CT Group

CT Group's recent survey on public perceptions towards development states that the most popular place to build new homes is Brownfield sites. Nimbys and Yimbys alike are in agreement that this option is the most favourable. The next most popular place to build new homes is in existing urban areas showing support for densification.    Follow our page for a series of insights on public perceptions on real estate and infrastructure.    CT Group is a global consultancy that combine expertise in research, intelligence, campaigns and advisory services. For more information, please visit ctgroup.com #brownfield #housing #newhomes #planningreform #planning #development #realestate #brownfieldfirst John Walker, Liza Wallace, Wyatt Getty

After 30 years of dominating South Africa’s post-apartheid political landscape, the Africa National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority in the national and provincial elections held on 29 May.   South Africa remains the continent’s biggest economy with an estimated GDP of $373 billion in 2024. But low growth – averaging 0.3% a year over the last decade, an unemployment rate of over 30% and structural issues such as chronic power outages were key factors behind the fall in the ANC’s support.   Despite coalition governments being perceived negatively, the creation of a “government of national unity” has been well received by the markets, with the Rand gaining 1% against the US Dollar on announcement of President Ramaphosa’s cabinet.   However, challenges remain. The ANC still holds 20 of the 32 cabinet positions, including all economic ministries. Investment by South African based firms fell by nearly R100 billion between 2022 and 2023, and when accounting for state-owned enterprises, the debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 90%. A plan to create economic stability and drive growth is much needed.   South Africa is reliant on its membership of the BRICS alliance to help elevate its global standing. The expansion of the alliance to include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia will increase its global influence, accounting for around 45% of the global population and 28% of the global economy.   However, this creates a dilemma. Membership provides South Africa with increased geopolitical power and opportunities for trade. But fellow members – Russia, China and Iran – are, to different degrees, in conflict with the West.   Close proximity to Russia and China has been cited as a contributing factor to foreign investors dumping South African stocks. Charting a careful course will be a central challenge to the new GNU’s foreign and economic policy. CT Group’s Research, Intelligence, Campaigns and Advisory practices can help you navigate South Africa’s complex and dynamic political and economic environment.  #southafricanelections #geopolitics #research #campaigns Alex Finney, Constance Armand, Zeehan Shamji, David Phillips

At CT Group we focus on winning campaigns for our clients. Every campaign is memorable, but sometimes there are particular moments that are truly impossible to forget. CT Group has been supporting our pro-bono client Neuroblastoma Australia for several months in a campaign to secure funding and equitable access in Australia for a life-saving drug for children with High-Risk Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is one of the rarest and deadliest childhood cancers. Survival rates are low, at around 50% for aggressive neuroblastoma. For those that suffer a relapse (about 50% of children following treatment), the survival rate is closer to 5%. A new drug, DFMO, has recently been approved for use in the United States which can dramatically cut the rate of relapse by as much as half. It’s a simple tablet medication which gives children a fighting chance of beating this insidious disease. On Wednesday 10 July, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler announced the Government will fund free access to DFMO for children in Australian hospitals, so families will no longer have to travel overseas to the United States with immuno-compromised children and be forced to fundraise hundreds of thousands of dollars to access the treatment. This is an unprecedented bridging arrangement, granting all affected children safe and affordable access to this potentially life-saving treatment in Australia, while it is completing the long process of Australian regulatory approvals for PBS listing. It has been our privilege to support Lucy Jones and all the brave children and families battling neuroblastoma. The Federal Government’s decision to fund DFMO will save lives. We are so grateful to everyone who supported this cause in any way. From current and former parliamentarians of all persuasions who threw their support behind this, and many others who never hesitated to do what they could – your impact and legacy will be enduring. #neuroblastoma #childhoodcancer #campaigns Catherine Douglas, Gary Highland, Jack P., Talitha Try, Laura Sobels, Charles Chadwick, Neve Hawkins, Andrew Carswell

The recent NATO Summit in Washington DC has yielded significant implications for Indo-Pacific security dynamics, particularly for AUKUS. NATO’s increased focus on the Indo-Pacific region aligns closely with AUKUS objectives, enhancing the trilateral pact’s relevance in the evolving global security landscape. The summit’s outcomes point to new opportunities for collaboration. Joint projects initiated during the summit signal potential for broader cooperation in the region, and discussions to bolster European NATO capabilities could potentially free up US resources for Asia-Pacific priorities, supporting AUKUS efforts. As the international security environment continues to evolve, AUKUS is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Indo-Pacific security architecture. As a global consultancy with a strong presence in each AUKUS market, CT Group is primed to help your business identify and execute opportunities that support the delivery of AUKUS. Contact CT Group to find out how we can help your business unlock the opportunities of AUKUS #AUKUS #defence #defencecooperation #strategicpartnerships #globalconsultancy #ctgroup #advisory #campaigns #research #intelligence #defenceindustry Mark Carleton-Smith, Clare Kennedy, Larry Grossman, Jamie Gray, Catherine Douglas, Laura Sobels, Annie Costigan

