As our Commercial Planning Manager Matt Dugdale prepares to step down as the 2024 Chair of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) North West, he is already gearing up for a busy 2025.
Alongside representing the land and planning industry on high-profile industry committees and boards, Matt will continue to champion collaboration, influence policy, and drive innovation across the sector.
As Chair, Matt focused on supporting public sector colleagues, recruiting and retaining talented planners, and fostering closer collaboration with other built and natural environment professionals. He also worked to strengthen ties with universities and nurture the development of young planners which he sees as fundamental to the profession.
Reflecting on his year, Matt highlighted several personal milestones, including attending a private roundtable with the new Planning and Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook MP, hosting the RTPI NW Annual Dinner in Manchester proudly sponsored by Richborough, and sharing the stage with Adam Henson of BBC Countryfile to present the regional Awards for Planning Excellence.
Next year, Matt’s influence will expand further as he steps up to national level. He has been elected onto the RTPI General Assembly for 2025/26, a forum for shaping the strategic direction of the planning profession. Additionally, Matt will remain on the RTPI North West Regional Management Board and Activities Committee, continuing to oversee planning events and initiatives across the region.
Matt’s commitment to education also continues with his recent appointment to the University of Liverpool’s RTPI Partnership Board, where he returns as an alumnus to help ensure its accredited planning courses remain relevant and impactful for future students and employers.
Beyond his RTPI roles, Matt also represents Richborough Commercial on the British Property Federation’s (BPF) Industrial Committee. The committee tackles key issues such as land use, economic trends, and policy barriers, particularly within the logistics sector, which is essential for sustaining supply chains and supporting economic growth.
Reflecting on the year and the challenges ahead, Matt said:
“As an avid volunteer, I’ve become involved in a range of extra-curricular roles, which have helped to bridge the gap between the day-to-day work and broader industry objectives. The RTPI and BPF serve as hubs of knowledge and advocacy, and by being part of them, as well as with my feet on the ground at Richborough, we get a comprehensive understanding of how policy, market dynamics, and strategic and local needs intersect, or diverge. I’m hoping to pass on some of that knowledge to the University of Liverpool, where I studied the Master of Civic Design at the world’s first town planning school. It’s a privilege to be able to do this, and I’m excited to get my teeth stuck in next year.”
At Richborough, we’re incredibly proud of Matt’s contributions and the recognition he’s received. His time as RTPI North West Chair in 2024 showcased his commitment to good planning and professional development, values we continue to champion as a company. As Matt transitions into his national roles, we look forward to supporting him and the RTPI in their endeavours to ensure planning remains adaptive to the needs of society and the environment.
Contact Matt: matt.dugdale@richborough.co.uk