Challenge
National Grid needed to deliver major infrastructure projects in the Thames Estuary, a region already experiencing:
- community fatigue from ongoing consultation and construction
- reputational risk tied to the visible presence of a large workforce (1000+) in small communities such as Grain
- a need to maintain programme momentum while avoiding local disruption or negative media attention.
Approach​
Copper led strategic communications and engagement across multiple major schemes, including the Norwich to Tilbury and Grain to Shorne Gas Pipeline projects.
This work included:
- delivering a high-quality, benefits-led consultation for Norwich to Tilbury, with more than 52,000 homes contacted, 12 in-person events held and 23 parish council webinars hosted, resulting in 3400 consultation responses
- building a single communications team across all Grain-based projects to ensure unified, responsive messaging
- developing training and tools for site teams to understand community concerns, with a focus on behaviours such as safe driving on shared roads.
Value delivered
- Ensured public-facing engagement was consistent, constructive and aligned with community needs
- Gathered thousands of meaningful inputs that helped shape proposals and prepare for a strong Development Consent Order application
- Maintained positive community relations, avoided negative press and supported timely project delivery, contributing to the now-operational infrastructure.