Challenge
South West Water faced complex political and stakeholder environments in both the Isles of Scilly and Par, Cornwall. The projects – vital infrastructure including desalination plants, wastewater treatment and water transfer systems – required a tailored communications strategy to navigate local sensitivities, secure planning consent and build public support.
Approach
Copper was appointed in 2023 to provide strategic communications and engagement support across both projects.
The team:
- developed and implemented comprehensive, place-specific engagement plans
- provided local insight to inform messaging and identify potential risks
- built advocacy by tailoring communications for key audiences and decision-makers
- supported planning processes through targeted stakeholder engagement
- designed and delivered community co-design workshops to shape construction schedules and maximise local benefits.
Value delivered
- De-risked the planning process for two critical infrastructure projects
- Strengthened public understanding and support through early engagement
- Enabled South West Water to demonstrate responsiveness to community needs
- Laid the foundations for smoother delivery through sustained, meaningful stakeholder involvement