At the start of 2025, Portland’s specialist-built environment team brought together a cross-sector group of industry leaders and social value experts to explore a fundamental question:
How can the built environment industry drive meaningful, long-term social value that is felt by the communities it serves?
Our roundtable discussion explored best practice examples of delivering social value and examined how we can ensure our approaches genuinely fit the needs and aspirations of the areas in which we operate. We also looked at the key challenges and barriers that must be addressed – whether it is communities feeling excluded from consultation processes, complexities over how we communicate and measure the impact of social value or how we justify its importance in a commercial setting – and the corresponding solutions that would support the sector.
You can read our insights from the discussion, as well as key findings from Portland’s British Polling Council accredited research team here.
Coming up next
As part of our next roundtable, we are looking to discuss the development revolution under this Labour government. With ambitious plans to accelerate infrastructure delivery – including streamlining the planning system through NPPF reforms and reducing the influence of environmental quangos – what does the industry need from the government to rise to the challenge?
The discussion will delve into the key hurdles in delivering strategic infrastructure and achieving Labour’s target of 1.5 million new homes, from skills shortages and workforce capacity to planning and policy constraints. It promises to be another insightful and thought-provoking conversation.
If you are interested in taking part in the next stage of discussion, do get in touch with our built environment team via [email protected].
“At Portland, our built environment team is committed to helping clients not only respond to evolving expectations but actively lead the way in shaping places that create lasting benefits.
Whether it’s tackling more stringent social value requirements or navigating changes to the political landscape, we provide strategic insights that help clients protect and manage reputations while seizing opportunities for growth and innovation in a rapidly shifting environment.
If you have any questions related to the report or would like to discuss how Portland might be able to support your organisation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
Phoebe Sullivan, Associate Director
