OUR WORK

Developing a vision for Wadebridge

Rise were commissioned by Wadebridge Town Council to deliver a vision and strategy for future development in the town. This involved an extensive consultation with residents, businesses, community groups and young people to learn more about their needs and hopes for Wadebridge.

We also held three public meetings and delivered a final report with recommendations for short, medium and long-term interventions to build on Wadebridge's strengths and seize opportunities to strengthen its identity and give younger people a bigger stake in the town.

An Independent Culture Review into London Fire Brigade

Rise were appointed to support the Independent Review of Culture at London Fire Brigade, which is to be chaired by former Chief Crown Prosecutor Nazir Afzal

The review was ordered following the tragic death of Firefighter Jaden Matthew Francois-Esprit in August 2020. Following an internal investigation, and recommendations from the Coroner, London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe announced his intention to establish a review to look into all aspects of the Brigade's culture.

The final review was praised by London Mayor Sadiq Khan and all of its 33 recommendations were accepted by London Fire Brigade. It was subsequently debated in Parliament, triggered similar reviews around the country and has had a transformative impact on the UK's fire and rescue services landscape.

An Economic Impact Assessment of Southampton's Portswood scheme

Rise were appointed to carry out an economic impact assessment into Southampton's Portswood Broadway scheme, which will introduce significant bus priority upgrades, improved facilities for cycling and walking and a reduction in the amount of traffic through Portswood. This will result in a greener,more pleasant environment for everyone living, working, studying and spending time in Portswood.

We spent several months working there, as we were also tasked with engaging local businesses and organising a public meeting to discuss the plans. Our final report found that the scheme would generate around £32.7million in GVA contributions to Southampton's economy over 10-years as well as a wide range of social benefits including safer streets, improved air quality and noise levels and better social cohesion among communities.

A review of the work of the Government's High Streets Task Force

Rise were delighted to support a new report issued by the Institute of Place Management, which calls for a mindset shift in local government to ensure struggling high streets can enjoy a fresh start.

The report examined some of the key challenges uncovered from visits to over 140 towns over the past four years by the High Streets Task Force and concluded that the job of turning around failing town centres is too big for local authorities to do on their own.

The report, which was featured on Radio 4's You and Yours programme highlighted the success of multi-stakeholder partnerships with the business community, community organisations and other partners such as police, health and housing organisations, which are helping high streets adapt to modern needs.

Grimsey Review

Working with the former chief executive of Wickes and Iceland, Bill Grimsey, Rise founder Matt Baker has contributed to four major reviews into the future of our high streets.

These reviews have been featured in a wide range of national media, discussed by MPs at Select Committee hearings and their recommendations adopted by councils in the UK and abroad. Arguing that high streets can no longer rely on retail as their mainstay, the reviews call for a community hub approach that builds future high streets around leisure, culture, food and drink, education, health and housing.

Baker has given evidence on the future of towns to the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Future of Retail, and designed and led the first high streets training course for councillors for the Local Government Association.