The NP11 – Communications Strategy

Project Summary

Client

  • The NP11

Sector

  • Property

Services

  • Strategy, Communications, Digital, Social Media

The NP11

Established in 2018, the NP11 brings together the 11 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) from across the Northern Powerhouse to act with one voice on behalf of the North, working with and alongside government on issues such as how to increase productivity, overcome regional disparities in economic growth and tackle the historic north/south divide.

The idea

With a voice and visibility brief, the aim was to work with LEPs across the North to evidence through communications activity how the North is greater than the sum of its parts.  Acting as the “strategic coordinator”, our work included developing and delivering a comprehensive communications strategy, acting as the NP11 press office, delivering government insights and supporting the successful Convention of the North with NP11 event with Government in 2019 and 2022.

Our role

We have played a key role in the last two Convention of the North (2022 and 2019 respectively) bringing together politicians, business leaders, community representatives and other stakeholders from across the North to shape a shared vision and agenda for northern prosperity.

The 2019 Convention brough together 1,000 delegates in Rotherham. Chaired by national broadcaster, Steph McGovern, it featured high-impact keynotes, panel discussions, and breakout sessions from speakers including the northern metro mayors, leading business figures and the then Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

The 2022 Convention took place in Liverpool and attracted over 300 delegates for a full-day programme, chaired by Samira Ahmed. Held just one week after the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper was published, it featured a keynote address from Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove. Social’s work included developing and delivering a comprehensive communications strategy, acting as the NP11 press office, delivering government insights and end-to-end project management.

Social’s role in each of these events included:

  • Being active members of the event steering group, responsible for developing the event progamme, identifying and securing speakers, overseeing and advising on all aspects of logistics.
  • Leading all PR and communications around the event, creating and issuing media release, through leadership content and social media
  • Leading stakeholder engagement, acting as the key interface between the steering group and stakeholders including northern LEPs, combined and local authorities and central government
  • Managing the press office on the day, setting up and managing broadcast and print interviews with speakers, overseeing photography and videography and issuing love social media content from the event

Results

We have delivered a three-year programme of PR and public affairs activity, and used on and offline channels to engage with MPs and central government, northern and national business and civic leaders to galvanise support for the NP11 agenda.

The campaign resulted in 68 pieces of regional, national and local media coverage with an estimated 198,000 coverage views and engagement with senior Government and Shadow Ministers and civil servants.

The programme of work continues into 2022/23 with a full strategic programme of communications activity.

The NP11 is realising the vision for an economically thriving Northern Powerhouse that drives economic prosperity, international competitiveness, and inclusive growth for the benefit of everyone across our great towns, cities and rural communities.

With two thriving northern offices and experience of working from Liverpool City Region across to the Yorkshire coast, Social is an ideal partner for the NP11 and clearly shares our ambitions for the people, towns and cities of the North.

Roger Marsh OBE Chair of the NP11

Who we work with