Sea Link | Kent/Suffolk​

Sea Link is a new, primarily offshore network reinforcement between Suffolk and Kent. It forms part of National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade, aimed at futureproofing the grid and supporting the transition to more secure and cleaner, greener forms of energy. The proposals are one of many projects needed to meet the UK’s net zero targets.​

 The changing nature of energy generation in the UK means there are communities newly impacted by electricity infrastructure, as infrastructure moves from the heart of the country towards coastal locations. East Suffolk is one such community and therefore the region is a contentious one for new energy projects, as such our communications and engagement programme has been vast from the outset. ​

The strategy spanned multiple MPs, local authorities, and town and parish councils. Cavendish produced an extensive stakeholder map for all tiers from community groups to central Government. We maintain this robust database along with a meticulous record of all contact, as a critical part of the development consent order process.​

Through the non-statutory and statutory consultations for the scheme, we prepared a full suite of consultation materials, transforming complex technical documents into digestible information for local communities. This included pre-recorded digital assets, social media advertising, plus long and short form versions of key documents.​

 Cavendish planned and delivered two events programmes spanning the non-statutory and statutory consultations, incorporating online and in-person events, an extensive stakeholder engagement strategy, 1:1 appointment for members of the public, webinars and more.​

The team was responsible for all associated communications including a mailing to circa 35,000 addresses within the consultation zone, managing the freephone and enquiries inbox, press releases, reactive press statements, proactive stakeholder and mailing list updates.​

 Crucially, Cavendish stayed abreast of the fastmoving media and social media picture and used it to inform our communications and stakeholder engagement strategy. A vital strand of this work is understanding local pressure groups and interactions with local politicians. The Cavendish team involved are familiar with key personalities in these groups and use their insights to improve outcomes for the project.