Sarah Perry, Author at thinkingplace

01254 779 149

2026

thinkingplace, in partnership with the Institute of Place Management at Manchester Metropolitan University, is proud to present the fifth Place Pizzazz Conference on 12th November 2026 at Manchester Met’s Business School. We’re busy crafting an exciting agenda for this year’s event; full of fresh ideas, great speakers and plenty of inspiration. If you’d like a… Continue reading 2026

Episode 35 of ‘Right place, right time’ is out now!

Why a Strategic Authority still needs a place story: the Devon and Torbay exemplar have a listen to Sean Anstee, CBE, Director of Operations for the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority as he outlines why one of the organisation’s first priorities was to listen to their stakeholders and create a place led story for… Continue reading Episode 35 of ‘Right place, right time’ is out now!

Future relevance: what can new places learn from the UK’s towns of culture?

Reflections from: Emma Drake, Associate Director, thinkingplace and Founder of Henbe Communications As the shortlist for the UK’s first Town of Culture 2028 was announced, much of the conversation understandably focused on the 15 places still in the running. But I found myself thinking about a different question. What can the next generation of New… Continue reading Future relevance: what can new places learn from the UK’s towns of culture?

All systems go for Ashbourne!

In the world of place marketing and making it certainly isn’t all about the big boys and girls! A few years ago we were brought in to create a narrative for the relatively small town of Ashbourne (population under 10k) by an indomitable entrepreneur and a great team of people who cared about their town… Continue reading All systems go for Ashbourne!

‘Making the case for place as the new PM?!’

Intel - Cyber week - Tel Aviv General views.

I’ve had time to reflect on Andy Burnham’s first speech as MP and front (likely only) runner for Prime Minister not especially from a political perspective but from one of place. thinkingplace is twenty years old this year and as the leading specialist in creating place led approaches over that time we have seen an… Continue reading ‘Making the case for place as the new PM?!’

Episode 34 of ‘Right place, right time’ is out now!

Enjoy listening to the passion and ambition of Councillor Adrian Moss, the Leader of Chichester District Council on why Local Government Reorganisation is exactly the right time to ensure the Chichester voice is heard far and wide. Creating a narrative for a city and area has unleashed a wonderful collaboration of the asset organisations of… Continue reading Episode 34 of ‘Right place, right time’ is out now!

Brilliant Burnley as they win Council of the Year!

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… Continue reading Brilliant Burnley as they win Council of the Year!

thinkingplace delight at OBE for Board Member, Dr Martin Reeves!

Dr Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his outstanding service to local government. Martin has led Oxfordshire County Council since March 2023, bringing with him more than 25 years’ experience in senior leadership roles across local government. Since November 2025 we… Continue reading thinkingplace delight at OBE for Board Member, Dr Martin Reeves!

To Hull and back with pride!

Harrogate Story Launch Event

I collided with place branding, place marketing and place in Hull 27 years ago. It was sort of an accident. I’d been working as Marketing Director at a food services company which despite lovely people wasn’t my thing. Whilst there I rebranded their entire own brand range working with the late and truly amazing Aidan… Continue reading To Hull and back with pride!

Episode 33 of ‘Right place, right time’ is out now!

An absolutely fascinating conversation with Tarah Gear, Director of Brand and Place Futures (cue rock n roll job title!) at Milligan who revitalise towns and cities through creativity, innovation, curiosity and imagination. In this episode we consider the importance of storytelling and brand in place creation, tapping into the DNA of places, always listening and… Continue reading Episode 33 of ‘Right place, right time’ is out now!

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