Reflections: Summer Slowdown, Student Engagement & Local Government Change

Summer Holidays – Are We All Downing Tools for Six Weeks?

When the schools break up, is it just me or does the wider business world seem to ease off the gas?

At the moment, I have several active projects and no intention of slowing down unless I’m advised to do so by clients or project leads. Yet there’s an undeniable shift in pace during this time of year - as though the academic calendar quietly influences our collective work ethic.

To be clear, I’m a strong advocate for rest, breaks, and recharging. But I do wonder whether our seasonal slowdown sometimes goes a little too far – extending well beyond what’s necessary.

What’s your take? Is this just a natural pause, or could we be coasting more than we realise?

Stakeholder Engagement – A BHASVIC Case Study

A recent highlight in my work has been supporting BHASVIC with their planning application for a 3G artificial pitch and Multi-Use Games Area.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was engaging directly with sixth form students, the very people set to benefit from the new facilities. It's uncommon to see young people involved in planning discussions, but these students showed genuine interest, insight, and a strong willingness to contribute.

Over the course of three sessions in a single week, we explored the planning process, discussed the potential benefits for the college and wider community, and considered the likely objections that could arise.

It was a powerful reminder that true stakeholder engagement goes beyond formal consultation - it’s about involving those most affected in a meaningful way.

Local Government Reorganisation - What You Should Know

Given my regular work with elected members, and my own roles as a District and Parish Councillor, I’ve taken a close interest in the current discussions around local government reorganisation in Sussex.

Broadly, I’m supportive of reorganisation, it offers opportunities for efficiency and simplification. But there are concerns, particularly around the speed of the process. Many residents and business owners still don’t understand how these changes could impact them.

Whether you’re looking for an informal conversation or a more detailed analysis of how this might affect your organisation, I’d be happy to share my insights from within the process.

Want to discuss any of the above further? Feel free to get in touch - I’m always happy to talk.