Kate Nicholls OBE

As CE, Simon Fletcher, says, 'local government can be too conservative (small c) and resistant to disruptive innovation because of an unbalanced appreciation of the risk in same, whilst not also considering its potential benefits'. Try saying, 'let's try this, it may not work but if it does...' and see a common response. Simon says councils can and do copy better practice from each other. Yes, but that is often not on the 'before the event' basis that it should be. In local goverment communications there is endless reinventing of the wheel - and some of these solutions will naturally be better than others - by each council's operation. It does not need to be so - in civil service communications, the Government Communications Service works out a disruption that will improve and it has the positive track record (and clout) to get widespread implementation. So think of a national resource for local government that produces materials such as: 'How to ensure improved participation in consultations' - innovative and going against some pre-conceived ideas, this has been shown to be effective in situations such as... with examples including... The reaction to such would often be better than a Comms person saying internally, 'Here's my idea for this and I'm thinking of something disruptive and original'. ' 'Why risk it and as the first council to do this - unless we have no choice?' might be the reaction from the (non-Comms?) higher-up.

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Check out our summary of last week’s momentous General Election. With planing and housing reforms already announced today it’s going to be a busy time for the property, energy & infrastructure sectors! #property #regeneration #GE2024 #energy #infrastructure #PR #propertyPR

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This article by Sam Blakeborough is well considered and clearly articulates the ask of government, on how tax can and should be focused on achieving human wellbeing and prosperity across the economy. I encourage you to read it.

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Looking forward to chairing this session for PLMR Genesis colleagues next week, with an expert panel discussing what may happen in the polls coming July 4th & what the East of England needs from a new administration. Sign-up details below if you want to listen in! #politics #policy #publicaffairs #eastofengland

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Another election means another business manifesto from Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce - published today! It has been a real privilege to advise on the development of this prospectus for the next UK Government in conjunction with many of the fantastic businesses that make up AGCC's 1,300-strong membership and some great input and insight on the challenges and solutions from a range of sectors represented on AGCC's Policy Chamber. This edition covers how we can build a more conducive environment for doing business, ensure a successful transition to net zero, build a city and region we can proud of and put the right infrastructure is in place to support development, economic growth and high-quality jobs. Hopefully it provides some food for thought for all candidates from all parties as as they set out their stall over the coming weeks. #GeneralElection #policy #manifesto #economicgrowth

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Happy local democracy day, all! 🗳 The mandatory reminder to get out and vote today if you can (and to bring your photo ID). Local government and metro mayors are responsible for the services and investment that often have the biggest impact on our daily lives, so don't miss the chance to make your voice heard. As someone who has had a ringside seat for over 14 years of northern devolution, I'm especially excited about the results of the mayoral elections - the first time that every metro mayor in the country is up for election at once. As a Wakefield resident, of course I'll be taking a keen interest in the West Yorkshire mayoral election, but the other ones I'll be paying extra attention to are: ☑ York and North Yorkshire - today is the first time that residents of York and North Yorkshire will get to elect a metro mayor, responsible for £540m of investment in areas including transport, brownfield regeneration and net zero. York politics have always been a rollercoaster (I worked with Labour, Conservative, Conservative-Lib Dem and Lib Dem-Green administrations over a 10-year period) but the formerly solid Conservative North Yorkshire has also become much more interesting in recent years. I'm not a betting gal anyway, but I can't call this one... ☑ Tees Valley - I grew up in Middlesbrough and Teesside will always be the place I'll call home, so I'll be keeping a close eye on this mayoral race, which will be incumbent, Ben Houchen's, third run at re-election. He got a stonking majority the last time around, but concerns around the huge Teesworks regeneration scheme and Freeport, mass shellfish die-offs along the Teesside coast and the national political context mean third time might not be the charm for Lord Houchen of High Leven. ☑ Another first is the North East mayoral election. The North and South areas of the Tyne were unable to reach an agreement on a combined devolution deal for years, until the government put a deal on the table that all parties could unite around. The previous North of Tyne Combined Authority will become part of a wider North East Combined Authority stretching from Durham up to the tip of Northumberland. This is widely seen as a two-horse race between the incumbent North of Tyne Mayor, Independent, Jamie Driscoll, and Labour's Kim McGuinness, who currently serves as Northumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner. I suspect McGuinness will edge it, but Driscoll has amassed significant support after he didn't make Labour's candidate shortlist for the new North East role. Of course, today's hot takes are tomorrow's digital chip paper, and whoever ends up victorious tomorrow must turn immediately to the job of delivering for communities, bringing forward investment and fighting for their places on the national stage. I'll end with a shout-out to the many public servants who are grafting behind the scenes to make today's elections happen. You are the unsung heroes of our democracy! Social

