Connecting locally, benefitting nationally

Presentation to Members’ Meeting on Toolkit Seminar11th June 2013

Jennifer Webber, Director of External AffairsRenewableUK

The current media/political environment

•Heat on wind has abated somewhat

•Still some criticism of onshore in some media and amongst some politicians

The fight is increasingly local

• Disappointed communities looking for opportunity to flex muscle and a ready, well-coordinated supply of anti-groups

• Opportunities through new local plans –– New Pre-app consultation for onshore

– More weighting to heritage and views

– Or just delaying projects beyond viability

• Local pressure will be more important in run-up to 2015• Not just about specific projects – 101 MPs letter included

politicians from urban constituencies

What is RenewableUK’s approach?

• Focus on Benefits– Tightened up messaging– Themes– Seeking to expand Action for Renewables website to provide public

information on benefits

• Demonstrate localised support– A4R – Coordinators, specific projects– Polling in key areas

However….

• Need palpable local demonstrations of benefits – not just reports and stats

And it works for MPs as well

• Best way to connect with MPs• Information invaluable to our MP meetings on a national

level

A package for success

• RenewableUK – national media and political

• Action for Renewables – engaging the public on the ground and via regional coordinators

• The industry– Pushing out RenewableUK messaging

– Telling us your goodnews stories for themes

– Using the toolkit

What is A4R’s role?

• Speaking with the public’s voice

• Proving that the majority support wind

• Easy campaigning opportunities

• Local grassroots activity

What A4R does

• We make it easy for the public to demonstrate real support for wind and renewables

• A network of campaigners supported by regional staff

How the toolkit helps A4R

Nationally•Good news aimed at the general public

Locally•Local, relevant information passed to nearby supporters•Potential for support from public in local media•You can help us identify where support is•Practical, measurable public support for your sites.

How do members work with RenewableUK – a toolkit for success

• 3 Stages of Engagement

• Local Press

• Local MP

• Report back to RenewableUK

Contact Local Press

Company Name / Date of Issue

Headline - Company x signs deal worth £x with Local Firm x

Details of Deal Quote from Company Quote from Local Firm Details of Project – including anything stating benefits of windfarm to local area (ie.

community benefit scheme, apprenticeships, number of jobs created, infrastructure, further contracts etc)

Industry statistics – available from RenewableUK, opinion polls, estimated projections of benefits per installed MW

Quote from external party – ideally local MP (if not then maybe local councillor, mayor etc)

End of article – then further information

Press contact details

Editor’s Notes

Website of project Website of developer Website of local firm References for any statistics quoted Notes pertaining to any images used

Template for local press article

Examples will be online in Member’s Section

Outcome – ‘Meet the Buyer’ at Agney

Article in Kentish Express:9th May

Contact Local MP

• Ring constituency office – caseworker• theyworkforyou.com• Highlight value for local MP in terms of PR – creating

jobs, local economic benefits

Salutation:Explanation of your company:Detail of contract:Request e.g. to attend photocall/project opening etc:Contact details to get back to:

Feedback to RenewableUK

• Report the good news back to us (template available)• We will keep the information on record• Intention – database of success stories that can counter further opposition• Help us to help you – and the project will snowball – more localised and national

support!