Remembering Muhammadu Buhari By Terence Fane-Saunders Executive Chairman   I was truly sorry to hear of the death in London of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. I was originally introduced to him by a Nigerian friend, himself the Governor of a Northern state who felt I might be able to help General Buhari with his campaign for the Presidential election. So, we lunched together at a Chinese restaurant in London and talked about his plans.  Over lunch I noticed several traits that became even more evident as I came to know him better.   At his invitation I spent a week in Nigeria […]

Chelgate Ltd is pleased to announce the expansion of its public affairs and crisis communications offering, with Jim Clark joining the Senior Team. With a thorough grounding in communications strategy both inside and outside of politics, Jim brings sector-specific expertise in public affairs and stakeholder engagement, complementing Chelgate’s existing strengths in the services that it offers its clients. Jim Clark, Senior Account Director Jim Clark brings over a decade of experience in public affairs, policy and communications roles to Chelgate. Working across Chelgate Public Affairs and Chelgate Consulting, Jim is a specialist in technology & science, financial services, sustainability and […]

  Chelgate’s Executive Chairman, Terence Fane-Saunders, has again been listed as one of the 13 ‘Top Flight’ Reputation Managers in the annual Spear’s 500. Spear’s Magazine is often described as the ‘house magazine’ for the High-Net-Worth Community, with the Spears 500 providing “the indispensable guide to the top private client advisers, wealth managers, lawyers, and service providers for High-Net-Worth individuals.” The Spear’s article says: “Terence Fane-Saunders is regarded as one of the recognised global leaders of the public relations profession. A specialist in transnational communications and public relations, he has managed a wealth of global and international programmes for governments, […]

    Chelgate Local, a specialist division of Chelgate Ltd, helped obtain consent for two projects during February 2025: A 480-home Redrow Eastern project west of Billericay in Essex was approved by Basildon Council, and a 45-home Bellway Thames Gateway project in Chipping Ongar was approved by Epping Forest Council. London Road, Billericay Redrow Homes Eastern secured consent for its project on land north of London Road, Billericay, at Basildon Borough Council Planning Committee in February 2025. This is a project that the Chelgate Local team have worked on for almost a decade, through six changes of administration, three draft […]

  Chelgate Local, a specialist division of Chelgate Ltd, is proud to announce the expansion of its team, with three new staff members joining the ranks. The newly appointed team members come from a diverse range of backgrounds, bringing expertise in planning, media relations, public affairs and politics, complementing Chelgate’s existing strengths. Mark Walker, Account Manager Mark has had an extensive career working within local, Westminster and European politics, public affairs, town planning and the news media. He studied for an MSc in Town Planning at the University of Brighton during the Covid-19 pandemic subsequently working as a planning officer […]

Reputation Management firm Chelgate have announced the restart of their podcast, ‘Opinion Battlegrounds’. The first two new episodes which focus on Crisis and Acute Issues Management, feature Chelgate Executive Chairman, Terence Fane-Saunders and Senior Advisor, Jonathan Ray. Recognised as one of the most distinguished leaders of the international public relations profession and a specialist in Reputation Protection and Issues Management, Terence Fane-Saunders has provided assistance to numerous high-profile clients around the world, including governments, business leaders, multinational organisations and distinguished individuals. Jonathan Ray also brings with him a wealth of high-level communications expertise spanning education, science, the environment and global […]

Michael Hardware, Chief Executive of Chelgate Corporate, was appointed President of the Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIOJ) at an event at the Reform Club on 24th February 2022. His two-year term follows his two-years serving as Vice-President, and membership of the Institute’s Council since 2012. The CIOJ is the world’s oldest professional body for journalists, established under a warrant from Queen Victoria in 1890. Two other warrants from Queen Elizabeth II were also granted, the last in 1990. Michael’s focus during his term as President will be on increasing membership and the creation of a ‘Chartered Journalist’ status for members. […]

Consultation to remain a key part of the planning process   The Times today is reporting that the Government has changed its approach to reforming the planning system.   The aim was to replace the existing planning process with a zonal system and mandatory housing targets. This would shift planning consent to the local plan stage with no need for applications to then come to planning committees. This would remove the opportunity for input from residents, reduce the role of local councillors in determining planning applications, and reduce consultation overall. The plans did provoke significant feedback from grass roots Conservatives […]

  This month we bring you a review of 2020, the latest news on the St Albans local plan, Sevenoaks Council’s Judicial Review ruling appeal and more… All at Chelgate Local wish you a very happy New Year By Michael Hardware, Director of Planning and Property The past year has been one many will understandably want to forget, but it will be remembered for a long time. Chelgate sent its staff to work from home on 10th March which, at the time, seemed a little drastic. The firm worked throughout the lock down although much of the industry did not. […]

Chelgate’s Michael Hardware has been appointed Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIOJ). The CIOJ is the world’s oldest journalism professional body, having received its first Royal Warrant, from Queen Victoria, over 140 years ago. Michael, who heads up Chelgate Local, has been a member of the Chelgate team for over 25 years. He has also been a member of the CIOJ for over 15 years, serving on its national council for the last eight. He has been responsible for the development of a long term strategy which addresses the current poor perception of journalism, the ongoing shift […]