Shaping the future of South Region
Cavendish is a trusted advisor to private and public sector clients in the south of England. From supporting individual planning consents, to communicating around major infrastructure initiatives, we have been engaged on a wide range of planning and corporate communications briefs.
Unparalleled experience in the region
The Southern Region stretches from the coastline of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole through to the South’s major ports of Southampton and Portsmouth. It also includes the historic city of Winchester and extends north to the towns of Basingstoke and Andover.
The region’s ports and airports connect the UK to the world; and with several major regeneration schemes across the region, it continues to attract investment from world-leading companies.
The South is undergoing political change at a local government level and a new Combined Authority for Hampshire & Isle Wight has been confirmed, with elections for a new Mayor now scheduled May 2028 (they were initially planned for May 2026, but the government has since announced that further time is needed to bed in local government reorganisation plans).
All district level authorities are set to be abolished, with the region going through a process of local government reorganisation that will see larger, unitary authorities across Hampshire. These options are currently out for consultation, with four different options on the table that could see either four or five new unitary councils created. Please see our recent blog for further information on these options – a Ministerial decision on the shape of these new authorities is expected in March 2026.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is a step ahead and is not subject to LGR – they are discussing forming a new Combined Authority with Wiltshire and Dorset in an attempt to create a new ‘Heart of Wessex’ Combined Authority. With a strong track record of working in the region, Cavendish is best placed to help you understand the opportunities that devolution will provide in spatial planning. New Mayor’s in the region will have the power to adopt a regional planning approach, that has the potential to work in combat with a regional infrastructure initiative, to unlock further opportunities for growth and investment.
Contact us below
Shaping the region
Whatever sector you are operating in, we have the insights, the expertise and creative solutions to help your message reach the people that can positively influence change. We’re helping to shape the region, working alongside key stakeholders on the local level and at key events like UKREiiF and MIPIM.
We understand the issues that matter most to decision-makers and communities and can help you to communicate effectively to achieve your objectives.
You’re in good
company.
We are trusted advisors to some of the most high-profile organisations operating in The Central South:
Work to be proud of.
Local Government Reorganisation
Cavendish has been supporting Eastleigh Borough Council, in respect of their Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) campaign.
From the outset, Cavendish developed a Marketing strategy that created a series of brand imagery that was shared on the project’s dedicated website and via Meta surveys. The purpose of which, was to generate feedback on residents’ views on the look and shape of a new Unitary authority for the Southampton & Waterside areas.
The campaign ran for a month and also coincided with Cavendish organising vox-pox’s with local business leaders, to promote the key message of how the new Unitary authority would be ‘bigger enough to function, but small enough to care.’
The strategy also included holding three dedicated focus groups with local residents from across the Southampton and Eastleigh area, to gauge their thoughts and ideas on how local services should be planned and run.
The feedback from the campaign, has been used to inform Eastleigh Borough Council’s final submitted strategy to government on how the region should be re-organised in view of LGR – all options submitted by local authorities in Hampshire are currently undergoing a public consultation led by the government, in which there are four options on the table that could see either four or five new unitary councils created in Hampshire.
Our people;
your team.
Laura is an experienced planning communications and public affairs specialist having worked in the built environment industry for over 15 years’. Leading our team across the South, Laura has experience across numerous sectors including infrastructure, retail, retirement and residential working with clients such as McDonald’s, Southampton Airport, AGS Group, McCarthy Stone and Lovell.
Sam is an award-winning communications strategist with a track record of advising high-profile clients for over 20 years. Her expertise lies in developing integrated communications strategies that capture attention, initiate discussions, and influence behavioural change. She strongly believes in the power of storytelling and brand, and collaborates closely with her clients to craft impactful narratives that establish connections between audiences and brands.
James has significant experience in the region, having spent four years as a communications advisor to the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority on a number of its major transport initiatives.
Most recently, James has supported McDonald’s in engaging with key political figures in Cambridge, and assisting Wrenbridge on its proposals for a cutting-edge, mid-tech scheme in the city.
Outside of Cambridge city, James has supported Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Group to deliver new homes at Cambourne West, and is currently advising Urban & Civic and Hill Group on a large-scale development proposal in South and East Cambridgeshire.
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.