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Essential reading for anyone working with, or for, public sector organisations in the run-up to the #GeneralElection. The pre-election period officially begins at 1am tomorrow, so thoughts and prayers with all public sector communicators having to rip up their plans and figure out when to launch key initiatives (we’re helping several of our clients navigate this tricky conundrum). As a survivor of the triple election year of 2019 (locals, Euros, General), I totally feel your pain! #publicsectorcomms #preelectionperiod #GE2024

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Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Outlines Key Priorities for the next West Midlands   As we approach the West Midlands Mayoral election on 2nd May 2024, FSB has put together a Mayoral Manifesto to help the candidates understand the challenges faced by our members across the West Midlands Combined Authority catchment area, namely; #Birmingham, #Solihull, #Coventry, #Wolverhampton, #Walsall, #Dudley and #Sandwell. This Manifesto outlines areas the Mayor could tackle to help aid small businesses and bolster inclusive growth. This year marks FSB’s 50th anniversary, having been established in 1974 to help our members succeed in business - we are a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by our members, for our members. In the #WestMidlands we are a trusted voice for small business with more than 10,000 members across the region. We aim to represent anyone and everyone running a business or with aspirations to start a business. With SMEs making up over 99.6% of the indigenous 254,640 enterprises in the West Midlands, 253,575 (99.6 per cent) are small and medium-sized enterprises and, of these, more than 84.2 per cent are sole traders and micro businesses (employing 0-9 employees), it’s easy to see that the West Midlands economy will not be able to boost productivity, tackle the climate emergency or have inclusive growth without small businesses. Small businesses are not only at the heart of the West Midlands economy, they are also at the heart of West Midlands communities. They create local jobs, grow and keep wealth within a local economy and provide vital local services. Our small businesses support communities in the good times and, as we have seen, stick around when the going is not so good. Our manifesto suggests ways that small businesses can help the Mayor create a thriving West Midlands, a successful economy and vibrant communities.   https://lnkd.in/e8ERHqh3 Linsey MIED Mike Goodall Lee Osborne Sue...Sue Tonks Hollie Whittles Rob Harrison Hemant Kalidas Ray Hickinbottom- Supporting Small Businesses Lianne Phillips FSB- Helping Small Businesses Grow Roger Poynton

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🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 With over 30 years’ experience in local government communication, I'm thrilled to introduce a cost-effective and dedicated communication service tailored to support town and parish councils in Hampshire and Surrey. These seven comprehensive services are designed to enhance community engagement: 1.  Branding Makeover: Transform your council's identity with a refreshed logo, mini brand guidelines, and a bespoke graphic highlighting your parish's unique features. 2.  Communication Strategy for One-Off Projects: Strategically plan and execute communication initiatives for specific projects to maximise impact and engagement. 3.  Annual Communication Strategy and Action Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan for consistent and effective communication throughout the year, tailored to your council's goals and objectives. 4.  Copywriting Services: Turn council speak into compelling content that resonates with your audience, driving engagement and connection. 5.  Managing Digital: Unlock the potential of digital marketing to expand your reach and maximise visibility with our Digital Marketing Management service. 6.  PR Crisis Support: Gain expert guidance and assistance during challenging PR situations, ensuring a swift and effective response to safeguard your council's reputation. 7.  Mentoring and Training: Empower officers and councillors with valuable mentoring and training sessions, equipping them with essential communication skills and strategies. Interested in learning more? Send me a message, and I'll be happy to provide you with a link to additional information. #Towns&Parishes #CommunityEngagement #CommunicationServices #Hampshire #Surrey

