Challenge
The Port of Southampton sought to advance a Development Consent Order (DCO) for its expansion but faced several communications hurdles:
- securing national and local stakeholder support for a strategically important infrastructure project
- facing entrenched community concerns and perceptions about the impact of expansion
- requiring a robust, compliant consultation to underpin the DCO process.
Approach
Copper was appointed to shape and deliver a high-impact communications and engagement strategy, centred around economic value and national importance.
Key actions included:
- positioning the Port of Southampton as vital to UK PLC and regional prosperity, thereby building a compelling case for expansion
- tunning a comprehensive public relations, public affairs and local engagement campaign, targeting stakeholders at all levels
- maintaining a consistent, proactive ‘drumbeat’ of communications to drive awareness and shape perceptions
- leveraging the national conversation on port infrastructure to create momentum and media cut-through.
Value delivered
- Built community and stakeholder understanding, shifting the narrative toward the jobs, skills and investment benefits
- Created advocacy and visibility for the project among key political and business audiences
- Laid a solid foundation for future consultation and development, despite the initial pause in project plans