Thank you to former Conservative Chancellor George Osborne and former Labour Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls for the recent shout out on their "Political Currency" podcast. George Osborne singled out Sir Lynton Crosby AO when discussing a ‘rare skill’ – held by those able to use insights from private polling to achieve winning strategies and outcomes.   Click here to listen to the clip  https://lnkd.in/drgNHTtF   You can follow the podcast on https://lnkd.in/d7PntVva CT Group is a global consultancy that combines expertise in research, intelligence, campaigns, and advisory services. For more information, please visit ctgroup.com. #politicalinsights #research #campaigns

Yesterday’s French elections produced a surprising result, with the left Nouveau Front Populaire receiving the most seats, and Macron’s Ensemble bloc pushing the Rassemblement National into third place. This, despite the Rassemblement National easily securing the most votes. See below for the results. If you would like a copy of our full report, please contact James Baxendale, jbaxendale@ctgroup.com. Les élections législatives françaises d’hier ont donné lieu à un résultat inattendu, avec le Nouveau Front Populaire, qui a obtenu le plus de sièges, et la majorité présidentielle repoussant le Rassemblement National à la troisième place. Ceci, malgré le fait que le Rassemblement National ai remporté le plus de voix. Veuillez trouver ci-dessous les résultats. Si vous souhaitez une copie de notre rapport complet, veuillez contacter James Baxendale, jbaxendale@ctgroup.com. #research #frenchelection James Baxendale

Defence businesses across the UK are focused on how the change of government in the UK will affect the AUKUS security pact. AUKUS supporters can remain confident as the UK Labour Party pledged unwavering support for the project, emphasising its strategic importance to Britain’s National Security priorities. The UK’s commitment to AUKUS so far has been significant, with statements providing over $9 billion over the next two years to developing both AUKUS Pillar I and Pillar II capabilities. The new UK government’s stance looks to further this commitment as they pursue a broader foreign policy approach of ‘progressive realism’, which aims to strengthen UK-Australian ties and uphold the AUKUS pact’s momentum. As the UK continues its Indo-Pacific tilt, AUKUS remains a cornerstone of shared security and economic interests between our nations. CT Group is an international consultancy with deep expertise in defence and national security. To find out more about CT Group's AUKUS Advantage, visit ctgroup.com/aukus  #AUKUS #defence #defencecooperation #strategicpartnerships #globalconsultancy #ctgroup #advisory #campaigns #research #intelligence #defenceindustry Mark Carleton-Smith, Clare Kennedy, Larry Grossman, Jamie Gray, Catherine Douglas, Laura Sobels, Annie Costigan

CT Group's Charlotte Leach and John Walker will be examining the UK election results and the impact on the real estate and infrastructure sector at an upcoming breakfast in Manchester. CT Group is a global consultancy that combines expertise in research, intelligence, campaigns, and advisory services. For more information, please visit ctgroup.com. John Walker Charlotte Leach Gavin Stollar Anna Wrigglesworth #GeneralElection #RealEstate #Infrastructure #Planning #PlanningReform

France heads to the polls again on Sunday for the second round of the most important elections since 1958. Attached is our analysis of potential scenarios. If you would like a copy of our full report, please contact James Baxendale, jbaxendale@ctgroup.com. La France se rendra à nouveau aux urnes dimanche pour le second tour des élections les plus importantes depuis 1958. Veuillez trouver ci-joint notre analyse des scénarios possibles à l'issue du scrutin. Si vous souhaitez une copie de notre rapport complet, veuillez contacter James Baxendale, jbaxendale@ctgroup.com. #research #frenchelection James Baxendale

Tim Fallon, Director at CT Group #MiddleEast and #UK, appeared on #AlArabiya channel giving insights on how a new UK government might impact relations with the Middle East. Tim highlighted that the #LabourParty, with Sir Keir Starmer likely becoming the next Prime Minister, will quickly need to focus on The UK’s relationship with the Middle East. Tim, a former Advisor to Tony Blair, detailed how economic cooperation will be crucial, as the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, remains a vital economic partner and critical to Labour’s promises of growth. Finalising the #GCC Free #Trade Agreement will be a top agenda item for the new government. Additionally, building new political relationships and understanding the progress of Saudi’s Vision 2030 will be essential. Nivine Afiouni Tim Fallon #UKPolitics #MiddleEast #TradeRelations #EconomicCooperation #Vision2030 #KSA #GCC