Meet Our Team

The Chess Engage team brings a unique blend of expertise and experience, making us an ideal partner for your projects. Our team includes current and former council leaders, political party activists, campaign strategists, and seasoned professionals in communication and community engagement. With deep roots in politics and community activism, we are well-equipped to support your initiatives with insight and commitment.

Nick Stanton OBE

Managing Director

Nick specialises in communications for planning and development, drawing on deep expertise in local governance, regeneration, and community engagement. A former Leader of Southwark Council and planning committee member, he has first-hand experience navigating the political and community dynamics of complex urban projects

Paul Harvey

Director

Paul has over 30 years of experience in local government and 22 years as an elected councillor. He understands the complexities of local government and is heavily involved in the devolution agenda. He has led many resident-focused projects for complex housing and regeneration schemes.  

Helen Barrett

Business Development Director

Helen is a highly organised and detail-oriented engagement and communications professional. She leads the business development function for Chess Engage, working with our partners to design and organise events and new business and marketing programmes.

David Shetcliffe

Director of Projects

David has over a decade of experience in engagement and consultation. Working on high profile projects, he brings a broad skill set to complex projects, managing relationships, navigating political and community dynamics, and communicating with key stakeholders. 

Michelle Morley

Project Manager

Michelle has over 30 years’ experience delivering high-impact communications strategies within local government environments. She had led communications for a range of services including regeneration projects, infrastructure developments and service changes.

Colin Nobel

Associate

Colin has been a County and District councillor for over 18 years. He is the former Leader of Suffolk County Council and has held several senior Cabinet positions. He continues to serve at a senior level within the Local Government Association and helps deliver growth strategy in local government.  His profession background is in the property sector. 

Philip Cothorne

Associate

Philip is an experienced engagement specialist and has over 30 years as an elected councillor. He has served as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing at Hillingdon Council, and as Chair of Hillingdon’s Health and Wellbeing Board and is a member of the borough’s Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board.

Mike Cox

Finance Director

Mike offers expertise in corporate finance, audit, and tax consulting, financial insights and strategies. As a BSc Fellow Chartered Accountant and MD of Accountancy at Cox Costello, Mike brings extensive experience in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and statutory accounting for all types of businesses.