Counter Context enters Manchester comms market

A Sheffield-based communications and public consultation agency advising on the St Michael’s development has opened its first Manchester office.

Counter Context specialises in the built environment, and said that it works to “build understanding and support for large-scale and often challenging commercial and residential developments, transport schemes and energy infrastructure projects”.

The company has opened its office at 18 Lloyd Street, and said the expansion comes as a result of increased demand for its services in the region.

Counter Context has worked for The Cooperative Group, Manchester City Council, Bruntwood, Transport for Greater Manchester, Salford City College and CBRE Global Investors. The team is currently supporting consultation around St Michael’s, the 300,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme proposed by Gary Neville’s development company in Manchester city centre.

Counter Context was founded more than 22 years ago in Sheffield. Account director Harriet Knowles has led on the company’s expansion into Manchester

Knowles said: “We are extremely excited about our new home here in the North West. Whilst we’ve worked with clients over the Pennines for a number of years, we wanted to be better integrated within the business community; increasing our profile and bringing us closer to our clients.

“Manchester is a fantastic city with a rapidly changing skyline and a lot of exciting ideas in the pipeline. Our understanding of policy, planning, messaging and engagement puts us in a strong position to support the city’s developments in moving forward.”