Andy Burnham's speech in Manchester today will inevitably be analysed through the lens of party politics and leadership. For those working in planning, regeneration and economic development, there is a more interesting story.

This week, the Government revoked planning powers for nine local authorities across England. It means developers can apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate, rather than through the local planning authority.

Private sector investment isn’t built on hope. It’s all about risk and too much risk is unattractive. Certainty matters - and its the key to long-term growth.

Leeds delivered its usual dose of positivity and realism - but its now obvious that nothing stacks up and the maths don’t work anymore. What are we going to do about it?

Following May’s local elections, Marca Strategy brought together investors, developers, and leading advisors in Coventry for a roundtable examining the political and investment landscape across the city and the region.

The biggest risk in May’s local elections isn’t the result, it’s the reaction, writes founder and managing director at Marca Strategy, Will Savage. This article originally appeared in Place Midlands on 20 April 2026

Marca Strategy has joined the Centre for New Midlands network, Reimagining the Region. The partnership is based on a shared mission to accelerate growth and spread prosperity across the entire Midlands region.

The Marca Strategy team attended the launch of the West Midlands UKREiiF programme at Fazeley Studios in Digbeth. It was a fitting venue for an event that captured the creative energy and ambition of the region.

Marca Strategy delivered community and stakeholder engagement, alongside project PR, to support Landmark Properties’ achieve its first planning consent in Birmingham

MIPIM 2026 felt different. Rather than focus on glossy CGIs and an expansive prospectus, the focus was on delivery. Every panel and roundtable asked the same question: How do we get this built?

Marca Strategy and E.C.F (Engage. Communicate. Facilitate.) have formed a strategic partnership to support the delivery of complex regeneration.

Planning is complex. Follow these top communications and engagement tips to help de-risk your application and safeguard investment

Changes to the NSIP process have removed statutory requirements to consult and engage with communities. It’s not down to applicants to decide - elevating the risk.

Local government is rarely seen as an engine of growth, but done right Local Government Reorganisation can turbo-charge the country’s growth prospects.