right place, right time

Councillor Richard Morris outlines how Wychavon District Council have developed a place led approach for Droitwich Spa, Evesham and Pershore involving a stakeholder inspired narrative, the development of a Place Board and the production of an Investment Prospectus for each. This has brought distinctiveness to the fore as a way of attracting investment and creating local pride.

Hear from local entrepreneur Anne Wright, owner of Young Ideas and Henmores, luxury fashion shopping destinations in the town and Chair of Ashbourne Town Team. Anne epitomises a ‘get on and do it’ approach and with colleagues was successful in gaining over £13m of Levelling Up Funding for Ashbourne; listen and be inspired!

Muse is a nationwide placemaker with almost 40 years of experience creating mixed-use communities across the UK. Hear from their Managing Director Phil Mayall on what drives them and the values at the heart of their business that emphasise sustainability, community and quality. And if you didn’t know, find out why they’re called Muse!

From being the first Destination Development Partnership in England to Newcastle being in the Champions League it’s a busy and successful time, as the place passionate chief executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Sarah Green tells us in this fascinating discussion. 

 Enjoy listening to Jim Parker, Chair of the Torbay Place Leadership Board and a highly respected journalist in the area for over 40 years. You’ll hear about the wonders of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham that make up Torbay and how creating the Torbay Story with a place led approach has galvanised stakeholders and got the message out. Not just about the stunning natural environment but also the hi tech businesses and investment opportunities using everything from fish 'n' chips to football shirts! 

Hear Chief Executive, Trevor Beattie, talk about the wonder that is the newest National Park. From cliffs to communities, partnerships to planning, heathland to health and well-being, from brand to biodiversity, from growth to great places to live and so much more. This is a large and diverse entity with unique challenges and opportunities.

Hear from Diana Taylor, the Managing Director of Future Humber, as she outlines the incredible assets the Humber estuary has and how a repositioned and rebranded Future Humber is leading the way in marketing and developing the place. Listen also to the importance of the Future Humber Bondholders who as businesses and other organisations are playing their part by telling and selling the Humber story.

Places are there to be shaped and that involves more than just housing. Homes England launched its new strategic plan recently and it involves working in a much more ‘place based’ way. Whilst housing remains a significant aspect of the work, there will be more focus on the places those homes sit within. Hear what the implications of this approach will be from Homes England's Executive Director, Mike Palin. 

When it comes to place, distinctiveness and character culture is the buzz activity these days. But what is it, why is it so vogue, can you create it, who is doing it well and can be learnt from and will it provide your place with a measurable point of difference? Paul Williams gets to the heart of culture in this podcast with valuable insights that can help all places.

Hear how Scotland is leading the way in creating a successful, responsible tourism offer, what key trends the industry is responding to, why collaboration is everything, the implications for the visitor experience and what the future holds for tourism.