Peter Ware and Perry Holmes have co-written a reflective piece on the Council Company Network meeting in December 2024, which featured two contrasting council companies.
The network heard from Group Procurement Director at SCAPE, John Simons. SCAPE provides procurement solutions for councils looking for contractors for capital projects. They also heard from Lewis Small, Managing Director at Medway Development Company. MDC Medway focuses on creating homes on previously council-owned sites.
The article suggested both were blueprints for successful council companies. For example they both illustrated that council companies be agile and adaptable in addressing the specific needs of their communities.
They can take on projects that are not financially viable for the private sector due to their ability to operate with different success metrics, such a social value and regeneration impact, rather than purely financial returns.