With just under two weeks to go until the 2024 General Election, hosts Nick Kilby and Heather Jameson sat down for an Our World is Local election special episode, and were joined by Cratus Group's Director of London Planning, James Goldstone. James worked for the Labour Party as a London campaigns organiser, managing three General Elections and two…

In this latest episode of Our World is Local, our hosts Nick Kilby (Cratus Group) and Heather Jameson (The MJ) are joined by Jonathan Stephenson, Chief Executive at Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council. During the discussion, Jonathan talks about the unique challenge of managing two councils that are not conjoined by a geographic…

In this episode, Nick Kilby and Heather Jameson are joined by two special guests as we look ahead to next week's Local Elections that are taking place across England. Nick and Heather are first joined by New Local's Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Jessica Studdert, to talk about the upcoming election cycle and what it could mean for the state of na…

In this episode, Nick Kilby and Heather Jameson are joined by Rob Whiteman, who is the out-going Chief Executive of CIPFA. Rob is a well-known commentator and expert on public service reform and modernisation on a wide range of areas, and in 2008 was named one of the ten most influential people in local government by the Local Government Chronicle.…

In this special episode of Our World is Local, Nick Kilby and Heather Jameson travelled to the Leader's Office in the Birmingham City Council chambers to sit down with the Leader of the Council, John Cotton. In 2023, Birmingham City Council suffered the ignominy of having to issue not one but two section 114 notices. An effective bankruptcy order m…

Ahead of the DCN Conference this week, Nick Kilby and Heather Jameson sat down to talk about the ongoing problems facing local government. The pair were also joined by Cratus' Charlotte Platten who reveals some council polling that is set to take place in the coming weeks, and casts an eye forward to the focus and direction of the District Councils…

Nick Kilby (Cratus Group) and Heather Jameson (The MJ) are back with the first episode of Our World is Local in 2024. Kicking things off for the new year is Dr Jonathan Carr-West, who is the Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit and a leading national expert on local government transformation. This conversation looks at the state…

In this very special episode of Our World is Local, it's an all Cratus Group and Municipal Journal affair as hosts Nick Kilby and Heather Jameson are joined by two expert special guests in the form of Duncan Flynn (Cratus Group) and Mark Conrad (MJ). This bumper episode, and penultimate instalment of 2023, follows a whirlwind few weeks in politics …

For this latest episode of Our World is Local, Nick Kilby (Cratus) and Heather Jameson (Municipal Journal) are joined by Councillor Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council. Cllr Oliver has led Surrey County Council since 2018 and back in 2021, became the Chair of the County Councils Network who collectively serve 25 million people and are respo…

This episode is the final part of our on-location special dispatches from the party conferences. While in Liverpool for the Labour Party Conference, Cratus spoke to key decision-makers as the party set out its vision as it prepares for the next General Election. We spoke to the following members Labour Party councillors to get their thoughts on the…

This episode is the second in a series of on-location special dispatches from the party conferences. While in Manchester, Cratus spoke to a number of party members in what could possibly be their last conference before the General Election. Cratus' Dan Humphreys and Osman Dervish spoke to the following figures in the party during the conference: Be…

This episode is the first in a series of on-location special dispatches from the party conferences. In Bournemouth this weekend (22/09-26/09) Cratus spoke to key decision-makers as the Liberal Democrats determined some key policies in what could possibly be their last conference before the General Election. Account Manager Charlie Murphy spoke to t…

For this episode of 'Our World is Local', Nick Kilby (Cratus) and Heather Jameson (The MJ) are joined by not one, but two special guests. Chief Executive of Tewkesbury Borough Council, Alistair Cunningham OBE and Cratus' very own Head of Advisory, Charlotte Platten, join Nick and Heather as we look at the relationship between council officers and t…

For this latest episode of 'Our World is Local', Nick Kilby (Cratus) and Heather Jameson (The Municipal Journal) are joined by the Chief Executive of the award-winning Barnsley Council, Sarah Norman. Barnsley Council made history and became the first authority to win two of the most prestigious awards in local government in the same year; the Local…

It's the Local Government Association (LGA) Conference week and the whole sector convenes in Bournemouth for the biggest event on the local government calendar. Last week, Nick and Heather were joined on the podcast by the new Chair of the LGA and Leader of Telford and Wrekin Council, Councillor Shaun Davies. In this special episode of Our World is…

In this latest episode of Our World Is Local, Nick and Heather take a look at the state of play in local government following from last month's Local Elections, discussing everything from coalitions to tactical voting. The pair are also joined by the newly elected Leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, Councillor Vikki Slade, for a …

