Appendix 2 - Communications and Engagement Plan
Perth and Kinross Council · 26 August 2026
Back to Economy and Infrastructure Committee — 26 August 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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1 APPENDIX 2 Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan Communication and Engagement Plan Supporting the Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan (2025–2030) Purpose To raise awareness, build trust, and drive engagement with the Perth and Kinross Economic Action Plan by delivering clear, consistent, and inclusive communications that reflect Perth and Kinross’s economic priorities and opportunities. Key Objectives • Promote the grand challenges and priority opportunities identified in the Action Plan. • Communicate the impact of partnership actions on local businesses, communities, and individuals. • Encourage stakeholder participation in delivering the plan. • Support investment attraction and regional branding efforts. • Leverage local business voices to promote and enhance credibility, peer to peer engagement for the Economic Action Plan and Inward Investment propositions and prospectus. Target Audiences • Local businesses and entrepreneurs o Engagement with this audience will be supported by a small number of Business Champions, representing a mix of sectors, geographies (Urban / Rural) and career stages to strengthen communication and trust. • Residents and community groups • Investors and developers • Educational institutions and young people • Public sector partners and elected members • National and regional economic bodies Core Messages • Perth and Kinross is emerging as a regenerative economy leader — an approach that is both human-centred and nature-friendly, enabling everyone to live well, free from poverty and inequality. This regenerative economy is anchored in innovation and growth sectors such as clean energy, circular economy, agri-tech (including regenerative farming), and rural innovation. It is also supported by foundational sectors including tourism, food and drink, financial services, and care. • The Partnership is working collaboratively to tackle inequalities, support enterprise, and transition to net zero. • The Action Plan is evidence-based, community-informed, and focused on delivery.
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2 • Everyone has a role to play in building a stronger, greener, and fairer economy. Channels and Tools • Invest in Perth and Perth City & Towns websites and social media • PKC and partner websites and newsletters • Video and podcast content featuring local voices and success stories • Annual Business and Economic Summit and roundtable discussions across the region • Local media and press releases • Community engagement platforms and surveys Business Champions A small cohort of respected business leaders acting as public-facing reps for the Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership. Business Champions will support delivery of the Communications and Engagement Plan by: • Providing credible, peer-led advocacy for the Economic Action Plan • Supporting promotion of Perth and Kinross’s inward investment opportunities • Participating in selected roundtable discussions and sector engagement activity • Contributing to Place Branding content (e.g. events, media, digital channels), supported by PKC officers • Acting as ambassadors at business events, including the Annual Economic Summit Appendix A provides details on Business Champions role and purpose. Campaign Phases 1. Launch Phase (Sept–Dec 2025) a. Announce the Action Plan and key initiatives. b. Share explainer content and infographics. c. Begin annual event planning and stakeholder outreach. 2. Engagement Phase (Jan–June 2026) a. Host roundtable discussions. b. Promote sector-specific programmes (e.g. tourism, clean energy, care). c. Share progress updates and success stories. d. Map of business awards e. Recruit and Introduce the Business Champions as advocates for the Economic Action Plan and region’s investment and growth ambitions.
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3 i. Business Champions to support selected engagement activity, including roundtables, sector discussions, and promotion of place and inward investment propositions and opportunities. 3. Delivery Phase (July 2026 onwards) a. Host roundtable discussions. b. Highlight milestones and KPIs. c. Showcase investment and job creation. d. Maintain regular updates and feedback loops. e. Annual Business and Economic Summit – 9th September 2026. i. Business Champions to act as ambassadors, hosts or contributors, supported by PKC officers. Partner Support and Collaboration • Leverage existing partner channels and networks. • Coordinate messaging through a shared marketing plan. • Pool resources for content creation, event delivery, and audience targeting. Monitoring and Evaluation • Track engagement metrics (reach, participation, sentiment). • Collect feedback from stakeholders and communities. • Report progress to the Partnership and PKC Committee. • Adjust strategy based on performance and insights.
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4 Appendix A – Business Champions Role and Purpose Purpose To strengthen the visibility, credibility and engagement of the Perth and Kinross Economic Partnership by appointing a small cohort of Business Champions from the local business community, who act as trusted public facing advocates for the region’s economy and inward investment propositions. Rationale • The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration with businesses across all sectors. • Engagement is most effective when led by respected peers from industry, reflecting a range of sectors, geography (urban / rural), experience and perspective. • A recognisable business figure can help build trust, increase participation, and reinforce delivery of the Economic Action Plan. Business Champion Model Rather than a single role, the Partnership would look to appoint 2-3 unpaid Business Champions, collectively providing; • A balance mix of business leaders • Representation from different sectors • Consideration of urban and rural perspectives • Inclusion of at least one younger leader or entrepreneur, where appropriate Role of the Business Champions Champions would collectively: • Act as independent business voices within the Partnership • Champion Perth and Kinross’s inward investment propositions and opportunities • Highlight opportunities and challenges facing local businesses • Attend and or front roundtable discussions and business forums (with PKC officer support) • Strengthen the flow of insights between the business base and the Partnership • Act as a public-facing ambassador/champion at events and stakeholder engagements • Help communicate the Partnership’s work and priorities to wider business audiences • Serve as a figurehead for the proposed Economic Summit next year, with support for preparation and delivery from PKC • Bring practical industry knowledge to inform decisions and help shape future priorities. Why become a Champion? While unpaid, they would offer value in: • Profile and visibility as a recognised champion for the regional economy • Help to influence and shape strategic economic direction and priorities
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5 • Opportunities to shape and showcase the future of Perth and Kinross • Enhanced networks across business, public sector and investment communities • Association with a credible, partnership-led economic agenda • A platform to champion issues they care about i.e business, place, people, sectors or innovation This is positioned as a prestige, purpose-driven role, not a representative obligation. Different Champions may be motivated by different drivers, including: • Place and pride helping shape the future of Perth and Kinross • Growth ambition attracting investment, talent and opportunity • Sector leadership helping influence policy and delivery • Legacy and impact supporting inclusive, sustainable economic growth • Next-generation leadership to give younger voices a seat at the table Recruitment narratives can be tailored to each champion. Time Commitment & Support • The role is not full-time and is designed to recognise that the Champion will be a busy business leader with significant existing responsibilities • Time commitment will be limited, flexible, and focused on key touchpoints such as quarterly meetings, selected engagement events, and the new annual Economic Summit. • The Champion will receive full support from the partnership and PKC officers with any preparation, communications and follow-up, ensuring the role is manageable and well supported. Selection Approach Champions would be identified and approached through existing business networks, including: • Chamber of Commerce • Federation of Small Businesses • Perth and Kinross Business Partnership • Sector-specific and rural business networks Appointments would be proposed for an initial 12-month period, reviewed annually. Expected Benefits • Stronger engagement with the business community. • Increased visibility and credibility of the economic partnership in the delivery of the action plan • Further alignment between strategy and business needs • Greater momentum behind key initiatives.