Challenge
To support delivery of one of the UK Government’s five flagship sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects – planned for construction by 2025 – communications needed to:
- clearly explain a complex, multistage production process (feedstock preparation, gasification, conversion to fuel)
- engage regional and national stakeholders early to build awareness and support
- use hybrid consultation tools to meet regulatory and community expectations for meaningful participation.
Approach
Copper designed and delivered a hybrid consultation strategy, tailored to both online and in-person engagement, supported by early stakeholder mapping and regional insight. It included:
- early engagement – connecting with local industry networks ahead of launch to understand regional stakeholder priorities and business ecosystems
- accessible communication – developing an animated explainer to demystify the SAF process for public, political and industry audiences
- stakeholder relations – positioning the project within the broader national context of SAF targets and UK government funding, enabling credible, benefits-led conversations with decision-makers.
Value delivered
- High-level political engagement, including the local MP, the Tees Valley mayor and cross-party support
- Ongoing dialogue with key industry bodies to support project momentum
- Consultation shaped by insights from Planning Inspectorate (PINS) fast-track pilots, helping the project prepare for a streamlined Development Consent Order (DCO) submission
- Positioning of the project as a credible contributor to UK net zero aviation goals, aligned with government SAF strategy