Paver Smith announces localism division
The Liverpool and Manchester-based public relations firm has set up a property division aimed at assisting developers facing challenges thrown up by the Government's Localism Bill.
The property division is being headed up by senior partner Rachel Smith, who will work with a number of account managers and directors from the agency's offices in both cities, totaling 25 staff.
The Localism Bill will see a requirement for community consultation ahead of any planning applications for major property or infrastructure projects.
Paver Smith counts a range of major developers in its client list and has conducted a number of public consultation exercises on behalf of organisations such as Everton Football Club and development company the Benmore Group.
Smith said: "Most developers already understand the benefits of doing proper community consultations ahead of any planning applications. They save money and time in the long run as there is a much better chance of approval at planning stage if you can demonstrate you have engaged with and responded to local opinion.
"The localism landscape continues to evolve as the Bill makes its passage through Parliament but there's no question that there is going to be a significant additional burden on developers.
"We'll be offering solutions to developers which will save them time and money by giving their schemes the best chance of success."
Paver Smith has established a new website and is attending the MIPIM property conference in Cannes this week to highlight a range of communication and public consultation services to businesses in the construction and development sector.
