海角视频

Greater Manchester has a clear ambition: to deliver growth that is inclusive, sustainable and rooted in local communities.

At our Driving Social Value Together event, delivered in partnership with AECOM, organisations from across the public sector, built environment, education and community groups cam together to explore how we can move from intention to measurable social impact.

Driving Social Value Together: Building Better Outcomes in Greater Manchester

Key insights:

1. Social value as a strategic priorty

There is a clear shift underway, social value is no longer just a procurement requirement, but a core part of how organisations design and deliver projects.

In practice, this means focusing on outcomes that matter locally: stronger communities, a more inclusive economy and a greener environment. Achieving this requires early integration, partnership working and a clear focus on real community need.

Social value needs to be embedded throughout the entire project lifecycle with community involvement acting as the 鈥榞olden thread鈥�.

Dr Jamie Anderson, Head of Urban Wellbeing, 海角视频

2. Unlocking opportunity through skills

A major theme was the role social value plays in improving access to skills and employment.

Early engagement with employers is proven to improve life outcomes, with 86% of young people less likely to become NEET after four meaningful encounters. However, access to work experience remain uneven.

Initiatives such as multi-placement apprenticeships and immersive 鈥渨ork safari鈥� experiences are helping young people better understand career pathways and develop relevant skills.

3. From commitment to delivery

Case studies shared throughout the event reinforced that effective social value is collaborative, long-term and rooted in local context.

From community-led public realm improvements to education partnerships and environmental initiatives, speakers showed how real impact is achieved when organisations work closely with local partners.

Social value is not just a procurement requirement – it鈥檚 a strategic driver of change.

Dee Lowry, Manchester City Council

Infrastructure organisations also have a key role to play at scale, from supporting local supply chains and SMEs to delivering net zero outcomes and inclusive employment opportunities.

4. Challenges and opportunities ahead

While progress is being made, barriers remain, including inconsistent measurement, limited capacity in SMEs and the voluntary sector, and unequal access to opportunities.

Addressing these challenges will require stronger collaboration, greater consistency and a longer-term approach to delivery.

We have a responsibility to ensure our investment delivers lasting benefits not just for infrastructure, but for the communities it serves.

Russell Hopper, Head of Social Value, National Highways

5. A shared responsibility

Delivering meaningful social value is a collective effort. From supporting young people into work to improving local places, organisations of all sizes have a role to play.

This event has explored how we can drive social value together, collaborate more effectively, and deliver better outcomes for local communities.

Nick Perrin, Head of Infrastructure, AECOM

Get involved

If you’re looking to strengthen your approach to social value or explore partnership opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.