Unsurprisingly, Burnley have been unassuming (no doubt part of why they won!) about such a magnificent achievement! As our good friend Rachel Bayley, Burnley Place Brand Manager comments ‘we’re always up against big authorities (or higher profile) at these awards but we’ve FINALLY taken home the top accolade’ and they were runners up last year too; one of the highest honours in local government, just WOW!
thinkingplace have an 18 year relationship with Burnley, they are one of our oldest and most special clients and we’re not just saying that lightly. Whatever the make up of the Council, whatever the leadership team they have consistently and ambitiously pursued a place led approach. We worked with them to create the Burnley place story and brand and that has been unfailingly applied year after year, they’ve had their own Place Leadership Group and the much renowned Burnley Bondholders (Ambassador programme) that has engaged stakeholders far and wide. They have also always invested in great Place Brand Managers who have been the focal point and inspiration for activity and collaboration. The really fab thing about Burnley is they have evolved, widened and deepened their place approach through initiatives such as their Future Leaders programme that helps young people be future skilled ready and aware of work opportunities in the town.
The Council have seen and used the place narrative and visual identity as a big bit of their reaching out, of building Team Burnley whether to attract investment or lobbying Government. Burnley has a buzz, momentum, a feel-good factor and that has resulted in investment not seen in other places from town centre to business park to hotel to university; their success is no accident!
Burnley is our exemplar of a great place-led approach through its longevity, passion, council support, collaboration, innovation, consistency, bravery, involvement and at times sheer joy for their place.
From our perspective Burnley is Council of the Year and Place of the Year!
