Case Study
Stakeholder engagement
Port One, Ipswich Building Support for a Major Technology Park
Client
Port One Technology Park
Services
Community engagement
Stakeholder management
Crisis communications
Public relations
Political lobbying
Port One is a major logistics, distribution and business development in Ipswich, Suffolk.
ProperPR was appointed to head PR and communication for the project as it entered a period of vital planning applications for a vast expansion of the site, helping Port One transition from a 150-acre logistics and distribution park to a 283-acre technology park, complete with groundbreaking projects in AI, AgriTech, green energy and more. When complete, the site that will create 3,500 jobs for the local area.
ProperPR’s duties have included writing and distributing press releases, community engagement to ensure local support for the development, ensuring all of the positive aspects for the local community are foregrounded, managing negative sentiment, and lobbying local and regional government to ensure support for the scheme, and help gain approval on its ambitious planning applications.
ProperPR has helped with creating positive dialogue between the developer and local stakeholders, including parish and county councils, as well as facilitating public consultations. This has required creative, out of the box thinking, and a proactive approach to communications. There has also been some crisis comms, and great efforts to ensure facts not rumours dominate the local media landscape and community social boards.
Strategic PR for Port One’s Expansion
Major developments need more than planning permission. They require effective communication, strong stakeholder relationships and a clear understanding of the benefits they can bring to local communities.
ProperPR was appointed to lead PR and communications for Port One in Ipswich, Suffolk, as the development entered a critical phase of planning applications for a significant expansion. The ambition is to transform the existing 150-acre logistics and distribution park into a 283-acre technology park, spanning emerging sectors including artificial intelligence, AgriTech and green energy. Once complete, the development is expected to create 3,500 local jobs.
ProperPR’s role has focused on building community understanding and support while ensuring the opportunities presented by the scheme remain central to the conversation. Our work includes producing and distributing press releases, facilitating public consultations, engaging with local residents and maintaining constructive dialogue with key stakeholders, including parish and county councils.
We also undertake local and regional government engagement to support the planning process, alongside proactive media relations and crisis communications. By addressing concerns, challenging misinformation and ensuring facts are readily accessible, we help the developer navigate complex issues and manage negative sentiment.
The result
A proactive, joined-up communications strategy that supports stakeholder relationships, encourages informed public discussion and helps position Port One’s ambitious expansion within the context of local economic growth and future employment opportunities.
Talk to a PR specialists
The Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company
ProperPR supports Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company through strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and public relations, promoting sustainable regeneration and community development.