For this special episode, Nick Kilby and Heather Jameson were joined by two guests ahead of the 2023 Local Elections next week. Firstly, the pair spoke to Trevor Holden of Broadland District and South Norfolk Councils - whose appearance on YouTube as 'T-Dawg', rapping to raise awareness of the new voter ID requirements. Trevor talks about the effec…

In this episode, Nick and Heather are joined by the Chief Executive of Staffordshire County Council, John Henderson CB. Ahead of his departure from the role later this year, John provides an in-depth reflection on his remarkable transition from the military into local government, and the transferable nature of his leadership skills. Hosted by Cratu…

He's back for 2023 and Larry Flick isn't the only gay in the Welsh village, but he is the only American gay in a small town in Wales. He's a journalist, former dance music columnist, single reviewer, and Senior Talent Editor for Billboard magazine, outrageously funny and too rude sometimes even for a Podcast, a parental advisory is definitely requi…

If you've been making your mind up whilst in a state of euphoria well congratulations as I am an Englishman in EUROVISION with Eurovision Guru Phil Gould from OK Magazine. In an episode celebrating the campery of the event we check out the runners and riders of this year's contest in Liverpool. Find out more about Rob Goldstone: https://isanenglish…

Naughty but nice Rob Shuter talks of Kings, Princes and old Queens as I am an Englishman in ROYALTY. In this episode brace yourself for two Harrys a Charles one William and a pronoun free Sam. Catch Rob Shuter's daily Podcast right here: https://podfollow.com/1492124590 Find out more about Rob Goldstone: https://isanenglishmanin.com Love this Podca…

Food Writer & TikTok Creator Henry Southan is my guest as I am an Englishman in FOOD. On the menu our first course gets down and dirty with Angel Delight, for the main we have a foam of nouvelle cuisine and we finish off with a pudding of latest food fads. We also ask the question is there such a thing as a good Vegan restaurant? (Can you guess my …

Cllr Abi Brown, the Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, talks to Nick and Heather about the challenges of leading one of our major cities, the future of Stoke-on-Trent and the importance of culture in creating a sense of place. Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a …

TikTok star, wanna be Prime Minister, The Ralph Lauren man - Conall B Doyle is my guest as I am an Englishman in INFLUENCE - we talk about how to be an influencer, why reality shows are anything but reality, there's a cheeky Bono story and a touch of Donald Trump that all should make for an entertaining thirty minutes. Follow Conall on INSTA here: …

I'm back with a new series of my Podcast today I am an Englishman in LOVE on Valentine's day with my guest Dr. Cortney Warren author of: "Letting Go of Your Ex: CBT Skills to Heal the Pain of a Breakup and Overcome Love Addiction" Find out more about Rob Goldstone: https://isanenglishmanin.comBy Rob Goldstone

This episode touches on different subjects that are trending in the world of local government, including Levelling Up London, transportation, the local government's role in the health sector and the upcoming election. We are joined by Julian Bell, a Cratus Associate and former council Leader of the London Borough of Ealing. Hosted by Cratus Group C…

Heather is joined by Local Government Association chairman Cllr James Jamieson to talk about how councils fared in Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement. Has the new Chancellor done enough to keep councils afloat? Tune in to find out...... Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is …

Nick and Heather are joined by Cllr Shaun Davies, Leader - Telford and Wrekin Council, who shares the Labour perspective of the Local Government in the future and Rob Whiteman, Chief Executive CIPFA, who sheds more light on Officers and Member Relationships. Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our W…

This is the first episode of our monthly series 'Our World is Local' hosted by Nick Kilby, CEO, Cratus and Heather Jameson, Editor of The MJ. n this episode, we discuss The King, how Councils supported the smooth running of the Queen's funeral, Simon Clarke the new Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and the wider Liz Trus…

Cratus Executive Director (Advisory, Public Affairs and PR) Sean Anstee was pleased to be joined by Chris Naylor, Interim Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council, Ian MacLeod, Director for Inclusion Growth at Birmingham City Council, Nathan Cornish, Director at Urban Splash, and Gerald Sweeny, Managing Director of CarneySweeney, to discuss all t…

The conundrum of how to keep our high streets alive has been challenging central and local government for years. And then coronavirus swept through the country, hollowing out our towns and cities and transforming, at break-neck speed, the way we live, work, and socialise. Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather James…

In this episode, Steve hones in on the future of planning - the profession and, above all, the people. In it he meets three young planners, all with long careers ahead of them but who have already amassed a treasure chest of experience and insight to share with the sector today and those aspiring to follow them into their chosen profession. Steve a…

The inaugural episode of "Steve Quartermain In Conversation With" kicks off with the former Chief Planner sitting down with the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space to le…

