Award-winning communications and engagement agency Forty Shillings is merging with digital specialist Shared Voice to create a brand new offer for the property communications market. The new company will operate under the Shared Voice brand and help connect developers with the silent, pro-housing majority for the first time.
Shared Voice is the team behind Just Build Homes, a YIMBY brand that has consistently and successfully mobilised thousands of people across the UK to support planning applications for new housing in their own area.
Now Shared Voice are expanding their operations to provide a single communications solution from pre-application to Committee.
The offer is unique because it focuses on finding genuine supporters and making that the focal point of communications at every stage – rather than spending time and money trying to persuade objectors.
It is challenging the traditional model of exhibitions and behind the scenes lobbying, in favour of leveraging the power of the silent supportive majority.
Wyn Evans, who established Forty Shillings in 2011 and is one of the co-founders of Shared Voice said:
“The usual way of doing things isn’t working. It only engages objectors, who dominate the housing debate. Only by showing councillors that support exists, at every stage, can they have the confidence to vote for schemes – massively improving the chances of approval.”
“And it’s not just residential schemes, Shared Voice is applying the same approach to commercial, retail and energy projects – and getting the same positive outcome.”
Shared Voice and Just Build Homes have a proven track record, having supported over 100 projects nationwide for a wide range of clients from large housebuilders to bespoke developers, including: Ballymore, Barratt and Berkeley.
Recent successes include:
- Almost 200 Croydon residents support Amro Partners redevelopment of the former Croydon Park Hotel into 447 build to rent homes, approved in November 2023;
- Over 100 Lewisham residents support Galliard Homes regeneration of the Leegate Shopping Centre in Lee Green with 562 new homes, approved in July 2023;
- Over 100 Greenwich residents support Riverlow’s plans for 80 homes at Meridian House, approved in March 2024.
The new venture brings together an experienced team who have backgrounds in political campaigning, national journalism, opinion research and corporate communications. The Founding Directors are:
- Wyn Evans, founder of Forty Shillings, with over 25 years of work in property and planning communications;
- Alex Crowley OBE, a political consultant who has previously worked for the Mayor of London at City Hall and the Prime Minster at Downing Street;
- Cherry Norton, an experienced social media consultant and former journalist with The Sunday Times and The Independent;
- Michael Hantman, who co-founded a market research company and is accredited by the British Polling Council.