Welcome to the UKREiiF opinion series! We’ve gained exclusive access to the opinions of leaders from across our industry. Stay tuned to find out thoughts on the important issues that affect the UK Built Environment.

By Charlotte Bowen, Business Development Manager at Commonplace

I’m Charlotte, and I spearhead Business Development at Commonplace, with a singular focus of helping private sector organisations tap into communities across the UK, Ireland, and beyond.

In our fast-paced world, digital engagement stands as the linchpin, reshaping sectors and redefining places using sentiment data. My global nomadic journey, spanning cities, mountains, and diverse terrains, has fuelled my passion for transforming communities through innovative digital strategies.

Placemaking has evolved beyond a mere buzzword; it’s a paradigm shift in today’s digital landscape. The UK’s built environment is ripe for transformation, and after a decade in the PropTech industry, I can attest: digital solutions that connect communities and harness sentiment data are the catalysts for a greener, more liveable world.

Gone are the days of conventional face-to-face meetings; digital engagement enables us to reach not just a room but every individual. Every voice matters, and every opinion is invaluable. It’s about creating accessible spaces where everyone feels informed and heard.

At Commonplace, we’ve propelled over 2,600 engagement projects, spanning 80 themes, from development consultations to active travel initiatives. Safety concerns? We’ve partnered with councils and organisations, empowering individuals to voice safety issues, thereby making communities safer collectively.

Collaborating with over 150 councils, we utilise cutting-edge visual tools to engage residents, providing localised and geolocated opinion-based data crucial for the creation of local plans. Developers, take note: digital engagement equips you with real-time community data, your ultimate tool for future-proofing and de-risking schemes. It’s not just smart; it’s the future.

Events like UKREiiF have been pivotal for us, connecting us with top developers, design teams, and consultants in the North of England. In fact, last year, I secured over 14 meetings in two days, emphasising the event’s unmatched business potential. Earlier this year, Commonplace excelled with two panel discussions, a stand serving refreshing drinks, and a unique engagement pub quiz, creating lasting connections and memorable experiences.

Some key numbers from UKREiiF last year:
220+ new contacts made (top target accounts)
40+ meetings
14 x deals created
100,000+ steps walked (each)

Lead two speaking sessions:
Putting the S in ESG: Building a Sustainable Future with Your Community
Collaboration with Mott MacDonald for an EDI University Outreach Workshop

To sum it up, digital engagement isn’t merely technology; it’s the passport to de-risked projects, providing invaluable data for informed decisions. It’s about crafting places and spaces that not only function but thrive, resonating profoundly with the community—a definitive upgrade in the quality of life, everywhere.

See you in Leeds for UKREiiF 2024!