As 2026 begins, there is a growing sense that placemaking in the UK is at a crossroads. The pressures are obvious. Public services are stretched thin. Inequality is deeply entrenched. Too many strategies look impressive on paper yet fail to change how places actually feel or function for the people living there. What’s less often acknowledged is why this keeps…
In recent years, Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) has gained increasing attention across the UK as an alternative to deficit-led models of community support. Rather than starting with what communities lack, ABCD focuses on recognising, connecting and strengthening the assets that already exist — people, relationships, skills, organisations and local enterprise. Within this context, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a…
Community-led innovation has the potential to transform local economies, empower residents, and create long-term social value. Yet, as I have experienced firsthand, securing funding for these initiatives remains a significant challenge. The current funding landscape is riddled with gaps, making it incredibly difficult for entrepreneurial community projects to get off the ground. The Public Sector’s Limited Approach Despite acknowledging the…
Non-profit organisations are vital in place regeneration projects aiming to revitalise and improve underused or neglected areas. These projects often bring significant social, environmental, and economic benefits to communities. However, non-profits frequently face substantial challenges accessing land leases necessary for these initiatives. A primary obstacle is the prolonged delay in local authority decision-making on land lease tenders and planning permissions….
Nestled in the heart of London, where towering skyscrapers and luxurious developments symbolise wealth and affluence, Coin Street is a remarkable example of how social housing and enterprise can thrive amidst an environment primarily driven by wealth creation. Coin Street Community Builders (CSCB) has transformed this area into a vibrant, inclusive community, demonstrating that sustainable living and social equality are…
In recent years, businesses worldwide have increasingly recognised the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in driving long-term value creation and sustainable growth. ESG considerations include climate change, diversity and inclusion, labour practices, corporate governance, and ethical business conduct. As stakeholders increasingly demand greater accountability, transparency, and responsibility from corporations, embracing ESG principles presents a significant opportunity for…
Introduction to Sociocracy The need for effective governance in collaborative projects, especially those focused on placemaking, cannot be overstated. Sociocracy is emerging as a new project governance method due to its emphasis on collaboration, transparency, and adaptability. Unlike traditional top-down approaches to project governance, sociocracy promotes distributed decision-making and self-organisation, empowering teams to decide collectively based on consent rather than…
In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the popularity of cooperative business models worldwide. From small-scale startups to large enterprises, more and more businesses are embracing the cooperative approach, which prioritises democratic decision-making, shared ownership, and equitable distribution of profits. In this blog article, we’ll explore the rise of cooperative businesses, with a particular focus on the…
It’s easy, yet disheartening, to view humanity as indifferent, driven mainly by a thirst for wealth and power, leaving those disadvantaged without hope or means to improve their lot. This perspective, however, doesn’t capture the whole essence of our world. My Experiences In my journey through the non-profit sector, I am always profoundly moved by the realisation that millions of…
Society’s remarkable generosity deserves a more comprehensive evaluation to gauge the outcomes of investments in well-being development accurately. Such an assessment would foster a systemic shift away from the unsustainable fixation on GDP and economic growth. Recently, Liz Truss voiced concerns about the expanding size of the state in both the US and the UK, cautioning against the emergence of…
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