Place Brand Manager.

It's not every day you meet a Place Brand Manager. So, catching up with Rachel is special in many ways, firstly Burnley have had a place-led, place brand approach way longer than most, nearly 20 years, secondly Burnley is bucking the trend in terms of investment, regeneration, profile, town centre and thirdly Rachel is everything you'd want a perfect place person to be; passionate, enthusiastic, dynamic, positive with Burnley in her DNA.

Dr Huw Bowen has been CEO of Chesterfield Council for 18 years and is stepping down from this role in May this year. Apart from driving a £2billion growth programme for the town he has always been a passionate advocate of a place led approach and was instrumental in Chesterfield developing a story, brand and Destination Chesterfield as the place marketing organisation. This approach was also successfully adopted for nearby Staveley. He has some powerful views on why you should be place led, the benefits it brings and what devolution and local government reorganisation might mean for places.

On February 15th 2026 thinkingplace turned 20 and in this podcast John Till CEO looks back on a personal and professional journey that has seen the team work with over 100 places the length and breadth of the UK. thinkingplace has created place stories, visual brands, leadership groups, ambassador programmes and a whole range of implementation for regions, cities, towns, economic geographies and new developments. We discover where John’s love affair with place came from, the important Hull influence on why thinkingplace came into being, what has been learnt over the 20 years, best practice thoughts and what the future might hold for place.

Champion of place joins thinkingplace … a New Year place message from Dr Martin Reeves, CEO of Oxfordshire County Council. 

As thinkingplace moves into its 20th year! we’re delighted to bring you an extended podcast with Dr Martin Reeves, CEO of Oxfordshire County Council and newly appointed Strategic Associate Director of thinkingplace. 

Martin is bringing his much vaunted place insight and experience to thinkingplace clients and in this podcast he considers how despite austerity place is absolutely critical for local authorities, the opportunities devolution and Local Government Reorganisation will bring and the role of place in its widest sense from infrastructure to New Towns. Always ahead of the game, provocative, informative and inspiring grab a brew and enjoy! 

** PS If you’re inspired by what Martin has to say we’re giving the opportunity of a 15-minute place speed date with Martin for the first 5 places that ask to gain his insight to benefit you! Please email [email protected] to arrange. **

Empowering young people in their place: from tokenism to a shift in power through youth led social action … Saeed Atcha; MBE, DL, founder of Youth Leads addresses the important aspects of properly engaging young people in the future of their place; how and where to listen, engaging with purpose, hearing diverse views, examples of best practice and ensuring the thoughts and aspirations of young people turn into action and change.

Hear how from Peter Anstiss, the CEO of Team Barrow, an innovative partnership between the UK Government, BAE Systems and Westmorland and Furness Council. This town is at the heart of keeping Britain safe as home of the nuclear submarine building industry and will need thousands more local and incomer skilled workers in the coming years with implications for housing, facilities and services. Learn about a huge and exciting place project and a real example of doing things differently!