New Ancoats base and expanded Manchester team at Counter Context

Specialist strategic communications agency Counter Context has bolstered its position in Manchester and the North West with a new office base in Ancoats and an addition to its senior team.

The agency, which specialises in supporting high-profile regeneration, transport and utilities projects with thoughtful consultation and stakeholder engagement strategies, is increasingly in demand in the North West. Building on over a decade of work which has seen Counter Context support key regeneration schemes including NOMA, Victoria North and the Co-op Live Arena, the agency has more recently added Manchester Life, Investec and Canal & River Trust to its client list.

As well as the new base, Ian Thompson joined Counter Context at the end of 2021 as a Senior Account Manager to work full-time on Manchester projects. Ian has over 10 years’ experience as a skilled consultation and engagement practitioner, having worked previously for Dialogue by Design, Jacobs and Soundings on a range of high profile and sensitive development projects.

Commenting on his appointment, Ian said: “I’m delighted to have joined Counter Context, an agency that has been at the forefront of giving communities a voice in Manchester’s regeneration. I’ve always believed that quality engagement can help shape great places, so it’s great to be involved in some of the projects transforming the city I call home.”

Harriet Knowles, Director at Counter Context and lead for Manchester, said: “It is fitting that after a decade of working on some of Manchester’s most significant regeneration projects, we’ve now moved into the heart of Ancoats; a place that epitomises how successful regeneration can blend the old with the new and create genuine community.

“We’re also delighted to welcome Ian to the team and benefit from his wealth of experience in designing creative and innovative community engagement and consultation programmes.

“As we look to the post-pandemic landscape, Manchester is going to see further sustained investment but – like every successful city – will need to address some major challenges: not least how to continue to create high-quality jobs and new homes whilst transitioning to a low carbon economy. To successfully navigate a period of considerable change, there is a need for clear, authoritative communication and a commitment to work with local communities to collectively find solutions. That is exactly what we do at Counter Context.”

Counter Context can now be found at Jactin House on Hood Street in Ancoats and contacted via www.countercontext.com.