The “Steve Quartermain In Conversation With’’ series continues with an absorbing discussion between the former Chief Planner and Gail Mayhew in her capacity as one of the commissioners who produced the Building Better Building Beautiful Report. Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’…

The “Steve Quartermain In Conversation With’’ series continues with the former Chief Planner discussing the prospects of a digital planning service with Euan Mills in his new role at MHCLG as Digital Transformation Manager. Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local’ podcast is a space t…

The “Steve Quartermain In Conversation With” series continues with Steve Reed OBE, Shadow Secretary of State for Homes, Communities and Local Government. Reflecting on his long experience at a local level that included a period as Leader of LB Lambeth, Steve discusses the need to allow people a greater say in planning, to feedback on how it impacts…

In this episode, Cratus Managing Director Julian Seymour is joined by an esteemed panel, with guests including Steve Quartermain CBE, former Chief Planner at Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, Andrew Taylor, Head of Planning at Countryside, and Karen Bradford, Chief…

Cratus Senior Associate and former Chief Planner, Steve Quartermain, was delighted to chair a debate on the impact of planning reforms on the retirement and supported living sectors. Among the panellists were Andy von Bradsky, Head of Architecture at Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Jeremy Porteus; Chief Executive of Housing L…

Cratus Associate Marlies Koutstaal hosts the latest edition of "Cratus In Conversation With", which features Cllr Vikki Slade, Leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, as its guest. Together, they explore the challenges the BCP conurbation is currently facing, and the opportunities arising from those challenges. They consider the impo…

For this edition of "Cratus In Conversation With", Cratus CEO Nick Kilby is joined by former Special Adviser Peter Cardwell, author of "The Secret Life of Special Advisers". Peter shares his secrets from his life as a Special Adviser – from dealing with counter-terror emergencies in COBRA and explaining what a dental dam is to the Justice Secretary…

With London’s economic landscape likely to have changed forever due to Covid-19, Chief Executive of Cratus Nick Kilby is joined by Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, and an expert panel to discuss the impact on housing, business, and London life as we know it. Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby and the …

Cratus Associate Helen Tilton sits down with Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees to explore the challenges Bristol and the region is currently facing, and the opportunities arising from those challenges. In a wide-ranging conversation, they consider the importance of city stewardship and proactive ambition, and the enablement of communities and partnershi…

In Cratus' first climate change-focused webinar, in association with Mark Jenkinson from Crystal Associates and Professor Peter Sharratt from Fhoras, Sean Anstee is joined by an expert panel, including Dyan Jones, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency at South Lakeland District Council, James Birch, Managing Director for Local Highways and Sustainab…

Cratus Associate Marlies Koutstaal is joined by Cllr Steve Pitt and Natascha McIntyre Hall of Portsmouth Council, alongside Jerry Clarke of Portsmouth International Port, to discuss Portsmouth going forward. They discuss ambitions around a car-free sustainable community at Lennox Point in Tipner West that fundamentally changes the way that people l…

In this special edition episode Karen shares her most recent COVID diaries with host Robert. On the way to an exciting few weeks abroad, Karen and Martin land in Dubai. What happens next is just another twist and turn in the journey that Karen has had since the beginning of the pandemic. Enjoy the episode!…

The summer is over and a new season of An Englishman In ... begins with the weighty subject of weight and obesity. My guest Dr. Alexandra Sowa from 'SoWell' takes a refreshing holistic approach to weight, in this episode she identifies why we eat and how we can change our habits. There is no need to be 'hangry' find out what that word means also in…

Now everyone likes to laugh and we all love a good joke, BUT what makes some jokes funnier than others? My guest Barry Dougherty has been the head writer for the Friars Club’s Roasts of Betty White, Quentin Tarantino, Jack Black, and Boomer Esiason and Testimonial Dinners for Tom Cruise, Larry King, and Don Rickles. So I want to know the secrets to…

In this episode I am an Englishman in FITNESS with Sweat Factor and former actress Natalie Raitano. Since the start of the Pandemic many of us have been raiding the cookie jar and sitting in front of Netflix every night, eating junk food and boozing! So how do we break that cycle? What is one simple thing we can do to get our fitness levels up? It …

This episode I am an Englishman in UNDERSTANDING. Was Diana Princess of Wales a replacement child? She was certainly a disappointment to her family as they wanted a son and heir but got a girl who they didn't even bother to name for a week or so. This is a fascinating episode with Author Rita Battat, where we talk about what it is like to be a chil…

This episode I am an Englishman in WALL STREET. Tariq Fancy is on a mission to create a ‘true’ Green Economy. As the former first Head of Sustainable Development at the mighty BlackRock, he now believes that sustainable investment is largely made up of empty P.R. statements with more expensive administration fees, rather than help the world go gree…