Westminster Social Policy Forum

Stephenson-Mohl Group is a strategic communications consultancy that helps unlock strategic opportunities across the UK’s evolving political, planning, and policy landscape. From major housing schemes and renewable energy infrastructure to national policy reform and devolution strategy, we work at the intersection of planning, politics, and public affairs to unlock opportunity and deliver impact.

Founded in Newcastle upon Tyne in 2018, SMG was built to challenge convention, proving that strategic influence can be built from the regions and scaled to the centre. Our 2024 expansion to Westminster reflects our commitment to bridging local priorities with national decision-making.

Our presence in the regions and in Westminster connects clients directly to the decision makers that matter to them - providing political intelligence and advocacy that influences policy outcomes. Whether it's briefing decision-makers, responding to legislative change, or shaping the planning agenda, we help clients stay ahead of the curve.

We monitor planning policy, track legislative developments, and provide timely, informed advice to keep clients ahead of change. Whether it's reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the implications of devolved powers, or emerging local plans, we help clients anticipate and respond to shifting conditions.

Planning decisions are shaped as much by political dynamics and public sentiment as by technical compliance. At SMG, we go beyond traditional planning advice to offer strategic counsel that reflects the real-world context in which planning operates. We support clients from site promotion and pre-application engagement through to committee decisions and delivery identifying risk, mapping stakeholders, and crafting compelling cases for consent.

Community engagement remains central to our work. We design and deliver consultations that foster genuine dialogue, build trust, and demonstrate social value. Our strategies help clients manage opposition constructively - ensuring residents feel heard and decision-makers see real support.

But our expertise doesn’t stop at planning. We advise on the broader policy environment - helping clients navigate devolution settlements, respond to national consultations, and engage with Westminster to shape the future of UK policy. Our team includes former councillors, policy advisers, and communications specialists who bring both local insight and national perspective.

In short, SMG helps clients navigate the politic landscape, locally and nationally by providing the insight, influence, and strategy needed to deliver better developments and shape a changing UK policy landscape.