
Devolution.
Make your voice heard in the right places.
Regional Combined Authorities have become a firm fixture in our Governance and decision making structures in the last decade. As of the May 2024 elections, they now cover the majority of England, with more to come.
With an ever-increasing influence over planning and development, infrastructure, investment strategies and more, regional Mayors are set to play a vital role in delivering economic growth across the country. The Government’s plans will now involve major reorganisation of Local Authorities too. We’re here to help you to navigate this rapidly changing landscape and make your voice heard.
Understanding the landscape.
Devolution is well embedded in our major cities, like London, Birmingham and Manchester, but new Combined Authorities are coming online too, most recently in areas such as the East Midlands and Yorkshire. Further new Mayors will appear next May in places like Lincolnshire and the Humber, so it’s an evolving tier of governance and an area that we’re well placed to navigate.
The landscape is evolving around even well-established Combined Authorities, as the powers and remit of Mayors continues to grow. The government’s intention is clear, for the whole country to follow on this path during this Parliament. Our expert team can help you to get to grips with these changes, and what they mean for your sector.
Influencing regional growth strategies
Elected Mayors are set to become the driving force behind economic growth within their regions. With new powers over strategic planning, mandatory Local Growth Plans and powers to steer the delivery of public services to meet regional needs, we can help you work out when best to engage, and how to do it so your message hits home with those who have the power to effect change at a regional level.
Profile Raising
Regional combined authorities are all different, and constantly evolving. Many already have significant powers to support key priorities in economic growth, transport and infrastructure investment, to direct funding into skills and training, and to manage the delivery of local health services. With some combined authorities also set to receive fiscal devolution in 2025.
We’re experts at helping brands raise their profiles with regional government stakeholders, and positioning them as the sensible, trustworthy choice. We can help you gain the right regional attention and unlock support for investment into regional economies.
Local Government Restructuring
For areas of the country that still have two-tier governance, with both county and district councils, there will now be a requirement to reshape the delivery of local services. This is a huge undertaking for Authorities who already have significant constraints on capacity and resources. With our locally-based teams and vast experience in Local Government, whether it’s restructuring or setting up new Authorities, Cavendish is well placed to help Councils navigate these changes and in particular to meet all of the requirements of consultation, stakeholder and public engagement.
Contact us below
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Ben has a decade of experience across both local and national Government, having spent seven years in Parliament, and most recently served as Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council. Ben helped to develop the legislation that enabled recent devolution deals to take shape, and has both negotiated and implemented new Combined Authority plans in the East Midlands. Few people can match Ben’s direct experience of these changes in local decision making, and what they will mean for the future.



Kevin has a deep understanding of the politics of planning having specialised in political advocacy, community consultation and campaigning for clients across the built environment over the last 13 years.
Leading our team across the North & Midlands, he has experience across the property, energy and infrastructure sectors, supporting clients including Aldi, BAM, CEMEX, Miller Homes, National Grid, Peel and Uniper. He works with local communities and their elected representatives to understand the need for and build acceptance of change to our built environment.



Sarah has extensive experience in developing stakeholder engagement and public affairs strategies for clients within the Built Environment. With nearly 10 years’ experience, Sarah has worked across all tiers of government, and across different consenting regimes, advising clients such as Unibail Rodamco Westfield, Crest Nicholson and National Grid.



Nick has a wealth of experience in most aspects of development including prime residential, major commercial and corporate developments, large strategic land allocations and energy infrastructure. He has a 20-year track record successfully advising high-profile clients across the development sector, drawing on a background at both the Westminster parliamentary and local government levels to inform his counsel. Nick was formerly a local councillor in Guildford, serving 12 years on the planning committee and three years as a Cabinet Member in roles covering the environment and planning.



Based in North Yorkshire, Keane’s arrival deepens our networks and understanding of the political landscape across the North. Keane combines a decade of experience across the world of politics and journalism. Before joining the company, Keane worked for major news titles at the UK’s largest publisher. Keane was first elected in 2015, becoming Britain’s youngest council leader at the age of 24. He ran in the 2024 mayoral elections and is now a council cabinet member, overseeing highways and transport in England’s largest county.



Emma is an experienced political campaigner with a background in health, social and economic policy . Emma joined Cavendish from the Labour Party, where she spent 6 years advising members of the shadow cabinet on policy development, political strategy and press across multiple departments. She worked for Labour across two general elections, byelections and metro mayor campaigns, including Labour’s historic 2024 victory. At Cavendish, she advises clients on engaging with the new Labour Government and communicating their messages in the media.



Sean has a deep understanding of local government having served as the leader of a unitary authority and executive member of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority before joining Cavendish.
He remains an elected Labour councillor and uses his insight and experience to advise clients across the North of England on their engagement strategies with politicians and communities across the region. He works with clients including McDonald’s, CEMEX and McCarthy Stone to help navigate the planning process. He has also provided training to the RTPI on how to undertake best practice consultation.



Tristan is a passionate advocate for sustainable economic development in Birmingham and the West Midlands. As a former cabinet member at Birmingham City Council and MPs constituency assistant Tristan enjoys unparalleled local connections. He can offer insight into both the politics of the region and its varied communities.
His current portfolio of projects includes regeneration schemes, aviation, infrastructure, retail and residential. Tristan leads our work in the West Midlands, based out of our Birmingham office.