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Here's a few takeaways from MHP Group's event with Wes Streeting on Monday:

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☎️ Calling out to all my #localgov contacts - the Local Government Association has just launched our Sector Supporg programme for 2024/25. Having the opportunity to be up close and personal to how it all gets put together and then monitor progress through the year, I know that it still remains hugely popular and continues to hits the spots it needs to - support for local government, delivered by local government. Highlights and developments you can expect to see this year include; ▶️ our strengthened Corporate Peer Challenge - reviewed and refreshed for the current backdrop; ▶️ extension of our popular Transformation programme to include more opportunities for elected members; ▶️ the launch of our flagship national recruitment campaign, plus ▶️ all the usual elements you expect, including our change in control/political leadership support. And ofc a reminder that the LGA provides extensive support across a number of other areas, including Children’s Social Care, Partners in Adults Social Care, cyber digital and technology, the One Public Estate programme, the Planning Advisory Service, and procurement support. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ More details here ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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The Tories have big issues, with Labour leading the key policy battlegrounds. My latest take on #GeneralElection2024 here: https://lnkd.in/e7dmKTSg

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Essential reading for us all regardless of what industry you work in - we need #PlanForHousing to protect our own and our children's futures. Thanks to the CASE consortium for producing this thorough and solutions-focused report. Paradigm Housing Group Matthew Bailes #SocialHousing #FixOurHousingCrisis

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Whatever the nation decides today, the big question for local government is what are the new Government going to do to sort out the inadequate funding we recieve to deliver vital services for our residents. Let us hope that there is some real policy change to make sure the money goes to those who need it rather than sticking to an outdated funding formula. Whatever happens, local government will also be lobbying for change!

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A quick read for those of you with an interest in share plan reform. And those generally curious about how a new government could increase employee engagement and lift productivity.

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I'm often asked what my job consists of... My response: I engage with businesses/trade associations to tell their story and bring our Free Trade Agreements to life through communications. Their response: What is a Free Trade Agreement? My response: It looks like I've got more work to do... Joking aside, the world of trade can be a complex one, with alien words and strange concepts, but it really doesn't have to be - as the below video goes to show. A massive thanks and well done to our production team at the Department for Business and Trade for putting together this helpful explainer video!

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Do the UK public know their EPCs as well as their ABCs? In March the Department of Energy released its latest data on the public’s awareness and understanding of climate change issues, green heating, and low-carbon choices. Nesta has delved into the data for a temperature check on the public’s awareness of the transition to green heating and whether there are signs of change. From growing awareness of heat pumps to a better understanding of EPC ratings, these are their five key findings:

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This is big. So many parents - me included - are worried about how they can keep their kids safe online. And for too long, it's been down to parents to work this out. But today, Ofcom has set out how we're proposing to use our new powers to put the onus on protecting children online back on tech firms - setting out the steps they can take to make their algorithms safer and take action to stop children seeing harmful content. Find out more on our proposals below.

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An impressive and convivial debate expertly chaired by Tim Heatley on the elctricfication of transport. Key take-home messages for me: ⚡️As a country, we are constrained by regulatory process. DNO’s need reform and the powers to act quicker. ⚠️Prioritisation at a national level is required, along with a conjoined planning policy. 🚎For placemaking, the priority is public transport. Build it and they will come. 🧱Aligned to this, we need a place based approach to infrastructure. 🏗️There is an immediate skills shortages in green construction, which remains a barrier, but the resources exist to address this. 🤝Bi-laterally working together is the way forward. Mayors Burnham and Steve Rotherham were optimistic about progress in the next Parliament, and gave a sneak peek at a call for private sector investment in Liverpool / Manchester rail, to be announced tomorrow. 👀 Thanks to Bibis #Leeds for hosting. #infrastructure #environment #cleanenergy #transport #UKREiiF

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