Challenge
Hanson Cement aimed to secure multimillion-pound government funding for a carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility at its Padeswood site in North Wales. Success would position Hanson as the UK’s first producer of net-zero cement.
The communications challenge was to:
- build broad cross-party political support
- align the project with key government agendas such as levelling up, industrial decarbonisation and protecting the union
- mobilise industry advocates and navigate complex political and funding processes.
Approach
Copper delivered a targeted public affairs and stakeholder engagement campaign, including:
- a strategic narrative positioning Hanson’s CCS project as vital to national net zero and industrial goals
- creation of compelling campaign collateral and identification of high-impact political and industry influencers
- direct engagement with MPs, Welsh Government officials and stakeholders within No.10 and multiple government departments
- brokering industry support by engaging trade bodies and customers to encourage public advocacy for the bid
- facilitating a ministerial site visit to reinforce national significance and build momentum.
Value delivered
Copper’s campaign helped Hanson to:
- secure a site visit from the Minister for Wales, resulting in ministerial endorsement
- obtain a letter of support from the Welsh Government
- arrange meetings with five MPs and gain further letters of support from parliamentarians
- mobilise support from industry trade bodies and customers, thereby generating influential letters to the Secretary of State
- gain access to key No. 10 officials and cross-departmental backing, significantly enhancing the project’s funding prospects.