Sara Champness

Associate Director

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-champness-05107012/

sara.champness@secnewgate.co.uk

Sara is an experienced communications professional whose experience spans 28 years of both agency and in-house.

A passionate relationship-builder, Sara’s experience spans the property, corporate and consumer sectors, cultivating collaborative and effective partnerships with multiple stakeholders across all levels across both the private, public and third sectors.

Most recently Sara has led strategic communications programmes for leading UK housebuilders at all stages of the residential development cycle, from large scale, multi-tenure regeneration schemes to smaller, regional private residential schemes, in partnership with housing associations, local councils, PRS operators and infrastructure partners.

Having spent 12 years at global construction group Bouygues Construction, leading on corporate communications and issues management for the company’s UK development and construction entities, Sara is experienced at navigating the multiple stakeholder relationships required to successfully deliver high-profile schemes. She also works effectively with the public sector and charitable organisations to implement community-led media campaigns to maximise awareness of the socio-economic value critical for long-term regeneration schemes.

Sara’s consultancy experience also includes working with clients in the consumer and professional services sectors for brands as diverse as Heinz, the Direct Line Group, Bollinger Champagne, Jewson Builders Merchant, SunLife, the London Dungeon, Pilkington Glass, the British Horseracing Board and Scalextric.

A keen advocate of diversity and inclusion, Sara’s in-house role included delivering the company’s first Diversity & Inclusion report, working closely with its diversity networks to provide transparency and commitment to an ambitious UK D&I target.

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Sara’s specialisms

We are a truly integrated team and strive to bring the perfect mix of talent and insight to every project. Below are some of the sectors and services I specialise in.

Strategy & Corporate Communications

We advise organisations through their growth cycle, from individuals and start-ups to global leaders.

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Construction

We support housebuilders, contractors and consultants across the construction sector to build relations with local communities, potential partners and other external stakeholders, while supporting client and workforce engagement within the sector. We help companies communicate their credentials around sustainability, responsible construction and social value, highlighting successes and managing potential issues to build reputations and...

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Residential

Our team has extensive experience in delivering locally and globally relevant campaigns for a broad range of residential-led businesses and projects, from landmark new destinations and mixed-use developments to branded residences and one-off luxury homes in London, the UK and overseas. We can support the full development lifecycle of projects with a full range of communications and stakeholder engagement services, helping clients...

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Sara’s insights

SEC Newgate publishes a twice-weekly e-newsletter, as well as other regular sector-focused news and views. Below you will find the latest articles written by me or insights relating to my sector specialist areas.

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News

Sara and I worked together over a number of years on a project of major strategic significance to both our organisations. Her ability to navigate the different stakeholder relationships enabled us to get the results and outcomes we needed. Sara was insightful, strategic and straightforward to work with. I would be delighted to work with her again.

Zoe Ward, Head of Comms and Engagement, Great OrmOnd Street Hospital

Sara’s specialisms

Strategy & Corporate Communications

Construction

Residential

Sara’s insights

Australia’s social media ban: A global game-changer or a lone ranger?

England’s Euro 2025 triumph shows why investing in girls’ football is a smart business move

Property & Places: Beckenham Place Park